Changes coming to Illinois FOID and CCL programs in 2022
Editor's Note: This is a news article and does not include opinion on the constitutionality of either Illinois' FOID or CCL programs. This is merely to help keep our readers informed and current with changes to the law.
For more on the subject, readers can see The Chicago Journal's Basic Guide to Illinois Gun Laws.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — An announcement from the Illinois State Police (ISP) Firearms Services Bureau Monday morning revealed a couple of noteworthy changes to Illinois' FOID and CCL programs intended to make it easier for the state's citizens to follow its guidelines regarding firearm ownership in 2022.
The changes below will be effective January 1, 2022.
FOID Card Changes
- New FOID cards will be printed without expiration dates as FOID cards are replaced. The FOID card will continue to have an expiration date, but it will merely not be printed on the card.
- When a new FOID card is issued by the state of Illinois, if the cardholder also has a valid Conceal Carry License (CCL), a combined FOID and CCL card will be issued instead of a separate FOID card.
- If a FOID Card is suspended, and the cardholder also has a CCL, the CCL will also be suspended until the FOID Card has been reinstated. The CCL will automatically be reinstated when the FOID card is reinstated.
CCL Changes
- If a CCL is revoked or suspended, but the individual is still eligible for a FOID card, the person will retain the combined card, but it will show a revoked CCL in the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).
Auto-Renewals
- If a licensee’s FOID Card expires during the term of the license, the FOID Card will be automatically renewed without the licensee having to pay a renewal fee, and the licensee will be sent a new combined FOID Card and CCL.
- Combined cards will neither have an expiration date nor an issuance date on their face and will serve as both the cardholder’s FOID and their CCL at the same time.
Again, residents will still have to keep track of their expiration dates and renewals. State Police shall, 180 days prior to the expiration of a Firearm Owner's Identification Card, forward by first-class mail or by other means provided (email, text message, or both if the customer has opted not to receive first-class mail) to each person whose card is to expire a notification of the expiration of the card and instructions for renewal.
It remains the obligation of the holder of a Firearm Owner's Identification Card to notify the Department of State Police of any address change since the issuance of the Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Illinois State Police may update the applicant and card holders address based upon records in the Secretary of State Driver's License or Illinois identification card records of applicants who do not have driver's licenses.
ISP Director Brendan Kelly said the department will work to make sure the changes will benefit Illinoisans across the state.
“We are pleased by the fact that this will decrease duplicity within the FOID and CCL program, which will, in turn, save time and money for both applicants and taxpayers,” Kelly said.
Residents can view the entirety of Public Act 102-0237, which is offered by the Illinois General Assembly here: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/102/PDF/102-0237.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2IjkoOp3F4WgMBKFrDIgH2gY12ydVVqtIaN20VE8I-HdW0Y68v4RMFk9s
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