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Firearms Training Requirements in Illinois

A 16-hour firearms training course conducted by a state-approved instructor is required for all new concealed carry license applications. The course consists of: 

  • Firearms safety;
  • Principles of marksmanship;
  • Care, cleaning, loading, and unloading of a concealable firearm;
  • All applicable Illinois and federal laws relating to the ownership, storage, carrying, and transportation of a firearm;
  • Instruction on the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm; and
  • Proof of certification by a certified instructor that the applicant passed a live fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of:
    • A minimum of 30 rounds; and
    • 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards, 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards, and 10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards at a target approved by DSP.

Members of the military and persons who have completed a firearms training course in another state that has been approved by Illinois can obtain a credit of 8 hours of the required 16-hour course.

A 3-hour training course firearms training course conducted by a state-approved instructor is required for all concealed carry license renewals.

STEP 1:Apply for a FOID. Complete the online application for a FOID. Go to the Illinois State Police website and get a user ID and password. You will need the following:A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card.A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days.$10.00 payable with a credit card or electronic check.You will be notified by email if your FOID application has been approved.
STEP 2:Complete your firearms training course provided by an ISP-approved instructor.
STEP 3:Once you have applied for and/or received your FOID card, complete the online application for a CCL. There are also options for submitting paper applications as well as a phone-in method (217-782-7980). The following documents are required:A valid Illinois driver’s license or state IDAn Illinois State Police user ID and passwordAn electronic copy of your training certificate(s)A valid FOID or a FOID in processAn electronic head and shoulders photo taken within the previous 30 daysProvide the last 10 years of residencyFor non-residentsAn electronic copy of a valid concealed carry license from the applicant’s home state A notarized affidavit documenting the applicant’s eligibility under both state and federal laws, understanding of the laws pertaining to possession and transport of firearms, acknowledgment the applicant is subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Police and the Illinois courts and that the applicant meets the mental health standards in Illinois to obtain a firearmOptional Fingerprints— An applicant is not required to submit fingerprints with the application; however, the department has an additional 30 days to review an application that does not include fingerprints. If opting to provide fingerprints, go to a fingerprint vendor and have your prints taken. NOTE: Applicants will be assigned a transaction control number (TCN) at the time of fingerprinting and will be required to retain that TCN to complete the application. Specify to the Live Scan vendor that your fingerprint application is for the concealed carry application.Make your payment.
STEP 4:Allow 90 days for processing, or 120 days if electronic fingerprints are not provided. *The backlog of applications vary, however, applicants for FOIDs and CCLs can view the average processing time for FOIDs and CCLs here.
STEP 5:You will be notified if your CCL application has been approved.
LET’S START THE PROCESS

Illinois Concealed Carry License Renewal Process

How to Renew a Illinois Concealed Carry License

STEP 1:Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. Based on the passage of HB 562 (2021), the following process will be implemented as of January 1, 2022. The Illinois State Police will create a combined FOID and CCL, will notify a CCL holder 6 months prior to the expiration, that the CCL is going to expire and provide instructions for renewal. FOID and CCL renewal dates will be the same for a cardholder.A license is invalid upon expiration of the license, unless the licensee has submitted an application to renew the license, and the applicant is otherwise eligible to possess a license under this Act. A licensee is ineligible to renew their license outside of that timeframe and is required to take the 16-hour training course and submit a new application.In addition, FOID card applicants will not be required to submit fingerprints, but if they do, or they share with the Illinois State Police the fingerprints they filed to receive their concealed carry license, they will be eligible for automatic renewal without a renewal fee, provided they purchased a gun sometime within the 10-year period between renewals and passed the ISP background check in the process. 
STEP 2:Complete firearms training provided by an ISP-approved instructor.
STEP 3:Login to the State Police firearms website and apply for a renewal of your license.
STEP 4:You will be notified if your application has been approved.
LET’S START THE PROCESS