A fairly common question, and one that has received alot of disinformation from various sources, is the question “Are finger prints required for an Illinois concealed carry license?”

The short and simple answer is probably not.  That’s kind of vague though. In most cases finger prints are not required, however the Illinois FCCL Licensing Review Board may request finger prints on a case by case basis. This request likely would only happen if you have a very common name.  Students who CHOOSE to submit finger prints with their application may receive their License approvals up to 30 days quicker than those who choose to submit their license application without finger prints.

Even though finger prints are optional, some instructors are insisting their students must get finger printed.  While there is nothing wrong with getting finger printed before applying for your Illinois Concealed Carry license, it simply is not true that it is a requirement for every applicant. Infact the added fees for the live scan finger printing service only serves to drive up the price to exercise a freedom, the right to bear arms.

So why are some unscrupulous persons insisting that applicants must be finger printed?  I can’t answer for all, but it’s probably about money.  Some instructors have gotten setup with the very costly Live Scan finger print scanners, and are now trying to recoup that investment. Other live scan finger print vendors whom have been setup scanning for other purposes are offering instructors kick backs.

But don’t take my word for it. The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Licensing Act (FCCL) states the following in regards to finger prints:

The Board shall issue a decision within 30 days of receipt of the objection from the Department. However, the Board need not issue a decision within 30 days if:
(1) the Board requests information from the applicant, including but not limited to electronic fingerprints to be submitted to the Department, in accordance with subsection (e) of this Section, in which case the Board shall make a decision within 30 days of receipt of the required information from the applicant;

(8) a full set of fingerprints submitted to the Department in electronic format, provided the Department may accept an application submitted without a set of in which case the Department shall be granted 30 days in addition to the 90 days provided under subsection (e) of Section 10 of this Act to issue or deny a license;

Sec. 50. License renewal. Applications for renewal of a license shall be made to the Department. A license shall be renewed for a period of 5 years upon receipt of a completed renewal application, completion of 3 hours of training required under Section 75 of this Act, payment of the applicable renewal fee, and completion of an investigation under Section 35 of this Act. The renewal application shall contain the information required in Section 30 of this Act, except that the applicant need not resubmit a full set of fingerprints.

In considering an objection of a law enforcement agency or the Department, the Board shall review the materials received with the objection from the law enforcement agency or the Department. By a vote of at least 4 commissioners, the Board may request additional information from the law enforcement agency, Department, or the applicant, or the testimony of the law enforcement agency, Department, or the applicant. The Board may require that the applicant submit electronic fingerprints to the Department for an updated background check where the Board determines it lacks sufficient information to determine eligibility. The Board may only consider information submitted by the Department, a law enforcement agency, or the applicant. The Board shall review each objection and determine by a majority of commissioners whether an applicant is eligible for a license.

(1) the Board requests information from the applicant, including but not limited to electronic fingerprints, to be submitted to the Department, in accordance with subsection (e) of this Section, in which case the Board shall make a decision within 30 days of receipt of the required information from the applicant;

 

Read the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Licensing Act here: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3497&ChapterID=39

Now that you have the facts, if you are considering an instructor who is telling you that fingerprints are mandatory one of two things is happening; Either the instructor has not read the law, or the instructor is intentionally misleading you. Ask yourself, “Either way is this the right instructor for me?”

 

Update September 8th, 2016