How to Get an FFL in Illinois
Illinois has one of the most complex regulatory environments for firearms dealers in the country. Beyond the federal FFL, the state requires a Firearm Dealer License Certification (FDLC) from the Illinois State Police, a FOID card, alarm and video surveillance systems, annual training, and compliance with the 2023 assault weapons ban. Whether you're opening a gun store in Springfield, a pawn shop downstate, or a home-based dealership in rural Illinois — here's everything you need to navigate both federal and state requirements.
(3-year license)
$300 Non-Retail
Waiting Period
Contact System
Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria. Illinois adds significant state-level requirements — most notably, a valid FOID card and the Firearm Dealer License Certification (FDLC) from the Illinois State Police.
Federal Requirements (All States)
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Not under indictment or convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Not a fugitive from justice
- Not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
- Not adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
- Not dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
- Not subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child
- Not convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- Have premises for conducting business
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Illinois-Specific Eligibility Notes
- You must hold a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card issued by the Illinois State Police — this is a prerequisite for possessing firearms or ammunition in Illinois
- You must obtain a Firearm Dealer License Certification (FDLC) from the Illinois State Police after receiving your FFL — you cannot conduct any transfers without it
- All owners, agents, and employees who transfer firearms must hold individual FOID cards and complete ISP-approved training
- You must register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Revenue
- Local business licenses and zoning compliance are required — Illinois municipalities vary dramatically, and many urban areas actively restrict firearms dealers
Illinois law allows medical cannabis use, and the ISP will not revoke a FOID card or deny an application based solely on holding a Medical Cannabis License. However, federal law still prohibits firearms possession by cannabis users under 18 U.S.C. §922. This creates a direct conflict between state and federal law that FFL holders must understand — ATF Form 4473 Question 21(e) asks about marijuana use regardless of state legality.
FFL Types & Cost Breakdown
The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Illinois gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. Note that Illinois adds substantial state costs on top of the federal FFL fees through the FDLC program.
| Type | Description | Initial Fee (3 Yr) | Renewal Fee (3 Yr) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Dealer in Firearms | $200 | $90 | Gun stores, home-based dealers |
| 02 | Pawnbroker | $200 | $90 | Pawn shops dealing in firearms |
| 03 | Collector of Curios & Relics | $30 | $30 | Personal collectors (not for business) |
| 06 | Manufacturer of Ammunition | $30 | $30 | Ammo reloaders and manufacturers |
| 07 | Manufacturer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Gun builders, custom shops |
| 08 | Importer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Firearms importers |
| 09 | Dealer in Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized dealers |
| 10 | Manufacturer of Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized manufacturers |
| 11 | Importer of Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized importers |
Illinois is not NFA-friendly. The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), effective January 2023, bans the sale of assault weapons and restricts magazine capacity to 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for handguns. Suppressors are illegal in Illinois. Short-barreled rifles and shotguns require NFA compliance but face additional state-level restrictions. If you plan to deal in any NFA items, consult a firearms attorney familiar with current Illinois law — the legal landscape is actively being litigated in both state and federal courts.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtain Your FOID Card & Prepare Your Business Structure
If you don't already have a FOID card, apply through the ISP Firearms Services Bureau ($10 fee). FOID processing can take several weeks. Simultaneously, decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation), register with the Illinois Secretary of State, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register with the Illinois Department of Revenue. Confirm your premises meets local zoning requirements — this is often the biggest hurdle in Illinois, especially in Chicago and other urban areas.
Choose Your FFL Type & Complete ATF Form 7
Select the FFL type that matches your business activities, then download and complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Errors are the #1 cause of delays — double-check every field before submitting.
Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs
Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. In Illinois, fingerprinting services are available through local police departments, sheriff's offices, and licensed live scan vendors listed on the IDFPR website.
Submit Application & Fee
Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and your application fee (check or money order payable to ATF) to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA. The correct mailing address is printed on the form instructions.
Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your local CLEO — typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Illinois has 102 counties. This is notification only — CLEO approval is not required for your FFL.
Complete the ATF Interview & Inspection
An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will schedule a premises visit. They'll verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws — including 4473 procedures, A&D bound book requirements, background checks, and multiple sale reporting obligations.
