Illinois Gun Purchase Intro
Starting from scratch and want to know what’s involved in purchasing a gun?
Although Illinois has some of the most restrictive laws for gun ownership among US states, it is actually not that difficult or expensive to complete the tasks required to purchase a firearm. I’ll lay them out for you here so you can get started!
Step 1: Apply for a FOID
Illinois state law requires that anyone who wishes to acquire or possess firearms must apply for and be issued a FOID card by the Illinois State Police1. If you already have an Illinois driver’s license or state ID you can easily sign up for an account on the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website.
Once you have created your account you can log in and apply for a FOID. You’ll need a digital photograph in passport photo style and you’ll have to pay $10 for the application.
Cost so far: $10
Step 2: Receive Your FOID Card
Once your application is approved, you’ll be mailed a physical card and will also have access to an “eCard” on the ISP FSB website. Although gun dealers are not required to accept the eCard, you should be able to use it for most purchases.
Step 3: Purchase a Firearm
Now you can start shopping! Once you find a model you like, I would recommend purchasing it online. Illinois has a 72-hour waiting period for firearms purchases2 so if you go to a physical store to purchase a gun you will need to pay and then return to the store later. The easiest option is to purchase online from somewhere that ships to their own stores.
Take a look at the ATF Form 4473 and ensure you can truthfully answer “NO” to questions 21b-n. You will not be allowed to complete your purchase if any of those statements apply to you. Among other disqualifiers, if you have ever been committed to a mental institution you are federally prohibited from possesssing a firearm.
A reasonable inexpensive shotgun or semi-automatic pistol will typically cost about $250 from a reputable dealer. Expect to pay another $50 or so in taxes if you are in Cook County or about $20 elsewhere.
Cost so far: $310
Step 3b: Find an FFL
Purchasing online will involve your firearm being physically sent to an FFL, a person or business that possesses a Federal Firearms License. They will be responsible for running your background check before letting you take possession of the firearm. If you are purchasing online from a store that ships to their own locations, they will have an FFL there.
If you are purchasing from an online-only store you will need to find your own FFL to perform the transfer. Large gun stores provide this service, but will typically charge high fees, sometimes up to $100, for transfers from other retailers. Many online stores will allow you to select from a list of known FFLs during checkout. Call or email a few of them and ask any questions you have about their pickup process and policies.
Many FFLs are retirees that operate out of their own home or a small office. Be aware that you may be picking up your gun in someone’s living room. Don’t use an FFL unless you are 100% comfortable with them!
Step 4: Pick up the Firearm
When your firearm arrives and/or you have exhausted the 72-hour waiting period, you will visit the FFL to fill out your Form 44733 and complete any other necessary paperwork. Expect to pay a fee of between $10-30 for the transfer or background check depending on where you’ve purchased.
The ATF Form 4473 that you are required to fill out will require you to select a sex. You will almost certainly need to select the box that matches the identification document you present to the FFL. As of the writing of this article the form does allow for a “Non-Binary” option if you have an X or U gender marker on your identification documents.
At a minimum you will need to verify that the serial number of the gun you receive matches any paperwork you signed or received previously. When in doubt, the FFL should be able to show you where the serial number is printed on your gun and help you check it.
Some FFLs will have other paperwork that they would like you to complete and may ask you for your contact info or information about why you are purchasing the gun. While this is not legally required, an FFL has the authority to deny your transfer for almost any reason they see fit. It’s perfectly acceptable to give simple answers like “target shooting” or “home defense” when asked for your reasons for purchasing a firearm.
Total Cost: $340
That’s it! Don’t forget to do a training class or research gun safety information online.