Illinois non resident

[Leadmaster]

So I go to college in chicago but live in CA. I am pretty sure that makes me a non resident and able to "transport" firearms through the state. More specifically I'm talking about having a handgun in a locked case in say a backpack. Would this technically be legal since I am "transporting it"?

-Any help appreciated

[stix213]

The federal transport law in theory protects you when transporting between two locations where you can legally possess the firearm. So for this to protect you, you'd need to legally be able to posses the firearm in Chicago. It won't cover you while just walking around town in Chicago doing your daily routine either.

Also, this is in theory you are protected, but in practice it will just be a good argument for your lawyer to use in front of a jury.

[secretspoon]

As a former IL resident:

FOID is only needed for Residents - non-residents are not required to possess a FOID.

Gun needs to be cased and either not readily accessible (i.e., locked) or broken down in a non-functioning state. Ammunition can be carried in the same case.

Here's ISP's doc on transportation: http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/transgun0-000.pdf

[Leadmaster]

so therefore if I put it in like a locked macbook case, unloaded, then I would be okay walking around with it in a backpack?

[kermit315]

FOPA wont protect you as it is intended for transport directly to/from locations. once you started carrying it around in a back pack, or notebook case, you are no longer directly traveling. Not completely sure how it would work for a college student though, with temporary residence in the state.

I keep my FOID and Illinois license/registration active for just this reason, btw.....so I can shoot when I am at home with no hassle.

[Leadmaster]

yea see thats the problem I have, there is a way to carry it if I had a FOID card but being a non-resident I cannot get one.

[NealDA]

Illinois will not allow you to carry in any form, shape or manner. No open/concealed or anything. Only transporting in vehicles from home/store or usage like hunting, going to a range. The only legal way in Illinois is just like stated above. + Since you are not an Illinois resident you cannot purchase ammo at all without a FOID card, I was born there and moved out officially after my military service, no desire to go back.

[Mateba]

You don't need a FOID (if you are a nonresident) to buy ammo in Illinois...at least not shotshells...if you are a resident of Illinois you are required to have it, if you are not a resident of Illinois you are not.

I bought some shotgun ammo in Moline on a hunting trip last year, no problem...at the farm n' fleet

[ChuangTzu]

OP, the problem is that you live in Chicago (I assume).

While non-residents can possess firearms in IL in general, it is illegal to possess a firearm in Chicago without also possessing a Chicago firearm registration for that specific firearm. In fact, it's illegal to possess ammunition in Chicago in any caliber for which you don't also have a Chicago firearm registration.

The problem arises because one cannot register a firearm in Chicago without first having a FOID.

[Leadmaster]

I technically "live" in CA but go to school in chicago. Buying ammo isn't the problem, I just need to find out if Im able to transport it unloaded and in a case, anywhere in chicago.

[Thelaststand]

All this talk about permit, registration, can't buy ammo, can't carry, need to lock up gun makes me want to vomit.

[Librarian]

OP, the problem is that you live in Chicago (I assume).

While non-residents can possess firearms in IL in general, it is illegal to possess a firearm in Chicago without also possessing a Chicago firearm registration for that specific firearm. In fact, it's illegal to possess ammunition in Chicago in any caliber for which you don't also have a Chicago firearm registration.

The problem arises because one cannot register a firearm in Chicago without first having a FOID.

I technically "live" in CA but go to school in chicago. Buying ammo isn't the problem, I just need to find out if Im able to transport it unloaded and in a case, anywhere in chicago.

Your answer appears to be in the post just ahead of yours - see bold.

In short, no.

[Suvorov]

Why not gain Illinois Residency?

[CHS]

I technically "live" in CA but go to school in chicago. Buying ammo isn't the problem, I just need to find out if Im able to transport it unloaded and in a case, anywhere in chicago.

Just go dual-residence. As a student you definitely qualify. Keep your CA DL and then get a illinois ID at the address where you live while going to school there.

Now you are a dual-resident and have Illinois/Chicago residence to qualify for a FOID so that you can be legal.

Chicago is one of the most firearms-hostile cities there is. Do you really want to run afoul of the law there with that much open hostility? It shouldn't be hard for you to just get an Illinois ID and make yourself legal.

[Leadmaster]

Dual residency might be an option i have to consider...

However this is bothering me, on the illinois state police website:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/1-154.pdf

The very bottom left question. Can someone explain that to me?