Carry etiquette while in other people’s homes

[StuckInIllinois]

So in a nutshell, while visiting other people’s homes, either friends or acquaintances, do you ask permission or notify to carry?
Most of my longtime friends know that I carry, and probably have forgotten by now, and it’s not an issue. But, when maybe visiting a home for the first time do you discreetly ask permission, leave it in the car or just live by “concealed means concealed”. 
I have done all three options at various times, but am unsure of legal/social requirements. And I’m more inclined to carry and zip my pie hole 😁.

Thanks for any opinions and/or insight. 
 

Have a blessed week. 

[Jeffrey]

What they don't know won't hurt them.

[John Q Public]

Without prior permission you are in violation. I know people will disagree, but they are wrong.  All private, land/property are prohibited without prior permission. 

[jc2601]

On 7/21/2026 at 12:41 PM, John Q Public said:

Without prior permission you are in violation. I know people will disagree, but they are wrong.  All private, land/property are prohibited without prior permission. 

False. Let's not spread incorrect information. 

 

"430 ILCS 66/65 Prohibited Locations.

...

(a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence."

 

They can ban carry, and if a private residence do not have to post an ISP-compliant sign to that effect, but it is most certainly not banned by default unless given permission.

[John Q Public]

On 7/21/2026 at 1:14 PM, jc2601 said:

False. Let's not spread incorrect information. 

 

"430 ILCS 66/65 Prohibited Locations.

...

(a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence."

 

They can ban carry, and if a private residence do not have to post an ISP-compliant sign to that effect, but it is most certainly not banned by default unless given permission.

No, this is reference to property that is open to the public, as in a business!  You are 100% wrong, not private, non-public property does not requires a sign to prevent some armed person to violate that property. The only property which must post a sign, is a place the public has the right to enter, for business/public. These places are required to post. I do not need to post a sign, on my property to prevent you from trespassing, or entering with firearms.  Is this not self evident?

 

If you think that way, then anyone can walk on your property with a firearm and they are within the law to do so? NOT.

 

The way your see the law, you can walk on my property with a loaded gun, and unless I have a sign, you are lawful to do so? Ignorance is bliss.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 21, 2026 at 08:18 PM by John Q Public

[Jeffrey]

lol, a sign.

Allow myself to quote myself:  

On 7/21/2026 at 10:37 AM, Jeffrey said:

What they don't know won't hurt them.

 

[Euler]

The statue says what it means. The owner of any private property (including property not open to the public) may ban carry. Owners of private property open to the public must post a sign. Owners of private property not open to the public are not required to post a sign. By implication, owners of private property not open to the public still need to inform guests that carry is banned. It is not banned by default.

I would argue that many cases of private property not open to the public could be covered by the general moral rule "Don't be a dick." If you know what your host doesn't want, but he hasn't said it, don't crap in his living room and then say "You didn't tell me not to."

Also, you have no duty to inform. Choose wisely.

[jc2601]

"You are 100% wrong, not private, non-public property does not requires a sign to prevent some armed person to violate that property".

 

I 100% never said that, please go back and re-read my post. I quoted the law.  You stated "Without prior permission you are in violation." That is not in the law. Please show us where that is in the law, since it's clearly not in the FCCL statute.

 

Private property owners *can* ban carry on their property. They don't have to post a sign. They do have to otherwise communicate to invitees that carry is banned. How else would somebody know? Prior affirmative permission is not required in this state.

 

See Hawaii vampire law being struck down recently - where they did attempt to codify prior affirmative permission. If it was the law in IL it would need to be spelled out similar to what they attempted.

 

For the record, again, of course you can ban people for any reason you want, including no reason at all. Hair style, religion, smell, or in my case - if you have a CCL and are NOT carrying - but such things have to be communicated before trespassing has occured.

 

 

[TomKoz]

Sometimes it is better to as for forgiveness, rather than permission !

[Tip]

On 7/21/2026 at 12:41 PM, John Q Public said:

Without prior permission you are in violation. I know people will disagree, but they are wrong.  All private, land/property are prohibited without prior permission. 

Violation of what? - the law?
Can you please provide a citation for your assertion that all private land/property are prohibited without prior permission?

 

[Smallbore]

I am no good at finding a statute. The above quotes are from the FCCA. I remember (for what little that's worth) that prior to passage of the fcca separate legislature was passed requiring getting permission from the land owner. Someone smarter then me hopefully can find it. (assuming but pretty sure it does exist)

[John Q Public]

On 7/22/2026 at 6:52 AM, Tip said:

Violation of what? - the law?
Can you please provide a citation for your assertion that all private land/property are prohibited without prior permission?

