Illinois Firearm Rights Restoration

In Illinois, anyone with a felony conviction is prohibited from possessing firearms. To legally own or possess a gun, you must hold a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, issued by the Illinois State Police. The process is highly individualized, requiring evidence of rehabilitation, good reputation, and compliance with law.

Pathways to Restoration

Under the FOID Act (430 ILCS 65/10), individuals with prior convictions may petition for relief through one of the following:



Circuit Court Petition

Required for most felony convictions, including forcible felonies, stalking, domestic battery, certain drug offenses, and firearm-related felonies.



FOID Card Review Board Appeal

Available for other disqualifying circumstances.



Pardon, Expungement, or Court Relief

Can allow a direct re-application for a FOID card.

See If You’re Eligible

Criteria for Relief

To succeed, a petitioner must demonstrate:



No forcible felony within 20 years, or 20 years since release from prison.



They are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.



Restoration is not contrary to the public interest.



Restoration would not violate federal law.

Start Your Gun Rights Restoration



Important

Illinois courts cannot restore firearm rights if federal law still prohibits firearm possession.

Eligibility Checklist

Here are key questions to determine eligibility for relief:

Age & Residency

Are you at least 21 years old (or under 21 with parental/guardian consent from an eligible FOID holder)?
Are you a resident of Illinois?

Mental Health & Substance Use

Have you been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution?
Have you been a patient in a mental health facility within the last five years?
Are you intellectually or developmentally disabled?
Are you addicted to narcotics or habitually intoxicated?

Criminal History

Have you been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction?
Have you been convicted of domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery, or a similar offense?
Are you subject to an active protection or restraining order?
Have you been convicted of violent misdemeanors within the last five years?
Are you a fugitive from justice?

Pending Legal Matters

Do you have any pending charges that would disqualify you from possessing a firearm?

If the answer to any disqualifying question is “yes”, you are likely ineligible for a FOID card. If all answers are “no”, you may qualify to pursue restoration.