Training Faqs
How much is the course?
Our courses are at a very affordable rate of $130. We only ask for a $55 deposit to secure your seat for class.
HOW LONG AM I EXPECTED TO STAY each day?
Please be prepared to stay both days of class from 9am to 5pm. Students must complete both days to be eligible for certification.
What does the firearms training course consist of?
A 16-hour training course must -- at minimum -- cover the following topics:
A. Firearms Safety - a minimum of 1 hour;
B. Basic Principles of Marksmanship - a minimum of 1 hour;
C. Care, Cleaning, Loading and Unloading of a Concealable Firearm - a minimum of 1 hour;
D. All Applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm (including but not limited to the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm) - a minimum of 2 hours; and
E. Weapons Handling - a minimum of 1 range hour.
All applicants must pass a live fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of:
- A minimum of 30 rounds
- 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards, 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards, and 10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards, fired at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the ISP.
Who decides whether to give credit for prior training and how much to give?
The Department and certified firearms instructors shall recognize up to 8 hours of training already completed toward the 16-hour training requirement. Pursuant to the discretion granted within the statute regarding the proficiency of trainees, instructors must verify the prior training and can, within their discretion, determine the need for further training on a case-by-case basis. The Department has provided a list of approved curriculum to guide individual instructors with this decision. Two different four-hour classes from the list of approved curriculum may be combined for up to eight hours of prior training credit.
Do applicants have to own their own equipment before they can take a training class?
Not necessarily, equipment requirements will be set by approved instructors.
ccl application faqs
What are the qualifications for an Illinois Concealed Carry License?
According to 430 ILCS 66/25, The Department shall issue a license to an applicant completing an application in accordance with Section 30 of the Act if the person: is at least 21 years of age, has a currently valid FOID card (if an Illinois resident) is not prohibited under federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm, has not been convicted or found guilty in Illinois or any other state of: A misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence to any person within the last 5 years, Two or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof, within the last five years is not the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification, has not been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the last five years, has submitted a completed Concealed Carry License application, has successfully completed 16 hours of firearms training, including classroom and range instruction.
How old do I have to be to apply for an Illinois CCL?
You must be 21 years old (430 ILCS 66/25(1)).
How do I apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License?
You may apply for a CCL by visiting the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website at www.ispfsb.com.
Do I need to have a valid FOID to obtain a CCL?
You must have a valid FOID in order to have a CCL. If you fail to keep your FOID valid, your CCL will be revoked. However, 430 ILCS 65/3 (a) allows you to present your CCL in lieu of a FOID to purchase a firearm or ammunition.
Is a CCL a replacement for the FOID?
No. You must have a valid FOID in order to have a CCL. If you fail to keep your FOID valid, your CCL will be revoked. However, 430 ILCS 65/3 (a) allows you to present your CCL in lieu of a FOID to purchase a firearm or ammunition.
Can I purchase a firearm or ammunition using my CCL?
Yes. As long as your FOID is valid, 430 ILCS 65/3 (a) allows you to present your CCL in lieu of a FOID to purchase a firearm or ammunition.
What is the cost for an Illinois Concealed Carry License?
$150 for Illinois residents and $300 for out-of-state residents. The ISP uses Illinois ePay. Illinois ePay applies a 2.25% service fee, or a minimum of $1.00 for credit cards or $.50 for an Electronic Funds Transfer.
How long is a CCL valid?
A newly-issued Concealed Carry License has a five-year expiration date.