 

 

So, you would say, that it is okay, to walk anyone's land, or property with a firearm? Yes, there are many laws including those with firearms in relation to homes, and hunting. The amazing thing is, you actually think, someone trespassing, on another's property, may do so with a firearm? If you do not have prior permission, and you are on my land, you are not only trespassing, you are doing so with a firearm. Does anyone care to educate the man on the illegality of doing so? 

 

Never mind, I got this...

Legal Consequences of Trespassing with a Firearm in Illinois

In Illinois, trespassing with a firearm can result in significant legal repercussions. The use of a firearm in a threatening manner may lead to charges of aggravated assault. This is particularly relevant if the firearm is pointed at another person, as this action constitutes an assault under Illinois law.

Key Legal Points

• Aggravated Assault: Defined as using a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, in a threatening manner. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.

• Trespassing Charges: Trespassing can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. For example, criminal trespass to land is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor in certain situations.

Now, you can say you have a pass/permit, in the city, or wherever to knock on your door, but this still doesn't not permit you to carry on private personal property, without prior permission. You can't even carry on public transports in IL, you thing personal  property is okay, for real? Done! 

Edited July 22, 2026 at 06:46 PM by John Q Public

[John Q Public]

Sorry for the typos, but it was closed to edit, before I read it back. 

[mauserme]

On 7/22/2026 at 1:32 PM, John Q Public said:

 

So, you would say, that it is okay, to walk anyone's land, or property with a firearm? Yes, there are many laws including those with firearms in relation to homes, and hunting. The amazing thing is, you actually think, someone trespassing, on another's property, may do so with a firearm? If you do not have prior permission, and you are on my land, you are not only trespassing, you are doing so with a firearm. Does anyone care to educate the man on the illegality of doing so? 

 

Never mind, I got this...

Legal Consequences of Trespassing with a Firearm in Illinois

In Illinois, trespassing with a firearm can result in significant legal repercussions. The use of a firearm in a threatening manner may lead to charges of aggravated assault. This is particularly relevant if the firearm is pointed at another person, as this action constitutes an assault under Illinois law.

Key Legal Points

• Aggravated Assault: Defined as using a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, in a threatening manner. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.

• Trespassing Charges: Trespassing can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. For example, criminal trespass to land is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor in certain situations.

Now, you can say you have a pass/permit, in the city, or wherever to knock on your door, but this still doesn't not permit you to carry on private personal property, without prior permission. You can't even carry on public transports in IL, you thing personal  property is okay, for real? Done! 

 

OP's question is predicated on the idea of "visiting other people’s homes, either friends or acquaintances", which implies visiting as an invitee.   The answers that followed seemed to be based on this implication.

 

Trespassing, either with or without a firearm, is a different issue.

 

 

[John Q Public]

On 7/22/2026 at 1:52 PM, mauserme said:

 

OP's question is predicated on the idea of "visiting other people’s homes, either friends or acquaintances", which implies visiting as an invitee.   The answers that followed seemed to be based on this implication.

 

Trespassing, either with or without a firearm, is a different issue.

 

 

Predicated, Ill have to look that up.  This a false premise, I invite you over for dinner, does this invite mean I give you permission to bring firearms? How does, lets eat and have drinks equate to permission to bring firearms, it does not. If you want to carry on PP then ask, otherwise it's not legit. I hate this forward and back, but Unless you ask, you are in violation... I don't give a damn if anyone agrees, You may not carry on my private property, without my permission. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2026 at 07:05 PM by John Q Public

[mauserme]

On 7/22/2026 at 2:01 PM, John Q Public said:

Predicated, Ill have to look that up.  This a false premise, I invite you over for dinner, does this invite mean I give you permission to bring firearms? How does, lets eat and have drinks equate to permission to bring firearms, it does not. If you want to carry on PP then ask, otherwise it's not legit. I hate this forward and back, but Unless you ask, you are in violation... I don't give a damn if anyone agrees, You may not carry on my private property, without my permission. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your question implies that permission is needed.  I don't read the law to require permission. 

 

I read it to allow the homeowner to prohibit carry if they wish to so, if the owner tells you can't carry, then it wouldn't be legal to do so.

