Illinois Gun Laws In 2026: Everything Gun Owners Must Know Now

Look, if you’re thinking about owning a gun in Illinois, you need to understand the rules. And trust me, Illinois has a lot of rules. But here’s the good news: once you know what they are, they’re not that complicated. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly where you stand.

Most people have no idea how strict Illinois gun laws actually are. Seriously. You can’t just buy a gun and carry it around like in some other states. Illinois takes firearms seriously, and the penalties for breaking the law can be harsh. The good news? We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.

What Is the FOID Card and Why Do You Need It?

Before you even think about touching a gun in Illinois, you need a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. This is basically your permission slip to own a firearm. Think of it like a driver’s license, but specifically for guns.

You cannot legally possess or purchase any firearm or ammunition in Illinois without a valid FOID card. Yep, that’s a big one. If you own a gun without one, you’re breaking the law. The FOID card proves you’ve passed a background check and you’re eligible to own firearms. It’s issued by the Illinois State Police.

Here’s where it gets important. If you move to Illinois with guns you already own, you have 60 days to apply for and get a FOID card. Not 70 days. Not 90 days. Sixty days. Missing that deadline means you’re in violation of state law.

Getting Your FOID Card: The Process

Applying for a FOID card is actually pretty straightforward. You’ll do it online through the Illinois State Police Firearm Services Bureau website. The application fee is $10, though there’s a small service fee added, so you’ll pay about $11 total.

What do you need? Your Illinois driver’s license or state ID card, a head-and-shoulders photo taken in the last 30 days, and valid payment (credit card or electronic check). You can also submit fingerprints, which speeds up processing. Without fingerprints, expect the state police to take 30 to 60 days to approve or deny you. With fingerprints? It could be faster.

Here’s what they’re checking: your criminal background. Any felony conviction gets you denied. Battery or assault convictions within the last 5 years? Denied. If you’re under 21 with any misdemeanor? That’s a denial too. The state police dig into federal databases and state records to make sure you’re eligible.

Good news. If you submit fingerprints and get approved, your card is valid for 10 years. Even better news: after January 1, 2023, if you provide fingerprints, your card auto-renews. You don’t have to keep reapplying every few years.

Can You Actually Carry a Gun in Public?

This is where a lot of people get confused. Having a FOID card does NOT mean you can carry a gun around town. Nope. That’s a completely separate thing.

A FOID card lets you own a gun and keep it at home. That’s it. If you want to carry a gun in public—even hidden under your jacket—you need a Concealed Carry License (CCL). Illinois is NOT an open carry state, which means you can’t walk around with a visible gun. Not happening.

The only exceptions? If you’re hunting, on your own property, or on someone else’s property with their permission. That’s about it. Otherwise, without a CCL, you cannot carry a firearm outside your home.

Getting a Concealed Carry License: The Real Requirements

Okay, this is more involved. A CCL requires serious commitment. You have to be 21 or older, which is non-negotiable. You must have a valid FOID card already. You cannot have certain violent convictions in the past 5 years. You also can’t have more than one DUI violation in the past 5 years.

Wait, there’s more. You need to complete 16 hours of approved firearms training. We’re not talking about watching a YouTube video. You need a state-approved instructor, and you need to pass a live-fire exercise. You’ll shoot 10 rounds from 5 yards, 10 from 7 yards, and 10 from 10 yards. You have to hit a state-approved target.

Then there’s the application fee: $150 for residents or $300 for non-residents. The whole process takes time, so apply early if you’re planning to carry.

Here’s a pro tip. Even if you meet all the requirements, law enforcement can object to your application. If they think you’re dangerous to yourself or others, they can file an objection with the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. The board then decides whether you get the license. If you’re denied, you have an appeal process, but this is a serious step.

The New Safe Gun Storage Law (Effective January 1, 2026)

Stay with us here. This is important and brand new for 2026. Governor JB Pritzker signed the Safe Gun Storage Act (Senate Bill 8) in July 2025, and it changes how you must store your guns.

