Illinois

Key Notes

FOID card required to purchase or possess firearms. Assault weapon ban since January 2023 with registration for pre-ban guns. 72-hour waiting period.

• •Yes (FOID card) Permit to Purchase — A Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card is required to purchase or even possess firearms and ammunition in Illinois. Issued by Illinois State Police after a background check.
• •Auto, SBS, Suppressors banned (NFA) — Machine guns (full-auto), short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors are illegal to own. SBRs (short-barreled rifles) are only allowed for Curio & Relic collectors and historical reenactors.
• •Yes (since Jan 2023) Assault Weapon Ban — Banned the sale and delivery of assault weapons. Owners of pre-ban assault weapons must register them with the state to keep them legally.
• •10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns) Mag Limit — Rifle and shotgun magazines are limited to 10 rounds; handgun magazines are limited to 15 rounds.
• •Illegal (Open Carry) — Open carry of firearms is completely prohibited in Illinois. Only concealed carry is allowed with a valid CCL.
• •Shall Issue (limited) Concealed Carry — Illinois must issue a concealed carry license (CCL) to qualified applicants, but requires 16 hours of training and the FOID card. Some 'sensitive places' restrictions are broader than most states.