Companies operating in the State of Illinois as detective, alarm, and security related contractors who seek to employ individuals whose duties include the use of a firearm must first obtain a Firearm Control Card. The Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, Alarm Professions is tasked with regulating the card issuance process, including application requirements, disciplinary issues and renewal. To obtain an FCC, a licensed agency must file a multi-part application along with the individual employee intended to be covered. There are certain exemptions to obtaining a card for individuals who are licensed under other Illinois rules.

Obtaining an FCC

General

To have an FCC issued by the Department, Alarm Professions, an Application for Firearm Control Card must be completed by the individual to be employed and the employer agency. There are two versions of the application form:

1. Licensee or Licensed Agency; and,
2. Proprietary Security Personnel.

The proper application depends on which type of licensing the company has been issued by the Department, Alarm Professions.

Application Requirements

The Application for a Firearm Control Card requires certain information from both the applicant and employer.

• Applicant must supply:
  • Name and address;
  • Social Security Number;
  • Basic appearance and personal data;
  • Firearm Training Number;
  • Type of firearm training; and,
  • Attestations relating to any dishonorable military discharge, criminal offenses, mental illness, drug addiction and previous licensure denial.

• The Licensee/Licensed Agency or Proprietary Security Force must supply:
  • Business name and address; and,
  • The Department, Alarm Professions Registration Number.

Only individuals 21 years of age and older are eligible to apply for an FCC. The initial registration fee for an FCC is $75.

Security Clearance & Background Check

Applicants seeking an FCC must also submit to a criminal background check and fingerprint processing from the Illinois State Police or a licensed fingerprint vendor. Fingerprint processing must occur within 60 days from the date of application. A Certifying Statement of Fingerprint Submission Form must accompany the Application and fee.

Out of state applicants

Those individuals who reside outside the state who will be employed by a Licensee/Licensed Agency or Proprietary Security Force are eligible to apply for and obtain an FCC. Those who are unable to submit to fingerprint processing through the in-state channels can request an ISP fingerprint card, which can be taken to another state police department for processing.

Maintaining a license

Renewal

Holders of an FCC must renew their card every three years on the date specified, which is based upon date of birth.

Candidates may send renewal documents and the $45 registration fee starting the month preceding expiration.

Continuing professional requirements

The Department, Alarm Professions will issue a renewal FCC to the Licensee/Licensed Agency or Proprietary Security Force for the card holder so long as two requirements are met:

1. The card holder has re-qualified under the firearm training requirements at an approved firing range within one year prior to the renewal date; and,

2. The card holder continues to be employed by the Licensee/Licensed Agency or Proprietary Security Force.

Disciplinary Actions

The Department, Alarm Professions has oversight over all rules and regulations related to the conduct of FCC holders and the Licensee/Licensed Agency or Proprietary Security Force. Violations include fraud, misrepresentation, criminal conviction and unethical practices. Licensed agencies are subject to discipline for employing an unlicensed person or individual with an expired FCC in an armed capacity. Penalties may include revocation or suspension of the FCC and other credentials held by the Licensee/Licensed Agency or Proprietary Security Force.

Exemptions

The requirement of companies to obtain a FCC for employees who will handle firearms does not apply to those individuals who already have a valid Illinois license for related professions. Specifically, employees who are licensed as a detective, security contractor, alarm contractor, fingerprint vendor or locksmith license are exempt from the FCC. A person employed as an unarmed security guard at a facility subject to regulation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who has completed required training, does not need a separate FCC.