Illinois Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
Illinois requires a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card for any firearm or ammunition possession; the Protect Illinois Communities Act of 2023 banned assault weapons and large-capacity magazines; suppressors and short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilians; and registration of pre-ban assault weapons was required.
📅 Last updatedIllinois Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes Illinois's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds (long guns), 15 rounds (handguns) |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Permit Required to Purchase | Yes |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
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Run a Free IL Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in Illinois
The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA, 2023, codified at 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9) prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of 'assault weapons.' The definition uses both a named-model list (AR-15, AK-47, and dozens of specified models) and feature tests for semi-auto rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Pre-ban assault weapons owned before January 10, 2023 had to be registered with Illinois State Police by January 1, 2024; unregistered grandfathered firearms are unlawful to possess. The compliance checker applies the full statutory feature test for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in Illinois. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Illinois
Illinois prohibits magazines holding more than 10 rounds for long guns and 15 rounds for handguns (720 ILCS 5/24-1.9). Magazines exceeding these capacities cannot be sold, transferred, or possessed.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors (silencers) are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval. A federal tax stamp does not authorize possession in states where the item is prohibited by state law.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. Illinois separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
Illinois requires a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card for any firearm or ammunition possession or purchase. Application requires a $10 fee, fingerprinting (in some cases), and a background check. The card must be renewed every 10 years.
Carry Laws
Shall-issue concealed carry license available with a 16-hour training course. Open carry is generally prohibited.
Private Sales and Background Checks
Illinois requires all firearm transfers, including private, to be processed with a NICS background check and verification of FOID card status. The seller must keep a record of the transfer for 10 years.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
Illinois prohibits unserialized firearms and unfinished receivers under the Combating Illegal Guns Act (720 ILCS 5/24-5.1).
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in Illinois adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key Illinois Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for Illinois's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- 430 ILCS 65/2 — FOID card requirement
- 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9 — Assault weapons and large-capacity magazine prohibition
- 720 ILCS 5/24-5.1 — Untraceable firearm prohibition
- 430 ILCS 66/ — Firearm Concealed Carry Act
Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Gun Laws
Do I need a FOID card to buy ammunition in Illinois?
Yes. A valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card is required to possess or purchase any firearm or ammunition in Illinois. Out-of-state visitors do not need a FOID for purchasing ammunition through retail channels but must be eligible under federal law.
Was the Illinois assault weapons ban upheld?
As of 2026, the Protect Illinois Communities Act has been upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and remains in effect. Constitutional challenges continue but enforcement is active.
How long does a FOID card take?
FOID card processing currently takes approximately 30 days from a complete application. Concealed carry license processing takes an additional 90+ days after FOID issuance.
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Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare Illinois to Other States
Illinois's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.