Illinois Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Illinois. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Illinois for civilians without felony convictions. There was proposed legislation in 2023 (HB3238) to ban the general possession of body armor, but it did not pass.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required for non-felons. Illinois 720 ILCS 5/33F-1 makes it unlawful for a person convicted of a felony to knowingly possess body armor. Note: Illinois extends the prohibition to all felony convictions, not just violent felonies as under federal law.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online to non-felons. No age restrictions in statute. Retailers are not required to verify felon status, though some voluntarily do.
Penalties
Felon possession of body armor is a Class 4 felony (1-3 years, up to $25,000 fine). Wearing body armor during commission of a felony is an aggravating factor under Illinois sentencing guidelines. Using body armor during a forcible felony can add 2-5 years.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALIllinois classifies brass knuckles as prohibited weapons under 720 ILCS 5/24-1. Possession, sale, or manufacture is illegal except for law enforcement or military purposes.
Possession
Illegal for civilians to possess.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer to civilians.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor with fines and possible jail time.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Illinois with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant state-level changes, but municipalities continue to enact stricter local laws.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Illinois requires a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to carry concealed firearms. Permitless concealed carry is not allowed under 430 ILCS 66/.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry requires a valid CCL; open carry is generally prohibited.
Permit Availability
Sales require FOID card and background checks.
Penalties
Carrying without a permit can result in felony charges under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.
Minimum Age
21 years old to obtain a CCL.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Illinois with no state-level restrictions. Bills to regulate flamethrowers have been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly (e.g., HB0019, HB2355), but have not yet been passed into law.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Illinois with no specific restrictions. Illinois law prohibits the carrying of nunchucks in public.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
ILLEGALOpen carry of firearms is generally prohibited in Illinois. There have been no recent changes to legalize open carry in Illinois.
Open Carry Rules
Illegal for most civilians
Permit Requirements
Firearms sales legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Criminal weapons charges for open carry violations.
Minimum Age
21+
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDIllinois regulates pepper spray under 430 ILCS 65/10. Pepper spray devices must be purchased from licensed dealers, and possession is restricted to persons 18 years or older. The spray must be in containers of 2.5 ounces or less and used only for self-defense.
Carrying
Legal for persons 18+; must be for self-defense only.
Purchase
Must be sold by licensed dealers; no mail order sales allowed.
Penalties
Unlawful possession or use can result in misdemeanor charges with fines and possible imprisonment.
Age Restriction
18 years or older.
Suppressors / Silencers
ILLEGALIllinois prohibits possession, sale, and transfer of firearm silencers under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1. Silencers are classified as illegal weapons, and no exceptions exist for federally registered suppressors.
Ownership (with NFA)
Illegal to possess or transport silencers.
Dealer Availability
Illegal to sell or transfer silencers.
Penalties
Class 3 felony, punishable by 2-5 years imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
N/A
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
ILLEGALIllinois prohibits switchblade knives under 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(10). Possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblades are illegal except for law enforcement or military use. There are strict penalties for violations.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades except for law enforcement or military.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture switchblades.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited regardless of age).
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in Illinois with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. No significant legislative changes since the requirement for a FOID card for stun gun and taser possession was established.
Ownership
Legal with permit or restrictions
Purchase
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Violations may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18-21 depending on jurisdiction