Who is eligible to apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL)?

• You must be at least 21 years old.

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• Have resided in Illinois for 90 continuous days immediately prior to application.

• Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law (e.g., certain felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, active orders of protection).

• Meet training requirements and pass background checks.

How do I apply for an Illinois CCL?

• Submit an application online through the Illinois State Police (ISP) portal or a certified fingerprinting vendor that forwards your prints to ISP.

• Complete required firearms training before or at the time of application (see training FAQ below).

• Pay the required fees for fingerprinting, application processing, and license issuance.

• Provide proof of residency and identity as required by the ISP.

What training is required to obtain a CCL?

• Applicants must complete a minimum of 16 hours of classroom and live-fire training (or an accepted equivalent for military/exempt categories).

• Training must include:

  • Firearms safety

  • Safe handling and storage

  • State and federal firearms laws, including use of force and self-defense law