Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Illinois

Concealed Carry Permit or License Policy: No Issue

It is illegal in Illinois for a private citizen to carry a concealed handgun. Illinois is the only state in the United States that does not issue any concealed carry permits. A “no issue” jurisdiction is one that does not allow private citizens to carry a concealed handgun. The District of Columbia is also a no issue jurisdiction.

Efforts to Remove the Ban on Carrying Firearms

In May 2011, a bill to allow the issuing of weapons carrying permits failed to pass the Illinois Legislature. The National Rifle Association (NRA) filed a motion for an immediate injunction asking the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to immediately strike down Illinois’ complete and total ban on carrying firearms. The motion argues the Illinois statute prohibiting law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is unconstitutional and violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

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