Guide to Legally Transporting and Carrying Firearms in Illinois

Knowing how and when to carry your firearm can be difficult to navigate in Illinois. Recently, we’ve seen this on display in Naperville as there has been an unusual uptick in gun-related arrests. A review of these events reveals that there are a few things that you could do to avoid getting into trouble with the law.  

The general rule of thumb when transporting or carrying firearms in Illinois should be to keep any firearm secure and out of sight; either on your person or stored in your vehicle.  

Who Can Legally Carry or Transport Firearms in Illinois

Illinois residents can transport firearms in their own vehicles, under specific circumstances, but must have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card on their person, and non-residents must similarly have valid proof of ownership from the home state to legally transport firearms in their vehicle.  

To carry a firearm on your person or to store one in your vehicle, within immediate reach, Illinois residents must have a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL) on their person when doing so. Non-residents who have a valid concealed carry license from their home state may carry concealed, but only while in a vehicle traveling through Illinois.  

Things to Consider as an Individual Without Concealed Carry License

There are a few things to consider when transporting or storing firearms in your vehicle when you do not possess a valid concealed carry license that will allow you to avoid legal trouble.  

• Break the firearm down into pieces;  

• i.e. field strip and separate the barrel, slide, and lower frame.  

• Make sure that the firearm is out of your immediate reach;

• i.e. store the firearm in a locked case, glove box, gun case (unloaded), or vehicle truck.

• Keep firearm unloaded and out-of-sight/concealed;  

• i.e. store the firearm in the glovebox, center console, in a bag, purse, or any other space that covers or conceals the entirety of the firearm.  

Things to Consider as an Individual with a Valid Concealed Carry License

There are many factors that should be considered when determining whether you should carry a firearm in Illinois. But if you are planning on having a date night, bar outing, or just a night out on the town, these are a few things you should consider before and after choosing to carry or transport your firearm.  

• When attending an event in which you are prohibited from carrying your firearm be sure to store your firearm concealed in a safe manner out of plain view.

• This will prevent thefts, unauthorized access to firearms, and any unnecessary issues with law enforcement.  

• When addressing or being addressed by law enforcement OR emergency personnel while in a vehicle you are required to inform them that you are carrying a firearm or that there is a firearm in your vehicle.  

• BE AWARE that law enforcement OR emergency personnel may temporarily seize your firearm for the duration of your contact with them either by request or by securing the firearm themselves.  

• Be cautious in these situations, as refusal to comply may result in additional legal troubles.  

• If possible, do not carry on your person or store in your vehicle, any firearm while attending or planning to attend an establishment where guests regularly consume alcohol.  

• This applies not only to the building itself but also to the parking lots and any real property associated with that establishment.  

• If you must do so you will need to store your firearm in your locked vehicle and concealed in a case out of plain view.  

• “Case” includes a glove box, console, or any container that completely encloses the concealed firearm.    

• When visiting carry prohibited locations be aware that you are only permitted to carry outside of the vehicle so long as you stay within the immediate vicinity of your vehicle to store or retrieve your firearm from the vehicle’s trunk.  

• When going out do not carry or accessibly store, within your vehicle, a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  

Taking these steps and precautions could be the difference between enjoying a night out and dealing with unnecessary legal troubles. It is best to remember that being a conscientious gun owner is paramount to ensuring your own safety and the safety of those around you.

If you found this information helpful and wish to learn more about how to obtain a FOID card, please check out our article “Applying for a FOID Card in Illinois”