Starting January 1, 2026, you cannot store firearms unsecured if you know a minor, someone prohibited from owning guns, or someone at risk of harming themselves could access them. Period. Your guns must be in a locked container that makes them inaccessible or unusable by anyone except you.

Think of it like this: you can’t just leave a gun in a nightstand drawer anymore if there’s a kid in the house. It has to be locked up. If you break this law, you could face fines up to $10,000. That’s serious money.

Also, if your gun goes missing, you have 48 hours to report it to police. The old law gave you 72 hours. So that timeline just got shorter. Better stay on top of it.

Where You Cannot Carry a Gun (Even With a License)

This matters a lot. Even if you have a valid Concealed Carry License, there are places where guns are completely prohibited. If you bring a gun into these locations, you’re breaking the law.

Schools and colleges are off-limits. Preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools—none of them. Universities and other higher education institutions? Same thing. Government buildings at the federal, state, and municipal level? No guns. Public transportation, courthouses, and psychiatric facilities are also prohibited.

Here’s another important one: any place where more than half the revenue comes from alcohol sales cannot allow guns. That means bars are prohibited. Private establishments can post signs prohibiting firearms on their property. If you enter a prohibited location with a gun, even accidentally, you’re committing a Class B misdemeanor.

Not sure what counts as a violation? Look for the signs. By law, prohibited locations must post clear signage. If you don’t see a sign, that’s different from not checking. Always look carefully.

Penalties for Breaking Illinois Gun Laws

Let’s get real about what happens if you mess up. The penalties in Illinois are no joke.

Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid CCL is a Class A misdemeanor. That means up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. That’s your first offense. If you get caught a second time, it gets bumped up to a Class 3 felony. More jail time. Bigger fines.

Carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited location (like a school building)? That’s a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense. Up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,500. A second violation bumps you to a Class A misdemeanor. Three or more violations? You lose your CCL permanently. It gets revoked, and you’re done carrying legally.

Carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a Class A misdemeanor for the first or second violation. A third violation becomes a Class 4 felony. You also have to pay a $150 fee.

What about unlawfully using a firearm? What about carrying a gun as a convicted felon? These are serious felonies with prison time. We’re talking years, not months. Don’t even think about it.

New Law for First-Time Gun Offenders

Here’s where it gets better. Starting January 1, 2026, first-time gun offenders who successfully complete a First-Time Weapon Offender Diversion Program can now apply for a FOID card. This was a major change.

Previously, even if you served your time and rehabilitated yourself, you were blocked from gun ownership if you had a conviction. Now there’s a path forward. If you completed the program, you can petition the Illinois State Police for eligibility. It’s not automatic, but at least the door isn’t completely closed anymore.

Transportation Rules: Can You Have a Gun in Your Car?

Yes, you can transport a firearm in your vehicle. But the rules are strict. Stay with me here because this trips people up.

If you have both a FOID card and a Concealed Carry License, you can carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle. That’s it. You need both cards.

If you only have a FOID card, the firearm must be unloaded and secured in a case. Ammunition must be stored separately, and it must be inaccessible while you’re driving. Think locked in a case in the trunk or back seat, not next to you.

Violating these rules? Criminal charges. This isn’t a minor traffic ticket. The state takes it seriously because unloaded secured firearms are part of responsible transportation.

The Assault Weapons and Magazine Ban

Illinois has restrictions on certain types of firearms and magazines. Since January 10, 2023, the state bans the sale of assault weapons. But here’s the key: if you already owned an assault weapon, you can keep it if you registered it with the Illinois State Police by January 1, 2024.

What about magazines? You cannot sell or purchase rifle magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Handgun magazines are limited to 15 rounds. These restrictions are being challenged in court, but for now, they’re the law.

Also, “ghost guns” (firearms without serial numbers) are banned in Illinois. You cannot build, sell, or possess privately made firearms. And devices that convert guns to fully automatic fire? Those are illegal too.

Special Circumstance: Medical Marijuana and Gun Ownership

Honestly, this one confuses people. If you have a Medical Marijuana License in Illinois, your FOID card will not be revoked. The state won’t deny your application because of it. Medical Marijuana Licenses are state-issued and protected.

