FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some frequently asked question that we get all of the time from people inquiring about our classes, and looking to get their Concealed Carry License. Hopefully you find the information useful and informative. As always, if you have any additional questions, or need more information, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are always happy to help!
Additional questions regarding the Concealed Carry License application process should be directed to the
Illinois State Police at 217-782-7980.
ILLINOIS FAQs
CLICK Here For MICHIGAN FAQs
01
Why should I take a handgun class?
A handgun training class is required to get a Concealed Carry License, if you have no other valid proof of training in the last 10 years. A training class is essential to learning proper gun handling, safety, storage and marksmanship techniques. Even experienced shooters can learn something new.
02
Do I have to have shooting experience to attend your shooting to attend your CCW/CPL Class?
No. We have taught many students with no experience how to shoot, as well as the proper safe handling of a pistol.
03
How old must I be to take the Concealed Carry Class Class?
We require all participants to be at least 18 when you attend our classes. You MUST be 21 years of age, however, to apply for an ILLINOIS Concealed Carry License.
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04
What do I need to bring with me to class?
You will need to bring the following with you on the day of class:
The handgun that you intend to train with. If you do not yet own a handgun, then you can either rent one from the shooting range, or you can talk to the instructor to see what they have available to borrow.
A minimum of 50 rounds of ammunition. Ammunition in many different calibers is usually availble for sale at the shooting range if you don't have any with you. The cost is typically $15 to $25 depending on the caliber of your handgun.
$10 fee paid to the shooting range for your range time
Your Driver's License or State issued ID.
Payment in cash for any remaining balance you owe for the course. (Cash Only, No Checks)
A pen and paper for notes.
Wear a round collar type shirt (non V-neck). This will help prevent empty cartridge casings from going down your shirt when firing the gun. We will further explain this in class.
Do NOT wear open toed or heeled shoes.
Hat with a brim, such as a baseball cap.
NO live ammunition is allowed in the classroom! No exceptions!!!
We will only take short breaks but we give a 45 minutes to an hour lunch break.
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05
How do I obtain a CPL/CCW permit to carry a concealed pistol in ILLINOIS?
To obtain a Concealed Carry License, an individual must complete a minimum of 16 hours of firearm training through a course that is certified by the Illinois State Police, and meets all of the curriculum requirements below:
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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. E) Weapons Handling - a minimum of 1 range hour. F) All applicants must pass a live fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of: 1. A minimum of 30 rounds - 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards. - 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards. - 10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards. 2. Shots must qualify using at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the Illinos State Police.
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06
What is the process to apply for my Concealed Carry License after I have completed my traning course?
You must apply online. The application is now available to the public on the ILLINOIS State Police webpage.
Additional information regarding the application and fingerprinting process have also been added to this website. To apply online, you will need the following:
A) An Electronic Copy of my training certificate(s). You will be required to upload your
electronic certificate during the application process.
B) An Illinois Digital I.D. Visit the Illinois Digital ID website to obtain a digital ID. If you
any have questions, visit the Illinois Digital ID website FAQ page or call the Central
Management Services Help Desk at 1-800-366-8768 for assistance with the Digital ID.
C) A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card.
D) A valid FOID card.
E) A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days.
F) Be able to provide the last ten years of residency.
G) Fingerprints – Electronic fingerprints will expedite your application! Specify to the Live
Scan vendor that your fingerprint application is for the Concealed Carry application
(ORI = IL920707Z, Purpose Code = CCW).
NOTE: Applicants will be assigned a transaction control number (TCN) at the time of
fingerprinting and will be required to retain that TCN to complete the application.
H) $150.00 payable with a credit card or electronic check.
Questions regarding the Concealed Carry License application process should be directed to the Illinois State Police at 217-782-7980.
07
What are the qualifications to obtain an ILLINOIS Concealed Carry License?
