By REBECCA ANZEL
Capitol News Illinois
ranzel@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD — Gun owners now have more time to renew a firearm owners identification card and concealed carry license in Illinois.
Emergency rules filed by the Illinois State Police ease renewal requirements during the novel coronavirus pandemic. A submitted renewal application ensures extension of current FOID and CCL permits through the length of the state of emergency declared by Gov. JB Pritzker, plus 12 more months following its expiration.
The ISP said Friday in a news release, however, that personnel will continue to prohibit those who are restricted from either license from obtaining one.
“These emergency rules help ensure that honest gun owners will not be blocked from making firearm purchases,” Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said in a statement. “It has taken some time to get to this point, but we are pleased with the end result.”
He added these rules, which are effective immediately, are the result of “a few weeks of conversations” with the state police.
“The state police now has more time to analyze each renewal application to make sure no one slips through the cracks,” Sen. Julie Morrison, a Democrat from Lake Forest, said in a statement. “The order from ISP also empowers them to prioritize the work they know will be most important in preventing gun violence.”
Those with a license to carry concealed firearms will also not need to present authentication of the required three-hour training immediately, but must do so within 12 months of the termination of Pritzker’s emergency declaration.
“These emergency rules are welcome to many people in my district who have had issues with getting their renewals at no fault of their own and were not allowed to even purchase firearms or ammunition,” Rep. Darren Bailey, a Republican from Xenia, said in a statement.
Motor vehicle deadlines extended as well
Secretary of State Jesse White has extended driver’s license, identification card and vehicle registration expiration dates by at least 90 days after driver services facilities reopen. The extension previously had been only 30 days.
In a statement Friday, White said it “is the right thing to do.”
“It will ensure driver’s licenses, ID cards and vehicle registrations remain valid during this pandemic and will help alleviate the rush of customers visiting facilities once they reopen,” he said.
Facilities were closed after Gov. JB Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order, and will remain shuttered through at least April 30. Illinoisans can renew vehicle registrations, apply for a vehicle title and obtain and renew a driver’s license online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com
