ILCCL FAQ

Illinois FCCL (Firearm Concealed Carry License) Frequently Asked Questions

The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act requires the completion of 16 hours of training. This can be accomplished in 2 or more parts, with each adding up to the required 16 hours of training. If you have no accepted prior training, you will need the 16-hour class. See Training calendar.

What is required to renew an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

Illinois law clearly states in (430 ILCS 66/70) (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 100-607)
Sec. 70. Violations…., “(c) A license is invalid upon expiration of the license, unless the licensee has submitted an application to renew the license, and the applicant is otherwise eligible to possess a license under this Act.”

So knowing that the renewal process may take up to 4 months, you can choose to take the 3-hr refresher class 6 months early and submit your application before your current ILCCL expires.

Can I renew with a 3-hour refresher training certificate even after my CCL has expired? (From https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Faq.aspx)

In most circumstances, yes. However, if you renew your CCL after its expiration date, your card will be invalid while your application is being processed.

Can out-of-state residents obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

Yes. However, only residents of states or territories of the United States that have laws related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying, that are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act are eligible.

What does “substantially similar” mean?

“Substantially Similar” means the comparable state regulates who may carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public; prohibits all who have involuntary mental health admissions, and those with voluntary admissions within the past 5 years, from carrying firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public; reports denied persons to NICS; and participates in reporting persons authorized to carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public through Nlets.

How can I find out if my state’s laws are considered “substantially similar?”

The Illinois State Police sent a survey to each state to determine which of them has laws that are substantially similar. There are only 6 states whose laws have been determined to be substantially similar. This list recently changed.

Currently, the only states considered to be substantially similar are Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Virginia.

(from https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/FAQ.aspx)

Credit for Prior Training
You can receive up to 8 hours exemption based on prior training. If you are an honorably discharged or retired veteran or are currently serving in any branch of the military, the Illinois State Police will accept that as 8 hours toward the required 16 hours. You will need the 8-hour class.

Other courses that satisfy this first 8 hours are:

NRA Basic Pistol course
NRA Personal Protection in the Home, and
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home.
Prior Law Enforcement Corrections Officer Firearms Training as detailed in 430 ILCS 66/75(J)

The Illinois State Police also accepts the following Firearm Safety training courses recognized as 4 hours each. If you have taken one of the following courses, you will need the 12-hour class. If you have taken 2 of the following courses, you will need the 8-hour class.

Courses that will be recognized as 4 hours of prior training:

Illinois Hunter Safety course
Florida CCW
Utah CCW
Nevada CCW
Missouri CCW
Kentucky CCW
Michigan CCW
Chicago Firearms Safety course

The required 8-hour training after all exemptions is the 8-hour class.

What does the 8-hour class consist of?

It is a class that will be long enough to fulfill the remaining time of the required 16 hours of training and must by law contain:

All applicable State and federal laws relating to the ownership, storage, carry, and transportation of a firearm; and
Instruction on the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm
A live-fire exercise (minimum 7 out of 10 accuracy) with a concealable firearm consisting of a minimum of 30 rounds at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the ISP.

10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards
10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards
10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards

Do I need a FOID Card before I can take a class?

No, Illinois law permits a person to take a firearms safety class without a FOID card, however, a FOID card is required to legally own or carry a gun as an IL resident.

What are the fees for the classes and the permit?

The class fees are as follows:
The 16-hour class costs $150
The 12-hour class costs $150
The 8-hour class costs $125
The 3-hour refresher class costs $50

Bring your own ammo to qualify. The NRA specifies that only factory-made ammo be used in NRA classes. There is no ammo type requirement by law for ILCCL live fire. The application fee for an Illinois License to Carry either initial or renewal is $150 if you are an Illinois resident, and $300 for residents of Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Virginia.