Illinois generally makes it unlawful for a person to store or leave their firearm unlocked and accessible to a minor under the age of 18 if the person knows or has reason to believe that the minor is likely to gain access to the firearm and the minor causes death or great bodily harm with that firearm.¹ This provision does not apply if the firearm is: 1) secured by a device, other than the firearm safety, designed to render the firearm temporarily inoperable; 2) placed in a securely locked box or container; or (3) if the minor is a FOID Card holder.² The prohibition also is inapplicable to any firearm obtained by a minor because of an unlawful entry of the premises by the minor or another person, or if the minor gains access to a firearm and uses it in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another.³

When a minor under the age of 21 legally acquires a FOID card by obtaining the permission of a parent or guardian, that parent or guardian becomes liable for civil claims for damages resulting from the minor’s use of firearms or ammunition.⁴

Effective January 1, 2026, Illinois prohibits a firearm owner from storing any firearm in any premises where owner knows or reasonably should know that a minor, at-risk person, or prohibited person is likely to gain access to the firearm unless the firearm is secured in a locked container, properly engaged to render the firearm inaccessible or unusable to anyone other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. ⁵

An “at-risk person” means a person who has made statements or exhibited behavior that indicates to a reasonable person there is a likelihood that the person is at risk of attempting suicide or causing harm to themself or others.⁶

Illinois requires firearms dealers, when selling or offering a handgun for sale, to include with the handgun a device or mechanism, other than the firearm safety, designed to render the handgun temporarily inoperable or inaccessible.¹ This may include an external device that is attached to the handgun with a key or combination lock, or an integrated mechanical safety, disabling or locking device. Federal law also applies. These requirements do not apply to sales by private sellers.²