Illinois

Secure Storage
Laws in Illinois

Illinois has some of the strongest gun laws in the country and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a secure storage law, which took effect in Illinois in 2026.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Illinois

Illinois state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms in any location where a child under 18, an individual prohibited from gun possession, or an individual at risk for suicide or causing harm to others is likely to gain access to them. This includes homes, businesses, land, and vehicles. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Unless the firearm is being carried by or under the control of an authorized user, gun owners in Illinois are required to store their firearm(s) securely in any premises, including their homes, where children under 18, people at risk of harming themselves or others, or other prohibited users are likely to gain access to them. Secure storage means storing the firearm in a locked container that renders the firearm inaccessible or unusable to anyone other than the owner or an authorized user.

Unless the firearm is being carried by or under the control of an authorized user, gun owners in Illinois are required to store their firearm(s) securely in vehicles to keep children under 18, people at risk of harm to themselves or others, and other unauthorized users from accessing them.

Secure storage means storing the firearm in a locked container that renders the firearm inaccessible or unusable to anyone other than the owner or an authorized user.

Gun owners may be subject to civil penalties if they fail to follow the above requirements. More serious civil penalties may result if a child under 18, a prohibited individual, or an at-risk individual gains access to an improperly secured firearm and causes injury or death.

By the Numbers

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Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Illinois Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Illinois in English or Spanish.