How to Get a Gun License in Chicago

Rifles require registration in Chicago.
••• boy with rifle image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com

Chicago, Illinois, has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Illinois requires all gun owners to have a Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) and Chicago requires registration of all long guns such as shotguns and rifles. Handgun ownership is prohibited in Chicago. There are no permits for concealed carry as it is prohibited across Illinois, as is open carry, except for authorized law enforcement officials and retired law enforcement.

Fill out the Firearm Owner's Identification Card application. The form is available online at the Illinois State Government website or in person at firearm stores. Have your state ID or driver's license handy to fill out the form completely. The FOID application costs $10 and it can take 30 days to be processed. The Illinois Department of State Police decides whether the application is approved or not. Most rejections occur due to felony, illegal drug or domestic violence charges.

Fill out a sworn application for registration after buying a rifle or shotgun, but before taking possession of the firearm. Application information includes your name, home and work addresses, Social Security number, the gun information (caliber, model, manufacturer and serial number), proof of meeting Chicago registration eligibility, and two recent photos. Submit the application to the Chicago superintendent of police.

Read More: How do I Apply for Malaysian Firearms License?

Take possession of the firearm once registration is approved. Transport the gun by unloading it and putting it into a case.

Tips

  • Fingerprinting may be required prior to gun registration approval. Gun registrations are renewed every year, while FOID cards are renewed every 10 years.

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