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How to Apply for a CCL Permit

The Information You Need

We get a lot of questions in regards to how you get an Illinois Concealed Carry permit. Here is a breakdown of the process:

Qualification

Qualifications for a license are: You must be at least 21 years old, apply for and/or possess a current FOID card, and pass a state and federal background check.

Sign Up for a Course and Apply for Your FOID Card

Register for one of our weekend classes. We do not take walk-ins since all our seats sell out.

Note: A FOID card is not required to take the class. You can apply for your FOID card and CCL at the same time after completing our class.

During the Weekend Course

You can rent a firearm from us if you do not already have one. No reservation is needed for a firearm rental. Just let us know on the first day of class.

During some class breaks, we may have an approved concealed carry Live Scan fingerprinting service available if you choose to have your fingerprints taken.

Fingerprinting is optional, but it can speed up the approval process. You can discuss this with us during class to decide whether you would like to do it.

After the Course Is Completed

You will receive a training certificate with a unique ID number. You will need this certificate to apply for your CCL permit.

Completing the training course does not license you to carry a concealed firearm. No training course can issue your permit. After you complete the training and receive your training certificate, you can take the final step and apply to the State of Illinois for your license.

Once you complete the course, return to the Illinois State Police Firearms Services website—the same place where you applied for your FOID card—and complete your CCL application: Illinois Firearm Applicant Portal .

The State of Illinois charges a $150 CCL application fee.

Fees for Obtaining an Illinois CCL

Here is a breakdown of the possible fees if you are starting from zero. Some fees may not apply to you, and others are optional.

If you have prior military or law enforcement training, or previous NRA certifications approved by the State of Illinois, you may only need to complete the Sunday portion of the course.

  • $145 — 16-hour course fee

  • $30 — Gun range fee

  • $150 — State of Illinois CCL application fee

  • $25 — Handgun rental and ammunition (optional)

  • $75 — Live Scan fingerprinting for Illinois license (optional)