Armed Security License in Illinois

The armed pathway: PERC, FOID card, Firearm Control Card, firearm training, and range qualification. What is required, what it costs, and where the sources conflict.

21+Minimum Age

FOID + FCCRequired

$75FCC Fee

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Overview

The Armed Pathway In Illinois

Armed security officers in Illinois earn several dollars an hour more than unarmed officers, but the licensing bar is higher. On top of a PERC, armed work requires you to be 21 or older, hold a valid FOID card, and earn a separate Firearm Control Card (FCC) through approved firearm training and range qualification.

One rule is strict: you may not carry a firearm while performing security duties until all FCC requirements are satisfied. A concealed carry (CCW) permit does not qualify you to work armed.

Requirements

What You Need To Work Armed

An active Illinois PERC (you generally need this before applying for an FCC)
Minimum age of 21
A valid Illinois FOID card (Firearm Owner's Identification)
Completion of approved firearm training
Passing a range qualification test
A Firearm Control Card issued by IDFPR

Firearm Training

The Hours Question, Answered Honestly

This is the one area where Illinois sources genuinely conflict, so be careful before you pay for a course. IDFPR's security professions page currently references a 48-hour firearm training course, while the current Firearm Control Card application packet references a 40-hour course, and some approved providers advertise shorter firearms courses.

The safe move is to verify the exact current requirement directly with IDFPR and confirm with your chosen training provider that their course satisfies the FCC requirement before enrolling. An unapproved or wrong-length course will not count toward your license.

The FCC

Cost, Range Qualification, and Requalification

The Firearm Control Card application fee is 75 dollars, with a 45 dollar renewal fee. You must pass a live range qualification as part of the process, and armed officers must requalify with their firearm within one year to keep their firearms authorization active. Keep both your PERC and your FCC current, since a lapse in either can pull you off armed posts.

Where and Pay

Armed Work and What It Pays

Armed officers work higher-risk sites: banks, cannabis dispensaries, government buildings, jewelry, and other cash or high-value locations. Dispensary security has grown quickly since Illinois legalized cannabis and is now a steady source of armed posts. In Chicago, armed roles typically pay about 22 to 25 dollars an hour and up, with bank, dispensary, and government sites at the higher end.

FAQ

Armed Security License FAQs

Common questions about the armed pathway in Illinois.

What do I need to work as an armed security officer in Illinois?

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You must be 21 or older and hold an active PERC, a valid FOID card, and a Firearm Control Card, plus complete approved firearm training and pass range qualification.

How many hours of firearm training are required?

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Illinois sources currently conflict: IDFPR's security professions page references a 48-hour course while the Firearm Control Card packet references a 40-hour course, and some providers advertise shorter courses. Verify the exact requirement with IDFPR and your provider before paying.

How much does the Firearm Control Card cost?

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The FCC application fee is 75 dollars, with a 45 dollar renewal fee. That is on top of your PERC, FOID, and firearm training costs.

Can I use my concealed carry permit to work armed?

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No. A CCW permit does not qualify you to work as an armed security officer. You need the Firearm Control Card and to meet all its requirements.

Do armed officers have to requalify?

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Yes. Armed officers must requalify with their firearm within one year to keep their authorization active, and they renew the FCC to stay compliant.