Illinois Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. 10-round (long gun) / 15-round (handgun) magazine limit. 72-hour waiting period. Assault weapon ban. Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Illinois requires a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card for all firearm possession and purchases. Concealed carry is shall-issue with a permit. The state bans assault weapons, limits magazines, requires a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm purchases, and has a red flag law. The Seventh Circuit upheld the assault weapon ban in July 2026, and the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a challenge to Cook County's similar ban this term.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (430 ILCS 66)
• Open Carry: Prohibited
• Permit to Purchase: FOID card required for all firearms (430 ILCS 65)
• Assault Weapon Ban: Yes — assault weapons banned (720 ILCS 5/24-1.9)
• Magazine Limit: 10 rounds for long guns; 15 rounds for handguns (720 ILCS 5/24-1.10)
• Waiting Period: 72 hours for all firearms (720 ILCS 5/24-3(A)(g))
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers (430 ILCS 65)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Firearms Restraining Order (430 ILCS 67)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (720 ILCS 5/7-2)
• Stand Your Ground: Yes — no duty to retreat under case law (720 ILCS 5/7-1)
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit (Illinois State Police — Concealed Carry Licensing)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a FOID card in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois requires a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card to possess or purchase any firearm or ammunition.

What is the waiting period in Illinois?

Illinois has a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm purchases, handguns and long guns alike. Holders of an Illinois Concealed Carry License are exempt.

Does Illinois have an assault weapon ban?

Yes. The Protect Illinois Communities Act bans the sale, purchase, and manufacture of assault weapons and magazines over 10 rounds (long guns) or 15 rounds (handguns). Pre-ban assault weapons had to be registered with ISP by Jan. 1, 2024; pre-ban magazines are grandfathered. The Seventh Circuit upheld the law in July 2026 (Barnett v. Raoul), and the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a challenge to Cook County's similar ban this term.

Does Illinois have a red flag law?

Yes. Illinois has a Firearms Restraining Order law allowing family and law enforcement to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Does Illinois have stand your ground?

Illinois has no formal stand-your-ground statute, but Illinois courts have long held (People v. McGraw, 1958) that a non-aggressor has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense in a place they have a right to be.

Does Illinois honor a concealed carry permit from my home state?

No. Illinois does not recognize any out-of-state concealed carry license — every carrier here needs an Illinois Concealed Carry License, with one narrow exception: a non-resident may keep a firearm concealed inside their vehicle on a valid home-state permit, but it must be secured once they step out. Only residents of Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia are eligible to apply for an Illinois CCL as non-residents. Some other states, mainly those that honor every state's permit, recognize Illinois' own license.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.