 

 

 

 

[TomKoz]

On 7/22/2026 at 2:01 PM, John Q Public said:

Predicated, Ill have to look that up.  This a false premise, I invite you over for dinner, does this invite mean I give you permission to bring firearms? How does, lets eat and have drinks equate to permission to bring firearms, it does not. If you want to carry on PP then ask, otherwise it's not legit. I hate this forward and back, but Unless you ask, you are in violation... I don't give a damn if anyone agrees, You may not carry on my private property, without my permission. 

 

 

 

 

 

Can someone bring a pocket knife onto your property without permission ?

 

Can someone bring a wallet onto your property without permission ?

 

What’s the difference ?

[sctman800]

   The only place I have found prior permission being needed is if it is an out of state visitor.  As in if a person has a permit from their home state they may carry inside their vehicle or on personal property with permission of the owner.   Jim.

[Jeffrey]

On 7/22/2026 at 2:01 PM, John Q Public said:

You may not carry on my private property, without my permission. 

 

 

 

 

 

When I read something like this here makes me realize why we are in the situation we are.  Assuming you have the sign on your front door?

[ryr8828]

On 7/22/2026 at 2:01 PM, John Q Public said:

Predicated, Ill have to look that up.  This a false premise, I invite you over for dinner, does this invite mean I give you permission to bring firearms? How does, lets eat and have drinks equate to permission to bring firearms, it does not. If you want to carry on PP then ask, otherwise it's not legit. I hate this forward and back, but Unless you ask, you are in violation... I don't give a damn if anyone agrees, You may not carry on my private property, without my permission. 

 

 

 

 

 

That's your right, I won't be visiting.

 

If I trust someone enough to ask them to my house for drinks, I certainly trust them enough to carry a firearm concealed. I'll appreciate the backup. If they don't know how to handle themselves, they wouldn't have been invited in the first place.

[John Q Public]

On 7/23/2026 at 9:02 AM, ryr8828 said:

That's your right, I won't be visiting.

 

If I trust someone enough to ask them to my house for drinks, I certainly trust them enough to carry a firearm concealed. I'll appreciate the backup. If they don't know how to handle themselves, they wouldn't have been invited in the first place.

 

That's  good point and the main reason I will choose. Look at it this way to, maybe, see where I'm coming from. I have some friends, I would never hunt with because of the casual thought, or lack thereof to safety. Many years ago, I had a friend, invite his friend, to go hunting with us, he was hunting hot with no safety, went through some brush and bang! If someone is going to have a loaded firearm, around me and mine, I choose to know their skill set, and safety, before granting them permission, on my land. I have seen some serious dumb moves on ranges and in public. I can't tell you how many times someone has swept me, or others on the ranges. It happens in competition when people get moving faster than their skill set allows, and it happens from a lack of skill and safety procedures. Anyway, nobody should take this as my leaning into more gun control, anyone who has read my posts, over the years, can see this is not so. 

 

I've trained thousands, and they all have permission to come locked and loaded, but I'll be damned if I will risk the family on the hope they know what they are doing. 

 

You may agree, you may not, I'm good with that either way. 

 

This is not directed at ryr8826, it's for all. I have some Police friends, I would not give, some of them, permission to carry an Airsoft. 

 

Anyway, "That's all folks!"

 

 

 

Edited July 23, 2026 at 03:49 PM by John Q Public

[Tip]

And John Q you are certainly entitled to that opinion, and certainly entitled to request or ban whoever you wish from carrying on your property— I do not think any here take exception to that.  
 

What I take exception to is your assertion that “Without prior permission you are in violation” and that 

“All private, land/property are prohibited without prior permission”.

 

I’ll ask again - in violation of what? The law - provide a citation, your wishes - that’s entirely your right.

 

As for the second assertion - you make a blanket statement covering “All private, land/property” can you provide a citation for this?
Your citations of trespassing laws are not particularly relevant to the assertion you make.

[StuckInIllinois]

Well, thanks for the info and opinions fellas. 
 

 

 

Have a blessed week 😊

[John Q Public]

On 7/23/2026 at 11:30 AM, Tip said:

And John Q you are certainly entitled to that opinion, and certainly entitled to request or ban whoever you wish from carrying on your property— I do not think any here take exception to that.  
 

What I take exception to is your assertion that “Without prior permission you are in violation” and that 

 

“All private, land/property are prohibited without prior permission”.

 

I’ll ask again - in violation of what? The law - provide a citation, your wishes - that’s entirely your right.

 

As for the second assertion - you make a blanket statement covering “All private, land/property” can you provide a citation for this?
Your citations of trespassing laws are not particularly relevant to the assertion you make.

