FAQ

To legally possess or purchase firearms or ammunition in Illinois, you must have a valid FOID card issued by the Illinois State Police.

• Be at least 18 years old (21 for firearm purchase from an FFL)
   
• Be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident
   
• Have no felony convictions
   
• Not be subject to active orders of protection or domestic violence charges
   
• Not have recent mental health hospitalizations or adjudications
   
• No convictions for battery/domestic battery involving firearms
   

🖥️ Apply Online:
FOID Application – Illinois State Police

To carry a concealed handgun in Illinois, you must obtain a CCL through the Illinois State Police.

• Must be 21 years of age or older
   
• Possess a valid Illinois FOID card
   
• Complete 16 hours of State-approved concealed carry training
  (Includes firearm safety, basic principles of marksmanship, lawful use of force, and live fire qualification)
  ⚠️ Prior military or law enforcement training may count for up to 8 hours credit
   
• Submit an application online through the ISP Firearm Services Bureau
   
• Optional: Submit fingerprints via an Illinois State Police authorized vendor to potentially speed up processing
   

• Active warrants or pending criminal cases
   
• Any felony conviction within the last 5 years
   
• DUI conviction within the last 5 years
   
• Recent or ongoing mental health treatment or hospitalization
   

🖥️ Apply Online:
CCL Application – Illinois State Police

• 🔹 Firearm Services Bureau Home
   
• 🔹 FOID Info & Application
   
• 🔹 CCL Info & Application

As of the most recent update, the Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) is recognized in 30 states across the U.S.

• Alabama
   
• Alaska
   
• Arizona
   
• Arkansas
   
• Idaho
   
• Illinois (valid only for residents)
   
• Indiana
   
• Iowa
   
• Kansas
   
• Kentucky
   
• Maine
   
• Michigan
   
• Minnesota
   
• Missouri
   
• Mississippi
   
• Montana
   
• Nebraska
   
• Nevada
   
• New Hampshire
   
• North Carolina
   
• Ohio
   
• Oklahoma
   
• South Dakota
   
• Tennessee
   
• Texas
   
• Utah
   
• Vermont
   
• Virginia
   
• West Virginia
   
• Wisconsin
   

• Always check local laws before carrying in another state. Each state may have different rules regarding where and how you can carry.
   
• Some states may have restrictions based on residency, permit type, or transport rules.
   

For the most up-to-date information, use the USCCA CCW Reciprocity Map:
🌐 USCCA Reciprocity Tool

While we strongly recommend taking the full 16-hour course for your safety and confidence, the Illinois State Police (ISP) does allow training credit toward the 16-hour requirement based on prior experience or certifications.

If you have one of the following, you may receive 4 hours of credit toward your required training time:

• Illinois Hunter Safety Course
   
• Valid Utah Concealed Carry Permit
   
• Valid Florida CCW Permit
   
• Valid Nevada CCW Permit
   
• Valid Missouri CCW Permit
   
• Valid Kentucky CCW Permit
   
• Valid Michigan CPL (Concealed Pistol License)
   
• Chicago Firearms Permit (now defunct, but still honored)
   

If you meet any of the following, you may qualify for 8 hours of training credit:

• Completed NRA Basic Pistol Course
   
• Completed NRA Personal Protection in the Home
   
• Completed NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home
   
• Active, retired, or honorably discharged military service
  (Must provide DD-214 or military ID)
   
• Previously certified law enforcement or correctional officer
  (Per Illinois Statute 430 ILCS 66/75(j))
   

• Proof of training is required at time of registration (certificates, permits, DD-214, etc.)
   
• The remaining hours must still be completed with a certified Illinois CCL instructor, including live-fire qualification
   
• Even if eligible for credit, many students choose to take the full 16 hours to ensure full understanding of legal, tactical, and safety components
   

💬 Still unsure if your training qualifies?
📞 Contact us at 708-712-0846 and we’ll help you determine your eligibility.

No — your Illinois Concealed Carry training certificate is only valid for applying for an Illinois CCL.

However, here's how it can still benefit you:

• Out-of-state permit applications:
  Some states (like Florida, Arizona, and Virginia) may accept your Illinois CCL certificate or training as part of their non-resident concealed carry permit applications — but requirements vary by state.
   
• Proof of training:
  Your Illinois certificate can often serve as proof of firearm safety training if required when applying for a permit elsewhere.
   
• Reciprocity benefit:
  Once you receive your Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), it is honored in 30 other states. This means you may carry in those states with your valid IL permit, depending on local laws.
   

🔗 Check current reciprocity here

• Each state has its own training requirements, application process, and laws.
   
• Simply having an Illinois training certificate does not automatically qualify you to carry or apply in other states unless you follow their procedures.
   
• Always verify with that state’s department of public safety or licensing authority.
   

🧭 Need help applying in another state (e.g., Florida, Arizona)?
📞 Contact us at 708-712-0846 — we can guide you through multi-state permits and provide qualifying instruction when available.

To ensure a safe, productive, and smooth training experience, please come prepared with the following:

• Valid FOID Card (if applying for Illinois CCL)
   
• Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)
   
• Notebook & Pen (for taking notes)
   
• Any qualifying training certificates (if applying prior credit hours)
   
• Concealed Carry Permit (if from another state and used for credit)
   
• Reading Glasses (if needed for firearm sights or paperwork)
   
• Snacks, Water, or Lunch (some locations do not have food nearby)
   

• Concealable Handgun
  (Clean, in good working order — bring owner's manual if unsure)
   
• 30 rounds of factory-made ammunition
  (NO reloaded ammo allowed) Have an extra 30 just in case you need to requalify.
   
• Secure Holster (outside the waistband preferred for beginners)
   
• Sturdy Belt (for holster & magazine pouch support)
   
• Eye & Ear Protection (available for purchase)
   
• Ball Cap or Brimmed Hat (helps deflect ejected brass)
   
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
   
• Crew-neck shirt & long pants (protective range attire)
   

• Sunscreen / Bug Spray (if outdoor range)
   
• Shooting gloves
   
• Extra magazines or speed loaders
   
• Range bag
   

💬 Need to rent a firearm or gear?
Let us know in advance — rentals available for select classes.

Pro Tip: Comfort, safety, and mobility matter more than style. Dress like you’re ready to train — because you are.

🗓️ Questions? Ready to train?
📞 Call or text us at 708-712-0846

Yes, we proudly support those who serve and protect.
2A Elite Defense, LLC offers exclusive discounts for:

• 🪖 Active Duty Military & Veterans
   
• 👮 Active Law Enforcement Officers
   
• 🚒 First Responders & EMS Personnel
   

Discounts are available on select classes and training programs for family members as well.
Please present a valid ID, badge, or proof of service at registration.