CCL Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common student questions about USAVFT classes and Illinois concealed carry. Legal information is general education, not individual legal advice.
Getting an Illinois CCL
How much training is required for a new Illinois CCL?
Illinois residents generally need 16 hours of firearms training from an ISP-approved instructor before applying.
Do I need a FOID before I apply for a CCL?
ISP states that an Illinois resident applying for a CCL needs a valid FOID card unless the applicant is in the process of obtaining one.
Are fingerprints required?
ISP lists electronic fingerprints as optional but notes that submitting them can expedite a CCL application.
Does completing the class guarantee that ISP will issue my CCL?
No. Training completion provides the required training certificate; licensing decisions are made by the Illinois State Police under applicable law.
USAVFT Classes
What is the difference between the 16-hour, 8-hour and renewal classes?
The 16-hour course is the full initial course. Eligible applicants with qualifying prior credit may need only 8 hours. The renewal course is for existing Illinois CCL holders who need renewal training.
Are USAVFT CCL classes taught in Spanish?
No. The website is available in English and Spanish for convenience, but all USAVFT classes, testing, range commands and required student participation are conducted in English.
Do I need to own a firearm to take the class?
No personal firearm is needed for the in-home classroom portion. USAVFT provides appropriate training aids. Range arrangements and equipment requirements are addressed separately.
Can family members take the class together?
Yes, when scheduling and eligibility requirements can be met. Each student must register and complete all individual requirements.
In-Home Training & Range
Do you really come to my home?
Yes. USAVFT brings the classroom portion of the training to your home. Required live-fire qualification is completed separately at the designated range.
Where is the live-fire qualification?
USAVFT currently uses The Range at 355 in Bolingbrook for required range qualification.
Is the range fee included in the class price?
No unless specifically stated otherwise. Current course pricing is shown separately from the range fee.
Can I bring my personal firearm into the in-home classroom?
USAVFT classroom policy does not permit students to bring personal firearms or ammunition into the in-home classroom area.
Registration, Payment & Student Portal
How do I register?
Use the Register for CCL button on this website to open the secure USAVFT registration and payment system.
What is the rescheduling policy?
More than 7 days before class: no rescheduling charge. Less than 7 but more than 3 days: $25 for renewal or $75 for other classes. At 72 hours or less, the class fee is forfeited. See the Terms & Conditions for the complete policy.
What is the Student Portal for?
Enrolled students use the separate CCL Student Portal for their USAVFT training records and available student resources. The Free Training account is separate.
Where do I complete my waiver?
Use the Waiver link in Student Resources. Your CCL registration and student records remain separate from the Free Training account.
After Class & Illinois Carry Basics
What do I need to apply after training?
ISP currently lists an electronic training certificate, ISP account credentials, valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID, FOID or a pending FOID application, a recent head-and-shoulders photo, and ten years of residency information among the application requirements.
Can a private property owner prohibit concealed carry?
Yes. Illinois law allows owners of private real property to prohibit concealed firearms on property under their control, subject to the Act’s posting rules.
Are there places where concealed carry is prohibited?
Yes. Illinois law identifies numerous prohibited areas, including specified schools, government buildings, public libraries, airports, amusement parks, zoos and museums, among others. Always check current law and posted restrictions.
Do I have to tell an officer I am carrying during a traffic stop?
Under the Illinois Concealed Carry Act, when an officer initiates an investigative stop, a licensee carrying concealed must disclose possession when the officer requests that information and must present the license when requested.
Firearm and licensing laws can change. For licensing requirements and current law, consult the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
Illinois State Police — Concealed Carry · Illinois Concealed Carry Act