All Illinois residents who own or possess guns must have a Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) card. Additionally, they must renew the FOID card every 10 years to remain compliant. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a backlog of applications, each of which requires extensive processing by the Illinois State Police. Due to these delays, FOID card validity has been extended to provide time for processing and ensure gun owners have access to their rights. If you're unsure about how this may have affected you, below is more information.

What You Should Know About the Recent Extensions

Whether your FOID card is subject to the extended deadline depends on when it was set to expire. If the expiration date occurred after March 9th, 2020, you can benefit from the extended deadline. That means your FOID card is valid for the duration of Illinois's disaster declaration. The most recent declaration was issued on July 23rd, 2021, which means the extension still applies.

The extension will also continue beyond the end of the disaster. Once the declaration has been rescinded, gun owners will have an additional 18 months before they must renew their FOID card to remain compliant. However, applying for renewal before the declaration ends is still a reliable option, as you can ensure the authorities process the paperwork as soon as possible.

An Expired FOID Card Can Prevent You From Acquiring a New Gun

Despite the rules regarding extensions, dealers can still deny a sale to a person with an expired FOID card. Dealers who deny service based on expiration dates are following federal statutes, which exist separately from the disaster declaration extension. These policies vary depending on the business, so it may be possible to secure guns or ammunition from another store in your area.

FOID Revocations Can Still Occur

The extensions only apply to people whose cards expired during the course of the pandemic. If a card has been revoked due to a violation by the firearm owner, the revocation will still apply despite the extension. Illinois can revoke an FOID card when a person is convicted of a felony or a crime involving domestic battery. Mental health issues can also serve as a basis for revocation. Revocations do not benefit from the extensions, and you often cannot file for reinstatement.

If you need help understanding the validity of your FOID card to purchase a new gun, contact Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. This local store carries a variety of firearms and ammunition to help you make the right selection. They also have an indoor shooting range where you can practice or compete in one of their shooting competitions. Call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a team member. Visit the website to learn more about their services.