Your complete walkthrough from decision to license — no fluff, just action-ready steps!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Concealed Carry License in Illinois
Your complete walkthrough from decision to license — no fluff, just action-ready steps!
🧠 Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you begin, make sure you meet all the requirements:
• Are you at least 21 years old?
• Do you have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID?
• Are you a U.S. citizen or legal resident?
• Do you already have a FOID (Firearm Owner’s Identification) card?
• No felony or disqualifying criminal history?
• No recent substance abuse or mental health issues?
❌ If any of these apply, you may not be eligible to apply.
👤 Step 2: Get a FOID Card (if needed)
If you don’t already have a FOID card:
1. Visit the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Portal.
2. Create an account and upload a head-and-shoulders photo (taken within 30 days).
3. Pay the $10 fee.
4. Processing time: up to 30 days.
💪 Step 3: Complete Required Firearms Training
You need 16 hours of training from an ISP-approved instructor. The training includes:
• Firearm safety
• Handling and storage
• Legal use of force
• Where you can and can’t carry
• Live-fire qualification (30 rounds at distances of 5, 7, and 10 yards)
Military or law enforcement experience may reduce required hours.
🤳 Step 4: Optional — Get Fingerprinted
Speeds up your application process:
• Schedule a session with a certified Live Scan fingerprint vendor.
• Use ORI Number: IL920705Z (Purpose Code: CCW)
• Keep your Transaction Control Number (TCN).
📅 Step 5: Gather Application Materials
Checklist:
• ✅ Valid FOID card
• ✅ Illinois driver’s license or state ID
• ✅ Firearms training certificate (PDF or image)
• ✅ Recent digital headshot
• ✅ Address history for the last 10 years
• ✅ TCN (if fingerprinted)
📡 Step 6: Create an ISP Account
Go to www.ispfsb.com:
• Register with accurate personal information
• Match your ID documents to avoid delays
📗 Step 7: Submit Your CCL Application
On your ISP account:
• Select “Concealed Carry License Application”
• Upload your documents
• Input your 10-year address history
• Include TCN (if applicable)
💳 Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
• $150 for Illinois residents (credit or debit card)
• $300 for eligible non-residents
⏳ Step 9: Wait for Processing
• With fingerprints: Expect up to 90 days
• Without fingerprints: Expect up to 120 days
Your background and documents will be reviewed by ISP.
💌 Step 10: Purchase a Firearm
• Once you have your FOID
• Make sure it’s the RIGHT firearm for YOU
• Understand the biggest considerations before purchasing a handgun
💌 Step 11: Receive Your License
• Your license will arrive by mail
• It’s valid for 5 years
Want Us To Do It All For You?
At JM Training, our IL CCL Course offers to provide each of these services for you. All you need to do is show up, take the class, and pay the IL state fee after your course is completed. That’s it!
To get it all done for you just:
• Call/ Text: 708-726-0946
• Email: Support@joemalonetraining.com
• Visit www.joemalonetraining.com