Gun Laws/Illinois/Reviewed September 16, 2026
What is the magazine capacity limit in Illinois?
Quick answer
10 round limit
Illinois: 10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns).
0 of Illinois's 5 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with magazine capacity limits.
Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026
Magazine capacity limits by state
Illinois law in detail
- 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.
- 10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns) Mag Limit — Rifle and shotgun magazines are limited to 10 rounds; handgun magazines are limited to 15 rounds.
- 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 magazine capacity limit; the federal limit ended with the 1994 ban in 2004. State limits usually cover sale, transfer and manufacture, and a few also make possession illegal, so a magazine you already own can be legal to keep but not to bring in.
Magazines in neighboring states
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
What is the magazine capacity limit in Illinois?
10 round limit. Illinois: 10 (long guns) / 15 (handguns). Reviewed September 16, 2026.
What is the federal rule on magazine capacity limits?
There is no federal magazine capacity limit; the federal limit ended with the 1994 ban in 2004. State limits usually cover sale, transfer and manufacture, and a few also make possession illegal, so a magazine you already own can be legal to keep but not to bring in.
How many states restrict magazine capacity limits?
Nationwide by our review: 35 states: no limit; 2: conditional or in litigation; 13: limit 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.