Illinois firearm owners are encouraged to file paperwork early for Firearm Owner Identification Cards renewals.
The first wave of 10-year renewals are expected to create a backlog of applications.
Last week, State Representative Dan Swanson said more than 50,000 FOID cards are due for renewal this summer.
He urges his constituents to renew as early as possible to allow an adequate amount of time for processing.
Swanson, along with Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz recommend getting the renewal at least a month or two in advance.
FOID card applications require state and federal background checks and a review from the Illinois Department of Human Services – to assure an applicant has not been in a mental institution in the past five years.
Those that expire on June 1st have already been sent a renewal notice.
The cost is $10 and applicants can renew online at ispfsb.com .
To apply, you must be an Illinois resident and have a valid state issued driver’s license or state ID.
Applicants under 21 must have a parent’s signature and must make sure the name and address on the FOID application matches the state issued ID.
