Since applications became available roughly 23,000 Illinois residents have applied for concealed carry permits.
According to a report by Sauk Valley, Chicago is leading in applications submitted. Between January 5, 2014 and January 13 Chicago received more than 5,300 applications.
Second and third for most applications are Will County and DuPage County which have received more than 1,700 and 1,500 applications, respectively.
Illinois State Police (ISP) set an early application date of December 18, 2013. From that date to January 5 (when applications were available publicly) nearly 7,000 applications were submitted, according to a spokesperson from ISP.
Early applications were available to firearms instructors and applicants who submitted electronic fingerprints before the January 5 launch. The purpose of this was to test the reliability of the system.
Applications are available at the Illinois State Police Department’s website. Applicants can also find answers the Frequently Asked Questions and additional information.