Illinois Non-Resident Concealed Carry License Guide
For Virginia Residents Applying as a “Substantially Similar State”
Prepared for Illinois CCL Students by an Illinois Certified Instructor
Illinois has some of the strictest concealed carry laws in the United States. Unlike many states, Illinois does not recognize most out-of-state concealed carry permits for general carry on foot. However, residents of certain states considered “substantially similar” by the Illinois State Police (ISP) may apply for an Illinois Non-Resident Concealed Carry License (CCL). Virginia has historically been recognized as one of those substantially similar states.
What is an Illinois Non-Resident CCL?
An Illinois Non-Resident Concealed Carry License allows qualified out-of-state residents to legally carry a concealed handgun in Illinois under Illinois law.
Illinois law defines a non-resident as someone who has not lived in Illinois for more than 30 days and resides in another state.
To qualify, applicants must generally:
Be at least 21 years old
Possess a valid concealed carry permit from their home state
Reside in a state deemed “substantially similar” to Illinois firearms laws
Complete Illinois-approved training
Pass background checks
Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law
Important Facts Students Need to Know
1. Illinois Does NOT Have Reciprocity
Illinois does not honor concealed carry permits from other states for general carry outside a vehicle. A Virginia CHP alone does NOT allow someone to carry on foot in Illinois unless they also possess an Illinois Non-Resident CCL.
2. Vehicle Carry Exception for Travelers
Non-residents with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state may generally keep a loaded concealed firearm inside their vehicle while traveling through Illinois.
However:
Once the person exits the vehicle, the firearm must remain secured inside the vehicle
The firearm should be locked in a case or inaccessible
Carrying outside the vehicle without an Illinois CCL may result in criminal charges
Illinois Prohibited Places (“No Carry Zones”)
Illinois has extensive prohibited carry locations. Even with a valid Illinois CCL, firearms are prohibited in many places.
Common Prohibited Locations Include:
Schools and Child Care Facilities
Public and private schools
School buses
Child care facilities
College and university buildings
Government Buildings
Courthouses
Police stations
Correctional facilities
Federal buildings
Public Transportation
CTA trains and buses
Metra
Pace buses
Transit stations
Alcohol-Related Locations
Bars or restaurants deriving more than 50% of income from alcohol sales
Public Gathering Areas
Stadiums
Sporting events
Public playgrounds
Public parks and athletic fields
Hospitals and Mental Health Facilities
Casinos
Airports
Secure areas of airports
Private Property Posted with “No Firearms” Signs
Illinois gives legal force to properly posted “No Guns” signs.
Duty to Inform Law Enforcement
Illinois requires disclosure during law enforcement encounters.
If an officer initiates a stop and asks, the licensee or qualified non-resident must:
Inform the officer they are carrying
Present their license or permit
Identify the location of the firearm if requested
Illinois Concealed Carry Training Requirements
Illinois has one of the most extensive training requirements in the country.
Required Training:
16 hours total training
Classroom instruction
Live-fire qualification
State law instruction
Use of force laws
Firearm safety
Qualified prior training may waive portions of the 16-hour requirement for some applicants.
Steps to Obtain an Illinois Non-Resident CCL
Step 1 — Verify Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be 21 or older
Be a resident of a substantially similar state (such as Virginia)
Possess a valid Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit
Be legally eligible to possess firearms
Step 2 — Complete Illinois Approved Training
Students must complete:
Illinois-certified CCL training
Live-fire qualification
All Illinois state curriculum requirements
Step 3 — Gather Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
Driver’s license/state ID
Virginia CHP
Training certificate
Passport-style photo
Fingerprints (optional but recommended)
Step 4 — Submit Online Application
Applications are submitted through the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau portal.
Step 5 — Pay Fees
Illinois non-resident application fees are significantly higher than resident fees and may change periodically.
Step 6 — Wait for Processing
Approximate processing times:
Up to 90 days with fingerprints
Up to 120 days without fingerprints
Important Legal Reminders for Students
Open Carry is Illegal
Illinois prohibits open carry entirely.
Magazine Restrictions
Illinois currently limits:
Handgun magazines to 15 rounds
Additional restrictions may apply under the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA).
“No Gun” Signs Have Force of Law
Ignoring posted signs can result in criminal penalties or revocation of a CCL.
Illinois Law Applies Even to Non-Residents
Non-residents carrying in Illinois are subject to all Illinois firearm laws and restrictions.
Official and Educational Source Links
Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau: https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/ConcealedCarry
Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3497
Illinois Administrative Rules — Non-Resident Applications: https://ilrules.elaws.us/iac/t20_pt1231_sec.1231.110
Illinois General Assembly — Section 40 Non-Resident Licenses: https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/043000660K40.htm
Illinois Concealed Carry Overview: https://safercarry.com/illinois-concealed-carry/
Illinois Non-Resident Carry Explanation: https://ilgunlaws.com/laws/il-non-resident-concealed-carry
