How to Buy or Sell a Firearm Legally in Illinois

Close up of a person safely handling a firearm

Illinois firearms laws are among the strictest in the United States. Navigating our state's strict firearms regulations can be difficult. The current laws are intended to prevent criminals from accessing guns. However, it can also make it more challenging for law-abiding citizens to conduct legal gun transactions.

Northern Illinois Carry LLC created this guide to help clarify the laws governing the buying, selling, and transferring of firearms to avoid getting tripped up by confusing gun laws.


Requirements to Purchase a Firearm in Illinois

To legally purchase a rifle, shotgun, or ammunition, the buyer must be at least 18 years of age. Handgun buyers must be 21 years or older. In addition, to possess firearms or ammunition, all buyers must have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID). For more specific information on acquiring a FOID, visit the Illinois State Police (ISP) website.  

Before obtaining a firearm, check with your local municipality for applicable firearm ordinances. For example, some municipalities have laws prohibiting certain types of firearms or requiring firearms to be secured within your home. In addition, each municipality must submit a copy of every ordinance regulating firearms acquisition, possession, or transfer to the Illinois State Police.

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Form 4473 is required to purchase a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer. The dealer will keep this form. In addition, the Federal Brady Law requires that any firearms buyer undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICBS) check performed by the dealer. This background check informs the dealer if the buyer's history is acceptable to purchase the firearm and notifies the ISP to conduct a background check according to state and federal laws.  

If the transaction is approved, buyers must adhere to the State of Illinois waiting periods before they can take possession of the firearm. For a long gun, the waiting period is 24 hours; for a handgun, 72 hours. Additionally, upon taking possession of the firearm, it must be unloaded and placed in a transportable case.

 

How to Sell a Firearm Privately in Illinois

According to 430 ILCS 65/3 (a-10), anyone who wishes to sell or transfer firearms to anyone who isn't a federally registered firearm dealer must contact the ISP with their FOID number. This will allow the ISP to verify the validity of the purchaser's or the transferee's FOID.

The ISP may implement this subsection. If the FOID of the purchaser is valid, the ISP will issue an approval number to the seller or transferor, which is valid for 30 calendar days after the issue date. Additionally, the record of the sale must be kept on the seller's file for at least ten years.

 

Illinois Firearm Ownership Restrictions

Illinois also has restrictions regarding firearm ownership. These are some of the laws that prohibit a person in Illinois from possessing a firearm:

·       Not been a patient at a mental institution or in any other part of a facility for treatment of mental illness in the past five years

·       Not intellectually or developmentally disabled.

·       Not used any controlled substance or narcotics to violate state or federal laws in the past year.

·       Not subject to an existing Order of Protection, No Contact/No Stalking Order.

·       Not been convicted for domestic battery (felony, misdemeanor), aggravated domestic battery, or any other similar offense.

·       Not failed a drug test for a non-prescription drug within the last year.

·       Not been granted admittance into the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa per the Immigration and Nationality Act.

·       Never lost United States citizenship.

·       Never been discharged from Armed Forces under dishonorable circumstances.

·       Not a fugitive from justice.


Choose Northern Illinois Carry LLC

USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Course is a 16-hour course and meets the Illinois State Police requirements for the Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Upon completing the course, students will receive a certificate required when renewing their Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Visit Northern Illinois Carry LLC online to learn more, or call us at 815-501-9421 with any questions.


Sources

https://www.chicagocriminallawyer.com/the-right-way-for-private-citizens-to-sell-firearms-in-illinois/

https://www.wheelingil.gov/242/Person-to-Person-Firearms-Transfers

https://www.cashmyguns.com/blog/how-to-sell-a-gun-in-illinois/


Location: Northern Illinois Carry LLC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why You Should Sign Up for a Renewal Course

Image
Firearm ownership is a serious responsibility. At Northern Illinois Carry LLC , we encourage both new and experienced firearm owners to seek ongoing training, review best practices, and stay up-to-date on laws regarding firearm ownership.   Firearm Law Changes for 2022 The Illinois State Police (ISP) Firearms Services Bureau announced changes to its FOID and CCL programs effective January 1, 2022. These changes are intended to make it easier for residents to follow its firearm ownership guidelines. Notable changes include: As Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards are replaced, the new cards will be printed without expiration dates. When a new FOID card is issued, and the holder has a valid Conceal Carry License (CCL), the holder will get a combined card. If a FOID card is suspended and the holder has a CCL, the CCL will be suspended until the FOID card is reinstated. Upon reinstatement of the FOID, the CCL will also be reinstated if eligible. If a holder’s CCL is suspended or rev
Read more

The Essentials of Firearm Safety and Handling

Image
  Firearm safety and responsible handling are paramount for anyone who owns or uses firearms. Whether a seasoned shooter or a beginner, understanding and practicing firearm safety can prevent accidents, protect lives, and ensure an enjoyable shooting experience. In this guide, we'll delve into the basics of firearm safety and handling, providing you with essential knowledge to keep yourself and others safe.   Understanding Firearm Safety Before even picking up a firearm, it's crucial to understand the fundamental principles of firearm safety. The following principles serve as the foundation for all safe firearm handling practices: ·       Always Treat Every Firearm as Loaded: No matter how confident you are that a firearm is unloaded, always treat it as if it's loaded. This mindset ensures that you always handle the firearm with the utmost caution and respect. ·        Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction: A firearm's muzzle (the front end of the barrel
Read more

Holsters for Concealed Carry

Image
  You’ve purchased a firearm for everyday carry, have been trained on how to responsibly and safely operate it, and you’ve made the decision to carry. Congratulations!    Now the question is “what kind of holster should I buy and how do I wear it?” Before you run out and purchase a holster, make sure concealed carry is legal where you live and select a holster with easy firearm access while still achieving your concealment goals.    When selecting a holster for concealed carry, remember that holster must fit you, your gun and your lifestyle while providing  concealment, access and retention. According to the National Rifle Association (NRA) , these are the most common holsters:   Strong-Side Hip Holsters The most familiar kind of holster, strong-side hip holster is positioned on your shooting hand side between the kidney and point of your hip. The strengths of this style of holster include very good pistol retention, the fastest presentation speed of all holsters, and a safe draw. Howe
Read more