Is the AR-15 legal in Illinois?

Illinois has an assault weapon ban (Yes (since Jan 2023)) that names the AR-15 and covers copies of it, so a "featureless" build does not make one legal. Read the statute and its grandfather terms against your own situation 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.

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

English

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.
•Litigation — The Seventh Circuit upheld the assault weapon ban and magazine limits on July 9, 2026 (Barnett v. Raoul). The Supreme Court will hear Viramontes v. Cook County, a challenge to Cook County's ban, on December 2, 2026.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Illinois Law Affects Your Build

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

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Illinois restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons," and its law names the AR-15 and covers copies of it. A "featureless" configuration does not avoid a ban by name, so removing features does not make an AR-15 legal to buy or build in Illinois.

Magazine Capacity Limit in Effect

Illinois limits magazine capacity (10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns)). Standard 30-round PMAGs and similar magazines may not be sold or imported in their factory configuration. Plan your build around pinned, welded, or reduced-capacity magazines.

NFA Restrictions Apply

Illinois restricts some or all NFA items (Auto, SBS, Suppressors banned). Suppressors, SBRs, or other regulated items may be banned under state law whatever ATF enforces federally. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

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.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Illinois Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Illinois?: Illinois has an assault weapon ban (Yes (since Jan 2023)) that names the AR-15 and covers copies of it, so a "featureless" build does not make one legal. Read the statute and its grandfather terms against your own situation 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. State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces federally. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
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.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Illinois firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

IdahoID IndianaIN

Traveling to Illinois with a gun?

Pick what you are bringing and where you start, and the Gun Travel Checker applies these rules to every state on the route, with what to do before each state line.

Check a trip to Illinois →

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.