What is an Illinois Gun Bill of Sale?

An Illinois gun bill of sale certifies the person who paid for a firearm as its rightful owner. As a result, the person who transferred the gun (the seller) gives up possession. Buyers must pay sellers the entire amount during the sale. For this reason, a bill of sale differs from a purchase agreement since it does not allow the client to make reoccurring payments. In addition, the new owner cannot request refunds or require the seller to pay for repairs after the deal.

According to state law, residents must have a permit to buy a gun, regardless of whether they purchased it privately or through a licensed dealer. The license, also known as a firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card, allows the individual to carry out the transaction legally. Sellers must inspect the card to ensure its authenticity. By taking this step, the owner guarantees the buyer can legally purchase and own a gun in the eyes of the state. Plus, it protects both parties from unlawful transfers.

How to Obtain a FOID Card

Gun owners and purchasers must have a Federal Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. Residents cannot legally possess or buy firearms or ammunition without the card. The certification does not replace a concealed carry license. Individuals who wish to concealed carry legally must apply for a permit through a separate process.

Step 1 – Requirements

Residents over twenty-one (21) years of age must meet the state’s eligibility requirements to receive a FOID card. Per state regulations, the individual must not:

• Have felony charges;
• Have an addiction to drugs or alcohol;
• Be a patient in a mental health facility in the past five (5) years;
• Be kept in a mental health facility more than five (5) years ago unless they provide a Mental Health certification;
• Have an intellectual or mental disability;
• Be an illegal immigrant;
• Have convictions within the past five (5) years;
• Have a history of domestic violence;
• Be a minor; and
• Have a dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces.

Exemptions apply to individuals in the United States Armed Forces, nonresidents, minors, veterans, and hunters (430 ILCS 65/2(b)). If the person qualifies, they do not need a FOID card to buy or own a gun.

Step 2 – Gather Information

Potential candidates must collect the paperwork needed to complete the questions on the application. In addition, they need to have their Illinois driver’s license or state identification ready.

The applicant must submit a recent (thirty (30) days or less) electronic color photograph that includes their head and shoulders. They must also pay a $10 by card or e-check upon applying.

Step 3 – Apply

Illinois only allows individuals to apply for a FOID card online. However, the state exempts certain people, depending on their circumstances. The Firearms Services Bureau Call Center mails paper applications to individuals who can provide evidence that their internet does not work or cannot use a customer service kiosk to apply. Residents with religious exemptions or disabilities can also qualify for paper applications. Interested parties must call the office (217-782-7980) to learn more.

Step 4 – Wait

It takes about thirty (30) days for the Illinois State Police (ISP) to review and accept or deny applicants. Residents should not contact the station unless they have not received a notice within forty (40) days of applying.

Step 5 – Renew

FOID cards last for ten (10) years. Permit holders can send their renewal application and payment up to one hundred and eighty (180) days before the expiration date. The ISP processes renewals within three (3) months (or sixty (60) days) of the submission.

How to Apply for a Concealed Carry License (CCL)

CCLs differ from FOID cards as they allow a person to store a gun on their body (under clothing) in public. On the other hand, FOID cards allow someone to own or purchase a firearm. Residents always need a permit to buy or hold a gun, whereas they do not need a CCL unless they want it. Without a license, the individual cannot concealed carry in public spaces.

Step 1 – Qualifications

Residents (or non-residents) must meet pre-requisites before sending CCL applications (430 ILCS 66/25).

The applicant must:

• Be twenty-one (21) years of age or older;
• Have a valid FOID card;
• Have completed a CCL application; and
• Have completed a sixteen (16) hour firearms training course and live training.

The applicant must not have:

• Criminal convictions or arrest warrants;
• A domestic violence record in the past five (5) years;
• An addiction to drugs or alcohol;
• Two (2) or more citations for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Received drug or alcohol addiction treatment within the past five (5) years;

Step 2 – Firearms Training

Before applying for a CCL, the applicant must complete a sixteen (16) hour firearms training course taught by an approved instructor. The session must also include live firing (430 ILCS 66/80). Individuals renewing their CCL must take a three (3) hour refresher course. Under both circumstances, the applicant must provide the ISP with a certificate of completion signed by the instructor.

Step 3 – Fingerprints

Applicants must have their fingerprints taken at a licensed Illinois live scan vendor. Individuals or companies not on this list do not qualify. The state recommends individuals send their fingerprints to the ISP electronically since it takes less time to carry out the background check online. Therefore, they receive their approval or denial notice sooner than sending their fingerprints non-electronically.

Step 4 – Apply

CCL applications occur online only. The ISP allows individuals to apply using a paper application in rare cases. However, extenuating circumstances must exist to give someone these permissions. For example, the person only qualifies if they have interfering religious beliefs, disabilities, or internet access issues.

Step 5 – Wait

The ISP takes ninety (90) days to respond to applicants. If the individual did not include electronic fingerprints in their packet, the state adds thirty (30) more days to conduct the background check.

Step 6 – Renew

CCLs last for five (5) years. License holders can renew online or at a self-service kiosk within one-hundred and eighty (180) days of the expiration date. Individuals who cannot apply online or at a kiosk must call the ISP (217-782-7980).

Residents must send in the renewal application and proof of the three (3) hour training certificate, fingerprints, and payment. The state takes between ninety (90) and one-hundred and twenty (120) days to review the renewal and send the new card by mail (if approved).