Who is Eligible for a Concealed Carry License in Illinois?

03/17/2025|Crossroad Legal|

Those who want to carry a concealed firearm on their person in Illinois are required to have an Illinois Concealed Carry License (“CCL”). Active and retired law enforcement officers are eligible to carry. For retired officers, this is allowed under a federally approved retired officer concealed carry program such as the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry (IROCC) Program. Retired law enforcement officers may be eligible to carry under either the IROCC Program or the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. However, the retired officers should review both methods as the CCL may be more restrictive.

The Illinois State Police are responsible for issuing Concealed Carry Licenses. To be eligible for a CCL in Illinois, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
  • Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID): The applicant must possess a valid FOID card and meet the requirements for its issuance under the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. This includes not being prohibited under state or federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm.
  • Criminal History: The applicant must not have been convicted or found guilty of:
    • A misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence within the five years preceding the application, or
    • Two or more violations related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the same time period.
  • Pending Legal Issues: The applicant must not be the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding that could lead to disqualification from owning or possessing a firearm
  • Substance Abuse Treatment: The applicant must not have been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the five years immediately preceding the application
  • Firearms Training: The applicant must complete firearms training, including a 16-hour course covering firearm safety, handling, and applicable laws
  • Application and Fees: The applicant must submit a completed application, provide required documentation, and pay the requisite fees.

Additionally, the Illinois State Police may deny a license if the applicant poses a danger to themselves or others, as determined by the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. Non-residents may also apply for a concealed carry license if they meet the qualifications, excluding the Illinois residency requirement, and comply with additional documentation requirements.  These requirements ensure that only qualified individuals are granted a concealed carry license in Illinois.

To summarize, you’re likely eligible for a CCL in Illinois if:

  • You’re 21 or older
  • You have a clean criminal and mental health history
  • You have a valid FOID
  • You completed the required training
  • You’re not considered a risk by law enforcement

At Crossroad Legal, we are dedicated to helping gun owners protect their constitutional rights, including appealing CCL denials and revocations. We want to position you as well as possible to understand your eligibility for and attainment of your concealed carry license. 

If you or someone you know believes their Second Amendment rights have been unlawfully violated, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced gun rights attorney.