Illinois Non-Resident Concealed Carry License Guide
In accordance with 430 ILCS 66/40 (b), out of state residents may be eligible for an Illinois Concealed Carry License if your state meets the definition of substantially similar as established by rule. Currently those substantially similar states are Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia.
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 You Should 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 Use of Force Laws
Illinois use of force laws are important for every concealed carry holder to understand because Illinois has stricter self-defense standards than many other states. Under Illinois law, a person may use force to defend themselves or another person when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent unlawful force. However, the level of force used must be reasonable and proportional to the threat.
Deadly force may only be used if a person reasonably believes it is necessary to:
Prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person, or
Prevent the commission of a forcible felony such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, or home invasion.
Illinois does NOT allow the use of deadly force solely to protect property. Important points for concealed carriers:
The threat must be immediate and objectively reasonable
Verbal arguments alone do not justify displaying or using a firearm
The use of force must stop once the threat ends
Brandishing or threatening someone unlawfully can result in criminal charges
Every self-defense incident will be evaluated based on the totality of circumstances
Illinois does not have a traditional “Stand Your Ground” statute written into law, but there is also generally no legal duty to retreat if a person is lawfully present and acting in lawful self-defense.
Illinois does recognize defense of habitation in limited circumstances, allowing force against someone unlawfully entering a dwelling when there is a reasonable belief of a violent threat.
For concealed carriers, the firearm should only be presented when you would legally be justified in using deadly force. Avoid escalating confrontations whenever possible, and remember that avoidance, de-escalation, and retreat—when safely possible—are often the best options.
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 or State Identification Card
A valid Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit
Training certificate from a certified Illinois instructor
A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days
Be able to provide the last ten years of residency
A notarized affidavit documenting the applicant’s eligibility under both state and federal laws
$300.00 non-resident application fee payable with a credit card or electronic check
Fingerprints (optional but recommended)*
*Livescan fingerprints are not required, but will expedite your application. Specify to the Live Scan vendor that your fingerprint application is for the IL Concealed Carry application (ORI = IL920707Z, Purpose Code = CCW).
Step 4 — Submit Online Application
Applications are submitted through the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau portal. https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/CCL.aspx
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
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.
Illinois CCL Processing Times
After submitting your Illinois Non-Resident Concealed Carry License application through the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau (FSB), processing times are generally:
Up to 90 days with electronic fingerprints submitted
Up to 120 days without fingerprints
Please note:
Incomplete applications may result in delays
Additional background review or law enforcement objections may extend processing times
Application status can be monitored through the ISP portal
Illinois CCL Renewal Requirements
Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses are valid for 5 years.
To renew your Illinois CCL, you must:
Complete a 3-hour Illinois CCL renewal training course with an ISP-approved instructor
Complete the required live-fire qualification
Submit your renewal application online through the Illinois State Police portal
Upload your updated training certificate
Pay the renewal fee before expiration
Important reminders:
Renewal applications may typically be submitted up to 120 days before expiration
Allowing your license to expire may require repeating the full 16-hour initial training course
Illinois renewal training includes legal updates, firearm safety review, and qualification requirements
Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau Contact Information
Illinois State Police – Firearms Services Bureau
Website:
https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/ConcealedCarry
Applicant Portal:
https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/CCL.aspx
Phone:
(217) 782-7980
Email:
ISP.AskFOIDandCCL@illinois.gov
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Central Time)
Official and Educational Source Links
Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau: https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Home.aspx
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
