Open Carry in Illinois
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Illinois prohibits open carry; concealed carry requires a Firearm Owner's Identification Card and permit.
How Illinois treats Open Carry
Illinois law bans open carry of handguns and long guns in public. Residents must obtain a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card and a concealed carry license to legally possess and carry firearms. The state does not recognize open carry as a legal option. Illinois is among the strictest states regarding visible firearm carry.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.