But here’s the federal problem: under federal law (18 U.S.C. §922), you cannot possess firearms if you use cannabis. This is a federal restriction. It stays in place until you give up your medical cannabis license or one full year after you last used cannabis, whichever is later.

So while Illinois protects your state-issued card, the federal government restricts your ability to actually own firearms. It’s confusing, but that’s the reality. If you’re considering medical cannabis, understand this restriction first.

Lost or Stolen Firearms: What You Must Do

If your gun goes missing, don’t panic. But do act fast. You have 48 hours to report it to police. That’s the new law as of January 1, 2026.

When you report it, have your FOID card number, a description of the firearm, and any serial numbers ready. The police will file a report and you’ll have documentation. This matters for your legal protection. If your gun is used in a crime, you want proof you reported it missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a FOID card to buy ammunition?

Yes, absolutely. You cannot purchase ammunition without a valid FOID card. Period. Any gun store or ammunition dealer will ask for it.

Can I carry a gun if I’m visiting Illinois from another state?

It depends. Non-residents are generally exempt from the FOID requirement if they legally own firearms in their home state. But concealed carry is different. Illinois does NOT honor concealed carry licenses from other states. If you want to carry concealed in Illinois, you need an Illinois CCL. Otherwise, your gun must be unloaded and secured in a case.

What happens if my FOID card expires?

You cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition while your card is expired. Renewal is your responsibility. The card is valid for 10 years, so plan ahead. You can renew online through the Illinois State Police website.

Can I bring a firearm into Chicago?

Chicago is part of Illinois, so the same rules apply. You need a FOID card. If you want to carry, you need a CCL. Chicago doesn’t have additional local restrictions that override state law, but always double-check local ordinances. Some municipalities have stricter rules.

What’s the difference between a FOID card and a Concealed Carry License?

Great question. A FOID card allows you to own and possess a firearm at home. A CCL allows you to carry a concealed firearm in public. You need a FOID first before you can even apply for a CCL. The FOID is just the foundation.

Special Rules for Hunting

If you’re a hunter, the rules are a bit different. Non-resident hunters with valid hunting licenses don’t need a FOID card while hunting in permitted areas during hunting season. Residents still need a FOID card, but the regular concealed carry rules don’t apply while actively hunting.

Hunting is one of the few exceptions to Illinois’ strict gun laws. It’s recognized as a legitimate use of firearms.

Recent Changes and What’s Coming

Illinois keeps updating its gun laws. The Safe Gun Storage Act is the major change for 2026. The state passed it to prevent unauthorized access to firearms, especially by children.

Also, as of 2025, that first-time offender program we mentioned opens the door to gun ownership for some people who previously had no path forward. These changes show how the state continues to tighten regulations while also creating exceptions.

Keep an eye on state legislative updates. Illinois may make additional changes in 2026 and beyond.

Your Responsibilities as a Gun Owner

Owning a gun in Illinois means taking responsibility seriously. You’re responsible for secure storage, especially if children are present. You’re responsible for reporting lost or stolen firearms. You’re responsible for knowing where you can and cannot carry.

Ignorance of the law is not a defense. If you own a gun or want to own one, educate yourself fully. The penalties for mistakes are serious: jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

Where to Get Help and More Information

The Illinois State Police Firearm Services Bureau is your official resource. Their website has the most current information on FOID cards, concealed carry licenses, and all regulations. You can reach them at 217-782-7980 if you have questions.

Your local police department can also answer questions about local regulations. An attorney specializing in firearms law can help if you’re facing charges or have specific legal questions.

If you’re denied a FOID or CCL, you have appeal rights. The letter you receive will explain the process. Don’t ignore it.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the basics of Illinois gun laws. Pretty straightforward once you understand the main rules: FOID card required, CCL required to carry, safe storage required, and penalties are serious.

Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but they’re manageable. Apply for your FOID card. Complete the training for your CCL if you want to carry. Store your firearms securely. Report lost or stolen guns within 48 hours. Follow the prohibited location rules.

Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, check the official source or ask a lawyer. You’ve got this.