Apply for FDLC from the Illinois State Police
After receiving your FFL, you must obtain a Firearm Dealer License Certification (FDLC) from ISP before conducting any transfers. This requires completing ISP-approved FDLC training, submitting signed and notarized affidavits for all owners/agents/employees, providing FOID card information, classifying your location as retail or non-retail, paying the FDLC fee ($1,200 retail / $300 non-retail), and uploading all required documents digitally.
Install Security Systems & Set Up Compliance
Illinois requires alarm monitoring systems connected to local law enforcement and video surveillance of all areas where firearms are stored, handled, sold, or transferred (retail locations). Establish your A&D Bound Book, implement 4473 processing, and register with the ISP FTIP dealer portal for background checks. Starting with Bravo E4473 from day one helps meet Illinois's electronic record-keeping requirements while eliminating paper forms.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
Here's a realistic timeline for the Illinois FFL application process from start to finish. Note that Illinois takes longer than most states due to the FDLC requirement on top of the federal process:
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | FOID card, business setup, zoning, entity registration | 2–6 weeks |
| ATF Application | Complete ATF Form 7, fingerprints, photos, submit | 1–2 weeks |
| ATF Processing | Background checks, application review | 30–45 days |
| ATF Interview | Inspector visit, premises inspection | 1–2 weeks (scheduling) |
| ATF Approval | FFL issued | 1–2 weeks after interview |
| FDLC Application | ISP training, affidavits, security systems, FDLC fee | 2–4 weeks |
| FDLC Approval | ISP issues FDLC certification | Up to 30 days |
| Total | Business setup through first sale ready | 90–120+ days typical |
Illinois-Specific Requirements
Illinois has one of the most heavily regulated firearms environments in the country. The combination of the FOID card system, FDLC certification, FTIP background checks, 72-hour waiting period, assault weapons ban, magazine restrictions, and universal background checks creates a multi-layered compliance environment that demands rigorous systems and attention to detail.
State Business Requirements
- Illinois Business Registration — LLCs and corporations must register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois LLC registration is $150.
- Illinois Department of Revenue — Register for state and local sales tax with the Illinois Department of Revenue. Illinois state sales tax is 6.25%, plus local rates bringing totals to 8–11%+ depending on jurisdiction. Firearms and ammunition are taxable.
- Local Business Licenses — Illinois has 102 counties and over 1,200 municipalities. Check with your city or county for local business licensing requirements. Many municipalities — particularly in the Chicago metro area — have additional ordinances affecting firearms dealers.
- FDLC Certification — Required from the Illinois State Police. See FDLC section below for complete details.
Illinois Firearms Laws Relevant to FFLs
- No constitutional carry — Illinois requires a Concealed Carry License (CCL). Illinois is a shall-issue state. A FOID card is a prerequisite for the CCL. Open carry is generally prohibited in Illinois.
- FOID card required — Every buyer must present a valid FOID card before purchasing firearms or ammunition. Dealers must verify FOID validity through the Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program (FTIP).
- State Point-of-Contact (POC) system — Illinois uses the FTIP administered by the Illinois State Police. Dealers access the system through the ISP Firearm Dealer Portal. FTIP checks both state and federal databases simultaneously.
- 72-hour mandatory waiting period — Illinois law requires dealers to withhold delivery of all firearms (handguns and long guns) for 72 hours from the time of the agreement to purchase (720 ILCS 5/24-3). Violation is a Class 4 felony.
- Assault weapons ban (PICA) — Effective January 10, 2023, the Protect Illinois Communities Act bans the sale, manufacture, and delivery of defined assault weapons. Existing owners who registered with ISP by January 1, 2024 may keep them. Currently being litigated in federal court.
- Magazine capacity restrictions — Rifle/shotgun magazines limited to 10 rounds; handgun magazines limited to 15 rounds. Sale of higher-capacity magazines is prohibited.
- Universal background checks — Effective July 1, 2023, all private firearms transfers must go through the ISP verification system or a licensed dealer
- Suppressors are illegal in Illinois
- State preemption (limited) — Illinois has preemption for some firearms laws, but home rule municipalities (including Chicago) retain significant authority to enact additional restrictions
- Lost/stolen reporting — Firearms owners must report lost or stolen firearms to local law enforcement within 72 hours
Illinois FFLs must maintain both federal and state records. Federal requirements include a bound book (A&D record) per 27 CFR 478.125 and ATF Form 4473 records retained for at least 20 years. Illinois's FDLC program additionally requires digital records of every firearm received or sold. Bravo E4473 handles 4473 processing, A&D bound book, and digital record-keeping in one integrated system — helping you meet both federal and Illinois-specific electronic record-keeping mandates.
