A Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) is a temporary civil court order that can restrict a person’s access to firearms, ammunition and certain firearm parts when they pose an immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else. In Illinois, FROs are intended to provide time and distance from firearms during a potentially dangerous situation. An FRO is a civil, not criminal, court process.
What does a Firearm Restraining Order do?
If a judge grants an FRO, the person named in the order is temporarily prohibited from possessing, purchasing or receiving firearms, ammunition and firearm parts that could be assembled into an operable firearm. The person may also be required to surrender these items to law enforcement for the duration of the order.
An FRO does not determine whether someone has committed a crime. Its purpose is to temporarily reduce access to firearms when a court determines there is a serious safety risk.
Who can request an FRO?
Under Illinois law, an FRO may be requested by:
A spouse or former spouse
A parent, child or stepchild
Someone who has a child in common with the person
Another person related by blood or current marriage
Someone who shares a home with the person
A law enforcement officer
Friends, coworkers, neighbors and other concerned individuals who do not fall into one of these categories cannot directly petition the court for an FRO. However, they can contact local law enforcement if they are concerned that someone poses a danger to themselves or others.
How long does an FRO last?
Illinois has two types of Firearm Restraining Orders.
- An Emergency Firearm Restraining Order may last up to 14 days.
- A longer-term, or plenary, Firearm Restraining Order may last for up to one year. The court process provides the person named in the order an opportunity to be heard.
How do I request a Firearm Restraining Order?
A qualifying family or household member can contact the Kane County Circuit Clerk's Office or your local law enforcement agency for assistance.
Kane County Court Firearm Restraining Order Information and Forms
Illinois law also provides for clerical assistance through the Circuit Clerk's Office for people filing without an attorney.
If there is an immediate danger
Call 911 if you believe someone is in immediate danger or there is an immediate threat of violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more
For additional information about Firearm Restraining Orders in Illinois:
Illinois Department of Public Health: Firearm Restraining Orders
Illinois State Police: Firearms Safety and FRO Information
Illinois Courts: Firearm Restraining Order Forms
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not legal advice.
