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Illinois Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Restricted: Without an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), a handgun in a vehicle must be broken down, not immediately accessible, or unloaded and in a case, and residents need a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card.
Without an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), a handgun in a vehicle must be broken down, not immediately accessible, or unloaded and in a case, and residents need a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. The Concealed Carry Act says it does not prohibit a non-resident who is legal to carry at home (with that state's permit, if one is required) from transporting a concealed handgun within their vehicle, locked up when left. The weapons-crime statutes have no matching exception, so loaded carry is unsettled. Uncased, loaded, accessible carry without a CCL is usually a Class 4 felony.
Official source: isp.illinois.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering Illinois
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IndianaConditional
Under Indiana's permitless carry, a proper person 18 or older may carry a handgun in a vehicle. Someone who isn't eligible should transport it unloaded, not accessible, and in a secured case (IC 35-47-2-1.5).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
- IowaConditional
At 18 or older, you may carry or transport a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit, loaded or unloaded, openly or concealed, unless Iowa law bars you from carrying. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
- KentuckyPermitted
In Kentucky, anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a handgun may carry it in a vehicle, loaded, concealed or openly, without a permit. At any age, a loaded or unloaded handgun is not treated as concealed if it is in a factory-installed compartment such as the glove box, center console, or seat pocket. Under 21 without a license, a handgun concealed on or about you outside such a compartment is a Class A misdemeanor.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MissouriPermitted
Anyone 19 or older, or 18 or older if in or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, may carry a lawfully possessed handgun in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle without a permit. Younger people must keep the firearm unloaded with ammunition not readily accessible, or keep the firearm itself not readily accessible.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- WisconsinConditional
A handgun may be carried loaded and uncased in a vehicle without a license. It may not be hidden and within reach, which counts as carrying concealed (a Class A misdemeanor). A handgun in a glove box or on a seat can count as concealed. Without a license Wisconsin recognizes, keep it out of reach. A licensee, including a visitor with a recognized permit, may carry it concealed.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: wisdoj.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →
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