Summary

• Permit required: Yes. Illinois requires an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) to carry a concealed handgun.

• Minimum age: 21 to obtain a CCL and carry concealed.

• Duty to inform:Partial/conditional,you must disclose you’re carryingif an officer asks during a stop. 

• Where you can/can’t carry: Allowed in most public placesunless prohibited; many sensitive areas are off-limits (schools, government buildings, transit, posted private property, etc.).

Illinois runs astatewide concealed carry licensing system through the Illinois State Police (ISP). Applicants must have a validFOID card, complete16 hours of approved training, pass background checks, and meet statutory eligibility. Licenses are issued centrally by ISP, not by counties or cities. 

Illinois is ashall-issue state in practice: if you meet objective criteria, ISP must issue the CCL, though local law-enforcement can file objections that are reviewed by the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. Illinois currentlydoes not recognize most out-of-state permits, and non-resident licenses are only available to residents of a small set of states with substantially similar requirements. 

For residents and visitors, the biggest practical issues arewhere carry is banned,how to store/transport in vehicles and shared spaces, andposted private-property rules. When traveling (car, hotel, etc.), keep the firearm secured and out of sight when not on your person; a locked case or discreet secure-storage setup is a common best practice. Some people use privacy-oriented storage likeFaraday-protected SLNT bags for secure transport of valuables in cars or hotel rooms, but they don’t change legal requirements.

Useful Links

• Illinois State Police – Concealed Carry License (CCL) Overview

• ISP – Protect Illinois Communities Act (Assault Weapons / Magazines)

Official Links

• Illinois State Police – FOID Program

• Illinois State Police – PICA / Large-Capacity Magazines