Firearm Safety Resources

Firearm Ownership in Illinois

In order to own or possess a firearm or firearm ammunition in Illinois you must have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. A FOID card is a state-issued identification that shows you are legally eligible to possess firearms or ammunition in Illinois. Without it, an Illinois resident cannot legally possess or acquire firearms, tasers, or ammunition. Visit the Illinois State Police website for details on how to obtain a FOID card. Firearms Services

Conceal and Carry

Under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66), you must have a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) to carry a concealed handgun in public in Illinois. For the guidelines for the conceal carry visit the Illinois State Police website. https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Ccl

Illinois State Law: Safe Gun Storage Act

As of January 1, 2026, Illinois law includes a Safe Gun Storage Act (430 ILCS 64) that requires firearm owners to secure guns in a locked container or otherwise make them inaccessible to unauthorized users if the owner knows or reasonably should know that a minor (under 18), “at-risk” person, or someone prohibited from possessing firearms could access them. HEALTH AND SAFETY – PUBLIC SAFETY

Under this statute:

• Firearms must be kept in a locked container or secured so they are inaccessible or unusable by anyone except the owner or other lawful user.
• Owners are also required to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours.
• Being in physical possession or on your person at the time does not count as stored in a way covered by the statute.

This new law enhances safe storage expectations statewide and reflects a desire to reduce accidental shootings and unauthorized access to firearms.

Local Ordinances in Alton

• Alton’s municipal code (7-2-6) regulates weapons possession and discharge within the city—including prohibiting possession of firearms in vehicles or public spaces except as permitted under Illinois law, and unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits. Because Illinois state law governs firearms storage, local ordinances generally defer to the state’s Safe Gun Storage Act when it comes to safe storage practices. 7-2-6: OFFENSES INVOLVING WEAPONS:

Basic Firearm Safety Reminders

• Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Keep firearms secured and out of reach of unauthorized users, especially children
• Store firearms and ammunition separately whenever possible
• Use a gun lock or other safe storage device at all times

Free Gun Locks

To support safe firearm ownership, the Alton Police Department provides free gun locks to community members. Gun locks are available at the police department during normal business hours, while supplies last.

Additional Resources

We also provide links below to trusted firearm safety education resources, safe storage guidance from public health agencies, and community programs designed to reduce firearm-related accidents and improve public safety:

• Illinois Department of Public Health – Safe Storage Guidance Safe Storage
• U.S. CDC Firearm Safety Resources Preventing Firearm Injury and Death | Firearm Injury and Death Prevention | CDC
• NRA Firearm Safety Tips NRA Gun Safety Rules | NRA Explore
• NRA Youth Firearm Safety The Eddie Eagle Tree House
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety