Gun Laws/Illinois/Reviewed September 16, 2026
Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in Illinois?
Quick answer
Restricted
Illinois: Yes (since Jan 2023).
0 of Illinois's 5 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with assault weapons.
Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026
Assault weapon bans by state
Featureless parts for a Illinois legal build
A compliant AR-15 is still legal to build in Illinois. These are the parts that make one featureless.
In stock, ranked by what builders add most. One listing per model.




Prices update hourly. Not legal advice, confirm your own configuration before you buy. All Illinois gun laws
Illinois law in detail
- 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.
- 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.
The federal rule
There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.
Assault weapons in neighboring states
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in Illinois?
Restricted. Illinois: Yes (since Jan 2023). Reviewed September 16, 2026.
What is the federal rule on assault weapons?
There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.
How many states restrict assault weapons?
Nationwide by our review: 36 states: no ban; 4: partial or local; 10: ban in effect.
More Illinois gun laws
Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the Illinois statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.