The Law Office of David G. Sigale and the Illinois State Rifle Association’s office, have been receiving calls for months regarding the Illinois State Police’s backlog of FOID and concealed carry license renewals. People who timely filed their renewal applications waited patiently, long after the deadline for processing, only to see they now have expired licenses and no sign that the situation was to be remedied. Although the law said their licenses were valid for a limited time, that time had run out. Sometimes your license status would officially be listed as “under review,” but the extension did not necessarily help you with the local police who saw only an expired card. It did not help with purchases of firearms or ammunition, as merchants also saw only an expired card. And good luck getting into a gun range with a (facially) expired card.
Thanks to the hard work of the ISRA, and the cooperation of the Illinois State Police, the ISP put out the following Release today, changing the Rules so that an expired FOID and/or ICCL is still valid for up to 12 months following the declared end of the Coronavirus pandemic. Merchants will reportedly be advised of this rule change, as well.
Obviously, this is good news for frustrated licensees. And while efforts to improve (or eliminate) the FOID system continue in Illinois, it is hopeful this rule change will give people one less thing to worry about while sheltering-in-place.
If you are still having FOID or CCL problems, please contact the Firm. You can read the Illinois State Police Press Release below.
The Law Firm of David G. Sigale, P.C. was founded to serve the legal needs of the Chicago metropolitan area. Mr. Sigale has counseled and represented corporate and individual clients across the United States and internationally. He believes in protecting Americans from improper attempts by the government to infringe upon their constitutional rights. His firm services clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, and as well as reviews matters in other locations on a case-by-case basis. Contact the firm for a consultation.
