Weapons in CMVs - Illinois

In Illinois, concealed carry of a firearm is legal for adults aged 21 and older who are allowed under state and federal law to possess a firearm and who have a state concealed carry license (CCL). Residents who are CCL holders may concealed carry in a private vehicle.

Non-residents may transport a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle while traveling through the state as long as they:

• Are not prohibited by federal law from concealed carrying;
• Are eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws in their home states;
• Possess a license or permit from the home state, if applicable in that state.

Permits

CCLs are issued by the Illinois State Police. Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years of age;
• Complete a state-approved training course;
• Undergo a background check;
• Submit an application that includes a photo;
• Be fingerprinted (expediting the process).

Illinois law also requires a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to legally possess, buy, or transport firearms and ammunition. The state may issue a combined FOID/CCL card for persons who hold both.

Illinois does not offer reciprocity for any other states’ permits. A majority of other states recognize Illinois permits.

Magazine capacity limits

Illinois law limits magazine capacity to no more than 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for handguns.

Other weapons

No weapons other than handguns may be concealed carried in Illinois.

Permitted non-lethal weapons include:

• Stun guns/tasers (with FOID; local restrictions may apply)
• Pepper spray (some restrictions apply)
• Tear gas (some restrictions apply)
• Bear spray (legal for self-defense against wildlife)
• Less-lethal launchers (with FOID)

Duty to inform

State law requires drivers to notify police of the presence of a concealed weapon during traffic stops or at weigh stations if asked by a law enforcement officer.

Employee parking lots

State CCL holders may carry handguns into parking lots within their private vehicles as long as the weapon and ammunitions are stored in a locked vehicle or container out of plain view. FOID-only holders need to ensure that any weapons are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carry box, or other container stored in the vehicle.