Is the AR-15 legal in Illinois?

Illinois has an assault weapon ban (Yes (since Jan 2023)). Standard AR-15 configurations are restricted, but compliant "featureless" or otherwise-modified builds are typically legal. Always verify your specific configuration against current Illinois statute before purchasing.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Illinois?

10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns). Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does Illinois require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes (FOID card). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Illinois before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in Illinois?

Illinois concealed carry status: Shall Issue (limited). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Illinois?

Illinois open carry: Illegal. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Illinois?

NFA item status in Illinois: Auto, SBS, Suppressors banned. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.

Does Illinois require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Background-check requirements in Illinois extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

Illinois Gun Laws

strict

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Yes (since Jan 2023)

Mag Capacity Limit

10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns)

Permit to Purchase

Yes (FOID card)

Firearm Registration

Partial

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue (limited)

Open Carry

Illegal

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes

NFA Weapons

Auto, SBS, Suppressors banned

State Preemption

Partial

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.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Illinois Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Illinois restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons." Standard AR-15 configurations with features like a pistol grip combined with a collapsible stock, threaded barrel, or flash hider may not be sold or transferred in their off-the-shelf form. Many Illinois builders run "featureless" configurations to remain compliant.

NFA Restrictions Apply

Illinois restricts some or all NFA items (Auto, SBS, Suppressors banned). Suppressors, SBRs, or other regulated items may not be available even with a federal tax stamp. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion.

Permit Required to Purchase

Illinois requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (FOID card)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Illinois extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

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