Illinois FFL Transfer Guide: Laws, Fees & Finding a Local FFL

Buying a gun online and shipping it to Illinois involves more steps than most states. Between the mandatory FOID card, state-level waiting periods, and the dual-background-check system, Illinois buyers who skip the research end up with delayed or rejected transfers. This guide covers everything you need to know before clicking “buy.”

Illinois FOID Card: Your First Requirement

Before you can purchase or possess any firearm or ammunition in Illinois, you need a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, issued by the Illinois State Police. If you don’t already have one, apply at ispfsb.com — the fee is $11 for a 10-year card. Processing typically takes 30–60 days, though backlogs have pushed this to 90+ days at times.

Without a valid FOID card, no Illinois FFL dealer can legally complete your transfer. Order your card well before you plan to buy online.

Illinois FFL Transfer: How It Works

When you purchase a firearm from an online retailer or private seller in another state, it must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer in Illinois who completes the transfer on your behalf. The process:

1. Find a local FFL dealer willing to accept third-party transfers and get their FFL information
2. Provide the dealer’s FFL license number and address to the seller at checkout
3. The seller ships directly to your chosen FFL — firearms cannot ship to your home
4. When the gun arrives, the FFL contacts you to schedule pickup
5. At pickup, you present your valid FOID card and government-issued photo ID
6. The FFL runs a background check through both NICS (federal) and ISP (Illinois State Police)
7. You wait out the mandatory waiting period (see below)
8. You take possession of the firearm

Illinois Waiting Periods

Illinois imposes mandatory waiting periods between purchase and pickup:

• Handguns and assault weapons: 72-hour waiting period
• Rifles and shotguns (non-assault weapon): 24-hour waiting period

These waiting periods are non-negotiable — even if your background check clears immediately, you cannot take possession until the waiting period expires.

Illinois Background Check: Two-System Process

Illinois runs a dual background check system that’s unique in the country. Your FFL dealer submits to both:

• NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System): The standard federal check run by all FFL dealers nationwide
• Illinois State Police FTIP (Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program): A separate state-level check that cross-references the FOID database and additional state records

Both checks must clear before the transfer proceeds. The ISP check can sometimes take longer than NICS, so plan accordingly.

FFL Transfer Fees in Illinois

Illinois FFL dealers typically charge between $25 and $75 per transfer, with the state average around $35–$50. Some shops charge more for handguns than long guns, and dealers in Chicago metro areas often charge at the higher end. Always confirm the fee before shipping your firearm — ask specifically:

• What is your transfer fee for handguns vs. long guns?
• Are there additional fees for background checks or processing?
• How long do you hold a firearm after it arrives?
• Do you charge a storage fee if pickup is delayed?

Illinois-Specific Restrictions to Know

Beyond the transfer process, Illinois buyers need to be aware of several state-level restrictions:

• Magazine capacity limits: Illinois has no statewide magazine cap, but Chicago, Cook County, and several municipalities restrict magazines to 10 rounds or fewer
• Assault weapon definitions: Illinois defines certain semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns as “assault weapons” — these trigger the 72-hour waiting period
• Chicago requirements: The City of Chicago has its own additional regulations, including a firearms dealer ordinance that restricts where FFL transfers can occur within city limits
• Private sales: As of 2019, all private firearms transfers in Illinois must go through an FFL with a NICS check — even between two private individuals

Finding an FFL Dealer in Illinois

Not every gun shop advertises FFL transfer services prominently, and fees vary widely. The best approach is to use a directory like GunTransfers.com to find dealers in your area, then call to confirm their transfer fee and current turnaround time before providing their information to your online seller.

When evaluating a dealer, ask about their experience with the specific type of firearm you’re buying — some shops are more familiar with NFA items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles) than others, and NFA transfers involve additional federal paperwork and wait times measured in months.

Find an FFL Dealer Near You →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a FOID card to do an FFL transfer in Illinois?

Yes. You must present a valid FOID card at the time of transfer. Without one, the FFL dealer cannot legally complete the transaction.

Can the online seller ship a handgun directly to me in Illinois?

No. All firearm transfers in Illinois, including online purchases, must go through a licensed FFL dealer. Handguns cannot be shipped directly to individuals anywhere in the US regardless of state law.

How long does an Illinois FFL transfer take?

From the time the firearm arrives at the FFL to pickup: at least 72 hours for handguns and assault weapons, 24 hours for other long guns. NICS and ISP background checks typically clear within the waiting period, but delays can extend the timeline.

What happens if my background check is delayed?

A “Delay” response means the FBI needs more time to research your records. Under federal law, the dealer can transfer after 3 business days if they choose to — but in Illinois, the ISP check must also clear, and most dealers wait for a “Proceed” rather than transferring on a delay.

Are suppressors legal in Illinois?

Yes, suppressors are legal to own in Illinois with proper NFA paperwork (Form 4, $200 tax stamp, ~12-month ATF wait). The suppressor ships to your Illinois FFL dealer and you complete the transfer there once ATF approves.

Does Chicago have special FFL transfer rules?

Yes. Chicago restricts where licensed gun dealers can operate and has additional regulations for firearm transfers within city limits. If you live in Chicago, verify that your chosen FFL is authorized to handle transfers in the city before shipping your firearm.

The bottom line: Illinois FFL transfers are more complex than most states, but the process is well-established. Get your FOID card, find a reputable dealer, and budget 3–5 days for the full process once your firearm arrives.