Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Illinois Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

Illinois is a shall-issue state that requires a residential CCW permit to conceal carry. Licenses are issued to adults who meet certain qualifications. 

Even though Illinois is technically a shall-issue state, law enforcement still has the right to object to a CCL being issued if they believe the applicant is a danger to themselves or the public. In that case, the application will be reviewed by the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board, which will make a final decision. 

Illinois does not recognize concealed carry licenses issued by any other U.S. state, though their permit is honored by 29 of them. The state also issues non-resident permits to qualifying individuals from states with similar laws to Illinois. 

To qualify for an Illinois concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card, complete a firearms training course, and be legally permitted to possess a gun under federal law. There are also several factors that may disqualify you from obtaining an Illinois CCL. 

Open carry is not permitted in Illinois. 

To learn more about Illinois CCW law, review Illinois laws here or visit the Illinois State Police website here. 

*Disclaimer: This Illinois concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney. 

Illinois Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Concealed Carry Illinois FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Does Illinois Recognize Permits from Other States? 

No. Illinois does not honor concealed carry permits issued by any other state. 

Which States Honor an Illinois CCL? 

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states honor Illinois concealed carry permits. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer California concealed carry reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

Can You Carry a Gun in Illinois Without a License? 

No. Concealed carry is only permitted in Illinois for those who have a valid Illinois CCL or a non-resident license issued by Illinois. 

What are the Requirements for an Illinois Concealed Carry Permit?

To obtain an Illinois CCL, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

• Be 21 years or older.

• Have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card.

• Complete a firearms training course. 

• Be legally permitted to possess a firearm under federal law.

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain an Illinois concealed carry license:  

• A felony conviction. 

• A misdemeanor conviction involving threat of physical force or violence in the past 5 years. 

• Two or more DUI violations in the past 5 years. 

• Being subject to a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for a crime that would disqualify you from possessing a firearm. 

• Having been in a residential or court-ordered treatment for drug or alcohol treatment in the past 5 years. 

For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Illinois, read the Illinois State Police website here. *Please note that non-resident permit applicants are subject to additional requirements.

Where Can You NOT Conceal Carry in Illinois?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry in Illinois, including school, college, and university property; stadiums; government offices; hospitals, mental health facilities, and nursing homes; correctional facilities; public transportation and facilities; establishments where over half of sales are alcohol; gaming facilities; public libraries; airports; amusement parks, zoos, and museums; public playgrounds, parks, and athletic facilities; courts; public gatherings or special events; locations with a special liquor license; the Cook County Forest Preserve; nuclear facilities; public property with a “no weapons” sign; and anywhere it is federally prohibited.

Some cities, counties, and municipalities within the state of Illinois may have additional firearm regulations. Be sure to check before you visit! 

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Illinois? 

Generally speaking, no. However, non-resident permits are issued to qualifying individuals from states with very similar laws to Illinois, including Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia.

Can you Open Carry in Illinois? 

No. Open carry is illegal in Illinois. 

Where Can I Learn More About Illinois Concealed Carry Law? 

You can visit the Illinois State Police website for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in Illinois and to learn more about how to apply for an IL concealed carry license. For the official laws regarding Illinois concealed carry reciprocity and regulations, you can read state laws here.