Last updated on February 15th, 2024
It isn’t unusual for a gun store or online dealer to block the sale of ammunition to an Illinois resident. This is mostly done from the fear and ignorance of the dealer. Illinois law specifically allows Illinois residents to buy ammunition from any state.
(b-5) Any resident may purchase ammunition from a person within or outside of Illinois if shipment is by United States mail or by a private express carrier authorized by federal law to ship ammunition. Any resident purchasing ammunition within or outside the State of Illinois must provide the seller with a copy of his or her valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card or valid concealed carry license and either his or her Illinois driver’s license or Illinois State Identification Card prior to the shipment of the ammunition. The ammunition may be shipped only to an address on either of those 2 documents.
(430 ILCS 65/3) (from Ch. 38, par. 83-3)
Layman Translation: Specifically from the Firearm Owner Identification Card Act, anyone with a FOID can buy ammunition from any state so long as they provide a copy of their FOID card or Concealed Carry license, and that ammunition is sent to the address on the FOID card or Concealed Carry License.
Retailers in the know, such as Brownells will ship ammunition to Illinois. Check them out here.
I have often asked dealers to show me “the law” they claim prohibits them from selling, and they can not. However, we must also understand that often the internet dealer may be a drop shipper and is bound by the policies of their distributor. When ever a dealer refuses to sell you ammunition, show them this article.
Laws can and do change frequently. We’ll do our best to keep this article up to date, but you should check the FOID act yourself to verify the validity of this information. This information is not to be considered legal advice.
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We have numerous other articles on this website explaining many of the gun laws in Illinois. The following articles and links may be of interest to you!
Hello,
Thanks for the helpful article. I’m wondering if you can help clarify as I’m listing some ammunition online and received a request from an IL resident.
Do I need to be an FFL to ship ammo after I’ve been provided an FOID and ID, or does the above article apply to private individual sales from out of state as well?
Thanks!
Kenny
An FFL is not required by law to ship ammo, however some shippers may have policies. An IL resident does not need to have an FFL to receive ammo shipments so long as they have a FOID.