Is a Indiana Non-Resident Permit Valid in Illinois?

Why

• Illinois does not recognize any out-of-state carry permit.
• Whether Indiana issues non-resident permits could not be verified from official sources.

ISP (official 2025 brochure): 'Illinois does not recognize concealed carry licenses from other states.' Sole carve-out: a resident of another state with a valid concealed carry license from their home state may carry a concealed firearm within a vehicle while traveling through Illinois; if the vehicle is left unattended the firearm must be stored in a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view (430 ILCS 66).

Carry rules in Illinois

Crossing into Illinois swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

• Disclosure is on-demand only: upon an officer's request during a stop, the licensee or qualifying non-resident must disclose that they possess a concealed firearm, present the license on request, identify the firearm's location, and permit the officer to secure it for the stop (ISP brochure, per the Concealed Carry Act).
• Illinois limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• Illinois is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Illinois recognizes.
• Illinois CCL holders may carry loaded and concealed in a vehicle; non-residents with a valid home-state license may carry loaded/concealed only within a vehicle; everyone else must transport firearms unloaded and enclosed in a case (or broken down / not immediately accessible).

Off-limits places in Illinois

• Schools and school property
• All state government buildings (posted prohibited areas), courts
• Hospitals and mental health facilities
• Public transportation
• Bars/establishments where over 50% of sales are alcohol
• Public parks, playgrounds and casinos

Frequently asked questions

Is a Indiana non-resident permit valid in Illinois?

Not legal. Indiana non-resident permits are outside Illinois's recognition rules, and Illinois still requires a license to carry. Unloaded, locked transport under federal law is the lawful fallback. One caveat: an official Illinois source does not settle this cleanly for your exact situation, so confirm with Illinois's issuing authority before you carry.

Do I have to tell police in Illinois that I am carrying?

Disclosure is on-demand only: upon an officer's request during a stop, the licensee or qualifying non-resident must disclose that they possess a concealed firearm, present the license on request, identify the firearm's location, and permit the officer to secure it for the stop (ISP brochure, per the Concealed Carry Act).

Does Illinois limit magazine capacity?

Illinois limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.

Where does Illinois publish its official reciprocity list?

Illinois publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.