Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License. Meeting every specification below — correct dimensions, head height, background and expression — is essential to avoid rejection and get your application processed the first time.

Key Features:

• Country: United States (USA)
• Jurisdiction: Illinois
• Document Type: FOID Card and Concealed Carry License
• Issued by: Illinois State Police, Firearms Services Bureau
• Primary Specifications: Digital upload. Color head-and-shoulders photo, plain light background, nothing covering the face. Taken within 30 days for the concealed carry license.

Photo Checking Standards for Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License

When you choose the Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License, the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: Digital head-and-shoulders photo.
2. Head Size and Position: Head and shoulders, nothing covering the face.
3. Background: Plain, light.
4. Lighting and Contrast: The face is evenly lit, without harsh shadows or glare.
5. Facial Expression: A neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.

6. Obstructions: No hats or sunglasses.

7. Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.

8. Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
9. Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
10. Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos for the Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License are often rejected for:

• Wrong size or head size: the photo is not Digital head-and-shoulders photo, or the head is too large or too small.
• Too old: it was not taken within the last 30 days for the Concealed Carry License.
• Wrong background: it is not plain, light, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: no hats or sunglasses.
• Poor lighting: shadows across the face or background.

• Expression: smiling with teeth showing, or eyes not fully open.

• Poor Lighting: Harsh shadows on the face or background.

• Incorrect Background: The background color is not correct or has patterns/shadows.
• Improper Expression: Smiling, frowning, or having teeth visible.
• Glasses Glare: Reflections on eyeglass lenses.
• Head Size: The head is either too large or too small within the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size photo does the Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License need? A: Digital head-and-shoulders photo. Head and shoulders, nothing covering the face.

Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Taken within the last 30 days for the Concealed Carry License.

Q: What do I submit? A: Digital upload with the online application (paper FOID: a color print taped on).

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: No hats or sunglasses.

Q: What background is needed? A: Plain, light.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License on our main page and upload a photo; it is sized, framed and checked against these rules automatically.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required for almost all official ID photos.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting this standard on our main page.

Official Specs & References

For the most up-to-date and legally binding guidelines, refer to the issuing authority: Illinois State Police, Firearms Services Bureau.

Official Reference: Illinois FOID Card and Concealed Carry License – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: Digital head-and-shoulders photo.
• Head: Head and shoulders, nothing covering the face.
• Background: Plain, light.
• Glasses and headwear: No hats or sunglasses.
• How recent: Taken within the last 30 days for the Concealed Carry License.
• What to submit: Digital upload with the online application (paper FOID: a color print taped on).
• Not a photo of your driver license.
• No edits or filters.

Additional Official References:

• Illinois State Police – FOID and CCL