Missouri and Illinois may be neighbors, but you should know that their gun laws are not the same. Missouri’s and Illinois’s gun laws are different enough that it’s possible that you could get into trouble with the law if you take a gun between the states in the wrong direction.

Missouri’s gun laws state that you don’t need a permit to carry. Open carrying is allowed, and there are no required background checks on private gun sales. No one needs to register their firearms, and there are no restrictions on the size of the magazines used in guns.

Illinois is very different, which is why some people run into trouble when taking a gun from Missouri into Illinois.

In Illinois, you will need a carry permit to have a handgun. A purchase permit is required if you want to buy a gun, and you will need an FOID card.

While you won’t need to register the firearm, you will need to have a background check run for any private gun sales. Open carry is not allowed in this state.

It’s important to know the differences between state gun laws

You need to know the differences between state gun laws because not following the state’s laws in whatever state you’re in could lead to state or federal charges. While it may be possible to bring your gun across state lines, you do need to make sure you register it appropriately and only carry it with the correct permits.

Interestingly, while you can go from Illinois to Missouri without concern about your gun, the same is not true about going into Illinois. If you have no licensing or permits, you may find yourself in trouble if you’re carrying. Since open carry is not allowed in Illinois but it is in Missouri, this is one particular change in law that could catch you off-guard.

If you’re traveling between states with a gun, it’s a good idea to get to know the differences in laws and to be sure that you follow the rules when bringing your gun across state lines. If you don’t follow the laws of the state you’re in, you could face charges.