When you own guns, two of the most important things to be up to date on are your Firearm Owner's Identification card (FOID) and Conceal Carry Licenses (CCL). There have been recent changes in Illinois that are essential to understand. Below the changes are broken down to explain how they directly affect you.

2 Changes to Gun Laws in Illinois

1. Expiration Date

As of January 1st, 2022, FOID cards no longer have printed expiration dates. However, they still have expiration dates, so you will need to monitor when yours needs to be reissued. The new card will have an issue date you can just go ten years from that for FOID and five years from that for the CCL.

FOID cards are valid for ten years after they are issued. At that point, they do need to be renewed. The law has not changed concerning the length of time before it expires. Remember that renewals can be done within 90 days before your card expires.

2. Renewals

These changes will also affect any cards that are due for renewal. If your FOID expires during the term when you carry a CCL, the FOID is automatically renewed with a waived renewal fee. You will then be sent a combined card.

2. Combined Cards

If you also have a valid CCL, the two will be combined into one issued card.

However, this means that if your FOID is suspended, your CCL will also be suspended. Conversely, if your CCL is suspended, you will retain the card, but the Conceal Carry License will no longer appear in the database.

Remember that applications may take time if this is your first time applying for a CCL and FOID. The application screen process can take up to 30 days, and there may be an additional ten-day period after that for printing and mailing the card.

Understanding changes in applicable laws is an essential aspect of being a responsible gun owner. Turn to Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL, for all of your firearm needs. The owners understand every face to gun ownership and are here to help every step of the way, from registering for a conceal carry permit to practicing your shooting. Call (618) 281-6393 to talk to the staff directly or visit their website to learn more.