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How to Register a Gun
According to the technical terminology of the law, no firearm registration is required within the state of Illinois per se, but there is a comparable method of logging gun owners. This method demands that any individual looking to possess a rifle, pistol, or shotgun must first acquire a FOID (Firearm Owners I.D.) card. It functions as a permit to purchase and own and is a prerequisite to achieving a CCL (Concealed Carry License).
How to Obtain a FOID Card
To lawfully be in possession of a firearm (and ammunition), inquiring parties must complete the necessary steps demanded by the ISP (Illinois State Police). Applications are processed through the ISP’s website, so individuals interested in applying must have access to a computer (it is not recommended to use a mobile device). Residents who are 21 or older must be prepared to do/have the following:
- Make sure that you are eligible to buy/own a firearm.
- Create an account on the Firearms Service Bureau’s website to allow you to fill out an application.
- A state-granted driver’s license or identification card.
- Must be able to disclose your:
- Legal Name
- Birth Date
- Residential Address
- State I.D or Driver’s License Number
- A clear, color photo of the applicant’s face (taken within 30 days of applying) can be uploaded online. (Must be from the top of the shoulders to the top of the head, photos that do not meet the recommended standards will be rejected.)
- If the applicant is at least 18 years of age but under 21, they must provide an affidavit signed by their legal guardian.
- A form of payment that can be used electronically, such as a credit/debit card or electronic check. Fees to expect:
- Application Fee – $10
- E-Pay Service Fee – 2.35% of the total charge, or a minimum of $1
If you cannot access a computer, the second option is to contact the ISP’s hotline at (217) 782-7980. A representative will inquire about information regarding your application, allowing them to complete the form (must be prepared to relay payment information over the phone). They will then mail the application to your postal address and insist you answer additional questions, sign the document, and attach the required headshots with translucent tape. The application shall then be delivered back to the department for final processing.
The ISP has up to 30 days to accept or decline your request. You may check your application’s status by signing into the online account you created. If your submission is approved, your FOID card will remain valid for a period of 10 years. (For more info on the “Firearm Owners Identification Card Act”, preview Chapter 430 ILCS 65.)
How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit
All individuals looking to carry a concealed handgun on their persons in Illinois must procure a license with the state (subject to 430 ILCS 66). The application process is handled online, so anyone interested in attaining this license must first gain access to an available computer (phones and/or tablets will not suffice). The individual applying must be able to submit some of the following requests electronically. Apply by completing the following actions on the checklist below:
- Determine whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria to acquire a CCL.
- Register through the state’s website (enroll by providing information and creating a unique username and passcode).
- Provide an unobstructed, color photograph of the applicant (it must be a frontal view of the person’s face from the shoulders to the top of the head). The picture must have been taken within 30 days of filing.
- You must supply the last 10 years of your residential history.
- Have an official form of photo identification on hand:
- State ID
- Driver’s License
- Be prepared with your personal FOID card that you attained to own a firearm legally.
- To expedite your filing request, visit a live scan fingerprinting service. Notify them that an electronic scan of the fingerprints is needed for a CCL application. After being administered, you will receive a code to include within your application. (If you decide not to provide the electronic fingerprints, an extra 30 days will be added to the process to perform a manual background check.)
- Confirmation that the individual seeking licensee status has followed through with a certified CCL training program (must be a 16-hour course administered by an instructor considered qualified by the ISP).
- If the applicant is a non-resident, they must furnish an affidavit confirming that they correspond with the local rules and regulations (must be notarized by an authorized official).
- Fees must be paid at the time of application, which may only be satisfied with an electronic method of payment (credit/debit card or electronic check):
- Cost of Application for Residents – $150
- Cost of Application for Non-Residents – $300
If you are unable to access the online application service, you may employ the call-in method instead. Call (217) 782-7890 and dial “0” to speak with a customer service rep about receiving a physical paper form through the mail.
Please allow 90 days for the department to review your application for issuance or denial. If you are issued the license, it will remain valid for a maximum of 5 years.
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