 (a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence.

 

In Illinois, trespassing is categorized into different forms, including criminal trespass to real property and criminal trespass to vehicles. Criminal trespass to real property occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains on land without the owner’s consent. It’s important to note that this doesn’t just apply to blatant violations; even accidental entries can sometimes qualify as trespassing. On the other hand, criminal trespass to vehicles occurs when an individual enters a vehicle without permission from the owner.

Edited July 24, 2026 at 01:04 PM by John Q Public

[TomKoz]

On 7/24/2026 at 7:51 AM, John Q Public said:

 (a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence.

 

In Illinois, trespassing is categorized into different forms, including criminal trespass to real property and criminal trespass to vehicles. Criminal trespass to real property occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains on land without the owner’s consent. It’s important to note that this doesn’t just apply to blatant violations; even accidental entries can sometimes qualify as trespassing. On the other hand, criminal trespass to vehicles occurs when an individual enters a vehicle without permission from the owner.

Unless you post a sign or verbally notify every person coming onto your property how are they supposed to know that you prohibit firearms, or pocket knives, or sticks and stones from being on your property?

 

Many people enter numerous homes on a daily basis (service techs, sales people, etc) while concealed carrying.   Unless the property owner pats them down, uses a metal detector, or performs a strip search - the homeowner prohibiting firearms on their property is unaware.

 

Hmmm, has any concealed carrying person EVER been arrested for carrying on someone’s private property that wasn’t posted?  What about even if it was Posted ??

[Tip]

On 7/24/2026 at 7:51 AM, John Q Public said:

 (a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence.

 

In Illinois, trespassing is categorized into different forms, including criminal trespass to real property and criminal trespass to vehicles. Criminal trespass to real property occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains on land without the owner’s consent. It’s important to note that this doesn’t just apply to blatant violations; even accidental entries can sometimes qualify as trespassing. On the other hand, criminal trespass to vehicles occurs when an individual enters a vehicle without permission from the owner.

Yes you can prohibit folks from carrying on your property - that is not in dispute.

As for trespassing — Criminal trespass to real property occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains on land without the owner’s consent.

If you invite them in it’s not trespassing. If they remain after being asked to leave then it is trespassing.
If YOU do not inform them you ban carrying and then invite them in and they are carrying it is NOT trespassing unless they remain after you ask them to leave….

If YOU inform them you don’t want them carrying and invite them in and they carry it is NOT trespassing. It’s possibly a violation of FCCL but it’s certainly not trespassing.

 

ALL of this is predicated on “knowingly” — You must inform them of your wishes - nowhere is “prior permission” a requirement. 
It simply is not a violation of anything unless first you inform them of your wishes.
 

You certainly have a right to ban carrying on your property BUT you must make it known that you do. While it’s good etiquette to ask prior to carrying there simply is no requirement anywhere to get “prior permission”.

[Felixd]

If Mr. Public invited you to his home, don’t go. One can only imagine what would come of it if you did. 

[burningspear]

John Q. Public, guess who's coming to dinner.  Not me.  (Your vampire rule is your rule and not supported by law.)

[Vodoun da Vinci]

My response is just like Euler's. I carry everywhere it is legal to do so - unless it is posted legally with the correct signage, or one of the forbidden places like school, Fed buildings, the PO, etc. I carry. If somehow I am asked to leave because someone discerns that I am armed I would do so without hesitation. If I visit someone I know is not wanting armed folks on their property, I honor that if I can. 

 

Generally speaking, going armed is my Lifestyle and my "circle" of friends and family know that if I'm present, I am armed. Seriously it's never been an issue.

 

VooDoo

Edited July 24, 2026 at 04:56 PM by Vodoun da Vinci

[John Q Public]

On 7/24/2026 at 11:31 AM, burningspear said:

John Q. Public, guess who's coming to dinner.  Not me.  (Your vampire rule is your rule and not supported by law.)

It's all good, you aren't invited, some of you have said you will not come to my house... What makes you think I would ever invite you, this is a non issue. I'll get back o the other BS tomorrow, for the lat time. I t seems some of you have become militant, to anyone who does not see things as you do. You should check that as it's the same thing the left does, time after time, Unless, I believe like you I am the enemy. Reads like no tolerance, except for your own views. I'm not the bad guy, but if I don't agree with you, then I'm the bad guy. Left/Right. if you don't listen, you will never hear/\. 

Edited July 24, 2026 at 05:26 PM by John Q Public