FDLC Certification — Illinois State Police
The Firearm Dealer License Certification (FDLC) is Illinois's state-level dealer certification, required on top of your federal FFL. Signed into law in 2019 under 430 ILCS 68, the FDLC has significantly impacted Illinois's firearms dealer landscape — approximately half of the state's FFLs closed in the years following its implementation.
FDLC Requirements
- FDLC Training — All owners, agents, and employees who transfer firearms must complete ISP-approved FDLC training (available online on the ISP website). Minimum 2 hours of annual continuing education required.
- FDLC Fees — Initial: $1,200 for retail locations / $300 for non-retail locations. Renewal: $400 retail / $100 non-retail. Payment is by e-check (ACH) only.
- Alarm Monitoring System — Required for all locations maintaining firearms inventory. Must be connected to a monitoring service that notifies local law enforcement of unauthorized intrusion.
- Video Surveillance — Required for retail locations. Must cover all areas where firearms are stored, handled, sold, or transferred, plus all entrances and exits.
- Electronic Records — Digital record of every firearm received or sold must be maintained by the licensee.
- Notarized Affidavits — Signed and notarized affidavits required for all owners, agents, and employees who transfer firearms, including proof of background checks for out-of-state individuals.
- FOID Card Information — FOID number and expiration date required for all applicable persons on the application.
- ISP Signage — Required warning signs must be posted at the business premises per ISP specifications.
Illinois defines a retail location as a store open to the public where firearms are sold or transferred. A non-retail location is not open to the public and typically involves private transactions (such as a home-based FFL operating by appointment). This classification affects your FDLC fee, security requirements, and business hours obligations. However, a home-based FFL can be classified as retail if it operates like a store open to the public. The ISP checklist provides examples to help with classification.
Home-Based FFLs in Illinois
Home-based FFLs are technically permitted in Illinois, but the FDLC requirements have made them extremely difficult to operate. Since the FDLC was enacted in 2019, roughly half of all Illinois FFLs have closed — the majority of them small, home-based, and part-time operations.
- FDLC Compliance Costs — Even non-retail home-based FFLs must pay $300 for the initial FDLC, install an alarm monitoring system connected to law enforcement, maintain electronic records, complete annual training, and submit notarized affidavits. These costs and requirements have priced out many part-time operators.
- Zoning — Major Obstacle — Many Illinois municipalities, particularly in the Chicago metro area, Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and other urban areas, restrict or prohibit home-based firearms businesses through zoning ordinances. Rural counties downstate are generally more permissive.
- Video Surveillance — If classified as a retail location, video surveillance is also required. Non-retail (by-appointment) operations may avoid this requirement, but the alarm system is still mandatory.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance will not cover commercial firearms inventory or business liability. A dedicated commercial firearms dealer policy is essential.
- ATF Requires Local Compliance First — The ATF will not issue your FFL until you have all required state and local business licenses and zoning approvals in place.
Illinois has deliberately made it difficult to operate a home-based FFL through the FDLC requirements. If you're considering a home-based operation, carefully evaluate whether the compliance costs, security system requirements, and ongoing obligations make financial sense for a part-time or low-volume operation. Many former Illinois home-based FFLs have relocated to neighboring states (Indiana, Iowa, Missouri) with more favorable regulatory environments.
4473 Requirements in Illinois
Every firearm transfer from an Illinois FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473, a valid FOID card from the buyer, an FTIP background check through the Illinois State Police, and compliance with the mandatory 72-hour waiting period. Illinois's compliance environment is one of the most demanding in the country.
Official Resources & Links
Bookmark these — you'll reference them throughout the application process and during ongoing operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once You Have Your FFL, Bravo's E4473 Keeps You Compliant from Day One
Smart 4473 forms. Integrated A&D Bound Book. Cloud storage with ATF audit portal. Automatic waiting period tracking. All in one system — built to handle Illinois's demanding compliance environment.
Get a Demo →© 2026 Bravo Store Systems. All rights reserved. | E4473.com | (888) 407-6287
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Illinois firearms laws are complex and actively evolving — the assault weapons ban is under litigation, and new legislation is regularly introduced. Always verify current requirements with the ATF, the Illinois State Police, and your legal counsel before applying.