The applicant must:
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Have a currently valid FOID card (if an Illinois resident)
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Is not prohibited under federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm
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Have not been convicted or found guilty in Illinois or any other state of:
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A misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence to any person within the last 5 years
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2 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 5 years
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Not be the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification
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Not have been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the last 5 years
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Submit a completed Concealed Carry License application
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Successfully complete 16 hours of firearms training, including classroom and range instruction.
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08
If I have prior firearms training in Illinois or in another state, or if I have had previous military, law enforcement experience, or have held an Illinois hunting license, do I still have to take the entire 16 hour Concealed Carry course?
The eligibility requirements for receiving credit for prior training are set by statute and cannot be expanded upon by the ISP. The statute provides that active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces shall be considered to have completed 8 hours of the 16 hour training requirement. Applicants who have completed a training course that is approved by the Department and recognized under the laws of another state may get up to 8 hours of training toward the 16 hour training requirement. A list of courses approved for up to 8 hours credit is available on the website.
Current military personnel will need to provide documentation identifying the holder as an active member of the US Armed Forces (CAC or DD Form 2 ID cards in green, blue, or red, for instance). Veterans will need to provide a copy of their DD-214 or NGB 22.
09
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 4 hour classes from the list of approved curriculum may be combined for up to 8 hours of prior training credit.
10
If a person receives prior training credit, what are they required to take in addition to fulfill the 16 hour training requirement under the Act?
Any remaining hours that the applicant completes must at least cover applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm, as well as Weapons Handling as defined in the statute and administrative rules.
The Instructor shall verify the aggregate number of hours for which the applicant provided proof of instruction in Firearms Safety, Basic Principles of Marksmanship, and Care, Cleaning, Loading and Unloading of a Concealable Firearm, based upon a list provided by the Department of accepted training courses, and provide the necessary additional hours of training to equal 16.
Applicants must meet the minimums set out in the 16 hour curriculum. The instructor will need to assess and verify the areas on which the applicant was previously trained and modify the blocks of instruction in sections 1, 2, and 3 to cover the remaining requirements. Sections 4 and 5 should remain unaltered.
11
Do I need to provide a reason why I want a Concealed Carry License?
​NO. You do not need to have a reason why you want a CPL. If you are asked why you want a CPL, "Personal Defense" is a good enough answer. Some other more restrictive states will make their citizens provide a reason or proof of need. Michigan is very supportive of concealed carry and does not require a reason.
12
What is a CCW? Is there a difference between a CCW and a CPL?
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There is no difference. In Illinois, The Concealed Carry License is referred to as a CCW. In Michigan, a CCW (Carry a Concealed Weapon) is simply a "slang" term for a CPL (Concealed Pistol License). There are not two separate permits. A CPL will allow you to carry a concealed "loaded" pistol on your body for protection, or in a motor vehicle loaded. In short, they are one in the same.
13
Do I have to own a gun before I take your CCW/CPL class?
No. If you don’t have your own firearm, we can make one available for you for free. If you don’t have a pressing need to buy a gun before the class, wait until after you complete class before you make a gun purchase. We extensively cover the things that you need to be aware of to ensure that you buy the right gun for you and your needs
14
Is there a dress code for your CCW / CPL class?
In general terms, there is no dress code. However, you need to ensure that you are comfortable. If possible, wear jeans or jogging pants a long-sleeved shirt and avoid tops with a low neckline as hot shell casings may cause you some discomfort if they come in contact with your skin. Also, avoid wearing open-toed shoes.
15
Can I use my ILLINOIS Concealed Handgun Permit in other states when I travel?
Yes, licensed ILLINOIS Concealed Carry holders may legally carry their handguns in many other states that recognize reciprocity with the State of ILLINOIS. Although ILLINOIS holders may carry in these other states, they MUST follow that particular state's concealed carry laws while in that state. Make sure you are familiar with the laws of the state you are traveling to before you go there, as they may be quite different or more restrictive than ILLINOIS laws. Just because it is legal in ILLINOIS, DOES NOT mean it will be legal in a different state.
Check out the ILLINOIS State Police FAQ page for additional information:
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