Illinois residents have been waiting for years to legally carry concealed weapons. On July 9th 2013 Illinois passed public act 98-63 which became law 430 ILCS 66. This new law allows Illinois citizens to carry concealed handguns. The requirements to get a CCL in Illinois are a little more stringent than many other states. Read on to learn how to qualify for a license and where to find CCL instructors near you.
Shall Issue
Illinois is a “shall issue” state meaning that once you meet all the requirements to obtain a concealed carry license and no objections are filed by law enforcement, the Illinois State Police will issue a license to you. This is in contrast to “may issue” states in which applicants must have a “good cause” to obtain a license. Read more about “shall issue” versus “may issue” here.
Concealed Carry Illinois Classes
The Illinois CCL law is young but there are already some great instructors ready to train you. Enter your zip code here to find concealed carry Illinois classes near you.
What Will You Learn in Class?
Your instructor will probably start with gun safety. You will learn how to properly clean and handle your weapon, including which chemicals to buy. This may seem a little basic, but you will be taught the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic.
At some point the instructor will move into portions of Illinois law that pertain to carrying a concealed handgun. Even if law is boring to you listen carefully to this section, it might keep you from spending time in jail. You need to understand the difference between self defense and murder in the eyes of Illinois law. When traveling to other states you need to understand their laws. Some states require a person to attempt a retreat before firing a shot.
You are probably looking forward to the hands on weapon instruction and range time. You will be taught how to stand and hold the weapon. Short barreled weapons are difficult to aim but your instructor should teach you some best practices. During the live fire portion of the course you will be shooting at a B27 target. You must hit the scoring portion of the target 70% of the time to qualify.
Requirements to Qualify for a License
Illinois Residents
- I am at least 21 years old.
- I have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card.
- I have not been convicted or found guilty of a misdemeanor involving the threat of physical force or violence to any person within the past 5 years.
- I do not have 2 or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, intoxicating compounds within the past 5 years.
- I am not subject to a pending arrest warrant, prosecution or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification to own or possess a firearm.
- I have not been in a residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the past 5 years.
- You may be eligible if you satisfy the above and no objections are filed by law enforcement.
Non-Residents (Currently applies to residents of Hawaii, New Mexico, South Carolina, & Virginia only)
- I am at least 21 years old.
- I have not been convicted of any Felony.
- I have not been adjudicated as a mental defective by a court of law.
- I have not been involuntarily committed to a facility for the purpose of mental health treatment.
- I have not been admitted as a voluntary patient in a facility for the purpose of mental health treatment within the past 5 years.
- I have not been addicted to narcotics.
- I am not intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled.
- I am not subject to any active Order of Protection.
- I have not within the past 5 years been convicted of battery, assault, aggravated assault, violation of an order of protection, or a substantially similar offense in which a firearm was used or possessed.
- I have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic battery or substantially similar offense.
- I have not been adjudicated a delinquent minor for the commission of an offense that if committed by an adult would be a felony.
- I have not been convicted or found guilty of a misdemeanor involving the threat of physical force or violence to any person within the past 5 years.
- I do not have 2 or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, intoxicating compounds within the past 5 years.
- I am not subject to a pending arrest warrant, prosecution or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification to own or possess a firearm.
- I have not been in a residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the past 5 years.
- You may be eligible if you satisfy the above and no objections are filed by law enforcement.
Illinois CCL Checklists
You will apply for your license at the Illinois State Police website. Before applying there are several things you need to have in order. Click the links below to print out an Illinois concealed carry license checklist.
Featured Instructors
Here is a short list of some great instructors in Illinois.
- Total CCW, Ltd - Northern, Central, & Southern Illinois
- Top Shot Academy - Northern Illinois
- Ethos Tactical - Northern & Central Illinois
- Final Defense Institute - Central Illinois
- Heartland Training Team LLC - Southern Illinois
- Victory Tactical - Southern Illinois