QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR ILLINOIS CONCEALED CARRY WEAPONS PERMITS Q What is the cost for an Illinois Concealed Carry License? A The actual cost of the license permit from the State Of Illinois is” $150 for 5 years for Illinois residents $300 for 5 years for out-of-state residents Q How long will the Illinois Conceal Carry License be valid? A 5 years for both Illinois residents and non-residents. Q Who will need an Illinois Concealed Carry License? A Anyone who wants to carry a concealed firearm on his/her person in Illinois is required to have an Illinois Concealed Carry License with the exception of current peace officers and retired police officers who are eligible under a federally approved retired officer concealed carry program such as the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry (IROCC) Program. Retired officers may be eligible to carry under either the IROCC Program or the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66). Q What are the qualifications for an Illinois Concealed Carry License? A The applicant must: Be at least 21 years of age Successfully complete 16 hours of firearms training, including classroom and range instruction. Have a valid FOID card (if an Illinois resident) or be eligible for a FOID card if a non-resident. Have not been convicted or found guilty in Illinois or any other state of: A misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence to any person within the last 5 years 2 or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof, within the last 5 years Not be the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification Not have been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the last 5 years Submit an appropriately completed Concealed Carry License application Q What is the penalty for carrying a weapon without a valid CCL? A  For the most part an Unlawful Use of Weapon first offense is a Class A Misdemeanor and a second or subsequent offense is a Class 3 Felony; however, there are penalty enhancements for certain locations (for example on or within 1,000 feet of any school, public park, courthouse, public transportation facility, or residential public housing). Further, an Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons first offense is a Class 4 Felony and a second or subsequent offense is a Class 2 Felony.

Q Will out-of-state Concealed Carry permit holders granted reciprocity in Illinois? A No. Out-of-state residents who want to carry a concealed firearm on his/her person must obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in Illinois. In order for out-of-state residents to be eligible for an Illinois license, their state’s concealed carry license laws must be substantially similar to those of Illinois. The Illinois State Police will establish rules to identify the elements necessary to meet the substantially similar requirement. 
 However, out of state residents are granted a limited exception to lawfully carry a concealed firearm within a vehicle if they are eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws of his or her state or territory of residence and are not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm under federal law. This rule becomes effective immediately. 
 If the non-resident leaves his/her vehicle unattended, he or she shall store the firearm within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 65 of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

Q Will Illinois Concealed Carry License holders have reciprocity in other states? A This will be determined by the laws of the 49 other states. IL CCL holders who wish to conceal and carry in other states are responsible for researching the state laws to where they wish to travel.  Reciprocity would mean that both states recognize each other’s CCL laws and licenses but as of now reciprocity does not exist. 

Q How does a citizen apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License? 
A Prior to applying for an Illinois Concealed Carry License, the applicant must complete an approved classroom curriculum by an approved instructor.  The Illinois State Police has applications available via the Illinois State Police webpage (https://ccl4illinois.com/ccw/public/home.aspx). Vital Training academy will assist all of its students in this process. Q How long will it take a citizen to obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License? 
A Upon receipt of a qualified application, the Illinois State Police shall issue or deny the applicant an Illinois Concealed Carry License within 90 days, provided the applicant submits a full set of fingerprints in electronic format. If fingerprints are not submitted in electronic format, the Illinois State Police is granted an additional 30 days to complete a manual background check. In all cases, law enforcement agencies will have 30 days to file an objection once an application is received. 
Q Where can citizens obtain firearms training? 
A Vital Security Training Academy – 2232 SW Adams Peoria, IL 309-839-1219 
 Q. What does the Illinois Conceal Carry course consist of? 
A The required 16-hour firearms training course will include range qualification time and will cover the following: • Firearm safety • The basic principles of marksmanship • Care, cleaning, loading, and unloading of a concealable firearm • All applicable state and federal laws relating to the ownership, storage, carry, and transportation of a firearm • Instruction on the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm. All applicants must pass a live fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of: • A minimum of 30 rounds 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards, 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards, and 10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the ISP. Q What type of a firearm will I be allowed to carry concealed? 
A "Concealed firearm" means a loaded or unloaded handgun carried on or about a person completely or mostly concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle. 
 "Handgun" means any device which is designed to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, expansion of gas, or escape of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand. 
 "Handgun" does not include any of the following: • A stun gun or taser • A machine gun as defined in item (i) of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 • A short-barreled rifle or shotgun as defined in item (ii) of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 Any pneumatic gun, spring gun, paint ball gun, or B-B gun which expels a single globular projectile not exceeding .18 inch in diameter, or which has a maximum muzzle velocity of less than 700 feet per second, or which expels breakable paint balls containing washable marking colors. Q Will persons be allowed to open carry? 
A No. "Concealed firearm" means a loaded or unloaded handgun carried on or about a person completely or mostly concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle. Q What if I am a total beginner? A It does not matter if you’ve never touched a gun in your life. The training is presented in a structured & safe environment. The course will take your from the basics of gun ownership to the firing range. Q How do I get my certificate that shows I have completed this training? A Participants, upon completion of the classroom and live fire portions of the Illinois Conceal Carry license training will receive a signed certificate.  Q How long is my permit good for? A The Illinois permit is good for 5 years before you have to renew it. Q Can both residents and non-residents of Illinois can get this license? A Yes. Residents of Illinois and non-residents will have their license issued by the Illinois State Police. Q Does Illinois require fingerprinting for their application? If so, who does the fingerprinting? A Illinois does expedite applications if fingerprints are submitted. We will provide a list of outside vendors that will conduct fingerprinting. We have an approved vendor that will come to class and process the LiveScan Fingerprints for $45. Saving you time! Q How much does it cost to take the Illinois Conceal Carry Course? A The various courses are as follows… 1. Illinois Conceal Carry (ICC 16) – 16 hr full course $200.00 Special now only $99 2. Illinois Conceal Carry (ICC 8) – 8 hr half course $125.00 Special now only $99 Q What is the difference in the 2 different courses? A The 2 courses are described below: Illinois Conceal Carry (ICC 16) – 16 hr full course This is the full 16 hour course that will be necessary for any applicants who wish to be able to carry concealed in the State of Illinois. You will need this class if you do not have any of the following pre-requisites: A DD214 that is issued to an honorably discharged member of the US Armed Forces. This form is required to be presented prior to the class. A certificate showing completion of the 8 hr Basic Pistol Class. Illinois Conceal Carry (ICC 8) – 8 hr half course This course is the half course that will be available to those individuals that have either of the following pre-requisites A DD214 that is issued to an honorably discharged member of the US Armed Forces. This form is required to be presented prior to the class. A certificate showing completion of the 8 hr Basic Pistol Class. Q Do I get anything else? A Each applicant that participates and completes any of the courses listed above receives an official Vital Training Academy T-Shirt. Each a applicant that completes the courses will receive a beautiful ready to frame certificate signed by their instructor. The best thing you get is the satisfaction and peace of mind that you received the best training available to prepare you for the responsibility of Conceal Carry. https://ccl4illinois.com/ccw/public/home.aspxshapeimage_1_link_0