Although DHS does not administer the Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) in Illinois, DHS does play an important role in the activities that go into implementing the FOID program. If you are a provider of mental health treatment in Illinois the following information may be helpful in understanding the statutory basis of FOID and whether or not you have responsibilities for reporting information to the Department of Human Services.
In 1967, Illinois enacted legislation to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by providing a system of identifying persons who are not qualified to acquire or possess firearms and firearm ammunition within the State of Illinois. The Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Act designated the Illinois State Police (ISP) as responsible for administering the ACT (Laws 1967, p.2600, approved August 3, 1967, effective July 1, 1968. Codified at Illinois Revised Statutes, Ch. 38, Section 83-1 et seq.).
In 2007 Public Act 095-0564 & Public Act 095-0581 amended the FOID legislation. Most importantly "who must report" was expanded beyond inpatient hospital settings to include a number of other entities. These amendments also changed what information is reported and requires reporting within 7 days rather than every 30 days.
Reporting is accomplished via the web based system, called FOID Reporting System, developed and maintained by the Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS is responsible for comparing the data reported against the State Police FOID files to identify possible matches. The ISP is then responsible for investigating and processing the application for the FOID card.
DHS monitors compliance with reporting requirements and reports deficiencies to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Department of Financial and Professional Regulations, and other state authorities as needed.
Who Needs to Report?
Individually Licensed Mental Health Practitioners and Reporting Institutions can use the FOID Reporting System. Descriptions and what to report are listed on the Individually Licensed Mental Health Practitioners and Reporting Institutions information pages.
Apply for a FOID Card
If you are wanting a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card.Apply for a FOID card at Illinois State Police. (www.isp.state.il.us/foid)
Any Questions
If you have questions email us at DHS.FOID@Illinois.Gov
