Are Automatic Knives Legal in Illinois?
The Short Answer
Conditionally — and it depends on one card. Illinois classifies switchblade knives as restricted weapons under its Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW) statute. But here's the workaround: holders of a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card are exempt from the switchblade restriction. With a FOID card, you can legally possess and carry automatic knives, including OTF knives. Without one, switchblades are illegal. Illinois also has no statewide preemption, meaning Chicago and other cities pile on their own knife ordinances. It's one of the more complicated knife law states in the country.
What Illinois Law Actually Says
The UUW Statute (720 ILCS 5/24-1)
The Unlawful Use of Weapons statute lists "switchblade knife" among restricted weapons and defines it as:
"a knife that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife."
The FOID Exception
The same statute provides that the switchblade restriction does not apply to persons who possess a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card issued under the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65).
What That Means in Plain English
- With a FOID card: Automatic knives, OTF knives, and switchblades are legal to possess and carry
- Without a FOID card: Switchblades and automatic knives are illegal — a Class A misdemeanor
- Ballistic knives: Illegal for everyone, no exceptions, FOID or not
- All other knives (manual folders, fixed blades): Legal regardless of FOID status, absent unlawful intent
The FOID card effectively serves as your automatic knife permit in Illinois. At $11.50 for a 10-year card, it's the cheapest knife "permit" in America.
OTF Knives in Illinois
OTF knives fall squarely under the switchblade definition — they open "automatically by hand pressure applied to a button." With a FOID card, OTF knives are legal to possess and carry. Without one, they're prohibited under the UUW statute.
This applies to both single-action and double-action OTF knives. If it opens via a button or slide mechanism without manual blade manipulation, Illinois considers it a switchblade.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Illinois Considers Them
Illinois uses "switchblade knife" as its sole statutory term and defines it broadly. Courts have interpreted the definition expansively:
- In People v. Velez (2003), a knife with a partially inoperable automatic mechanism was still considered a switchblade. The court reasoned that since it was designed to open automatically, it fit the definition even though it no longer functioned automatically.
This means Illinois courts look at design intent, not just current functionality. If the knife was built to open automatically, it's a switchblade under Illinois law.
What qualifies:
- Switchblades (side-opening automatic): restricted without FOID
- OTF knives (out-the-front automatic): restricted without FOID
- Any knife with a spring-assisted automatic mechanism: restricted without FOID
What doesn't qualify:
- Manual folders opened by thumb stud, flipper, or nail nick
- Fixed-blade knives
- Gravity knives (not specifically addressed)
What About Assisted Openers?
This is where Illinois gets genuinely murky. No Illinois appellate court has definitively ruled on assisted-opening knives. The statutory language — "opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device" — is broad enough to arguably include assisted openers.
However, AKTI notes that the wording "is not easily distorted to apply to assisted opening technology." Assisted openers require manual initiation before the spring engages, which arguably takes them outside the "opens automatically" definition.
Without clear judicial guidance, here's the practical reality:
- With a FOID card: The point is moot — you're exempt regardless
- Without a FOID card: Carrying an assisted opener carries some legal risk, though prosecution is uncommon
Getting a FOID Card
Since the FOID card is your key to legally carrying automatic knives in Illinois, here are the specifics:
Eligibility:
- Must be 21 years of age or older (or 18+ with parental/guardian consent)
- Must be an Illinois resident
- Must not have felony convictions
- Must not be subject to domestic violence orders of protection
- Must not have been a patient of a mental health facility within the past 5 years
- Must not have been convicted of certain misdemeanors (battery, assault, DUI within the past 5 years)
Application Process:
- Apply online through the Illinois State Police (ISP) website at ispfsb.com
- Submit a digital photo
- Pay the fee
Fee: $11.50 for a 10-year card
Processing Time: Officially 30 days by statute. In practice, expect 60-90 days. Some applicants have waited longer.
Renewal: Must renew before expiration. Same fee, same process.
At $1.15 per year, there's no practical reason not to get one if you live in Illinois and want to carry automatic knives.
Carrying a Knife in Illinois
Concealed vs. Open Carry
For non-switchblade knives, concealment is generally not an issue under Illinois state law. The UUW statute focuses on knife type (switchblade) rather than method of carry.
For switchblades with a FOID card, carry is generally permitted under state law — but location matters enormously (see below).
The 3-Inch Public Property Rule (720 ILCS 5/21-6)
This is where Illinois gets treacherous. The Unauthorized Possession or Storage of Weapons statute provides:
"Whoever possesses or stores any weapon enumerated in Section 33A-1 in any building or on land supported in whole or in part with public funds... commits a Class A misdemeanor."
Section 33A-1 includes any knife with a blade of 3 inches or more. This creates an extremely broad restriction because:
- Many buildings receive some form of public funding
- Whether a building qualifies may not be obvious or publicly posted
- The restriction applies to all knives 3"+, not just switchblades
In People v. Sito (2013), an appellate court interpreted this statute to require a "knowingly" element — the state must prove you knowingly possessed the knife in such a location. But Sito still got convicted for carrying a 3⅛-inch blade into the Daley Center.
In practice, this means carrying any knife with a 3"+ blade into a library, public university building, government office, public hospital, or similar space is risky.
The 1,000-Foot School Zone
Under § 24-1(c)(2), possessing a switchblade (even with a FOID card) within 1,000 feet of school property, a public park, a courthouse, or public housing elevates the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony (1-3 years imprisonment, up to $25,000 fine). You don't have to set foot on the property — being on a public sidewalk within 1,000 feet is enough.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
- Schools: Weapon-free zones. No knives. Elevated penalties within 1,000 feet.
- Public parks: Elevated penalties within 1,000 feet
- Courthouses: Elevated penalties within 1,000 feet
- Public housing: Elevated penalties within 1,000 feet
- Publicly funded buildings and land: Knives with blades 3"+ restricted under § 21-6
- Public transportation: Restricted under UUW
Chicago Knife Ordinances
Chicago has additional knife restrictions beyond state law:
- § 8-24-020: Restricts sale or possession of certain "deadly weapons"
- § 8-24-021: Regulates sale, display, and use of utility knives
- Blade length limit: Chicago prohibits carry of any knife with a blade longer than 2.5 inches
If you're in Chicago, state law alone isn't enough. The city operates under its own rules, and they're stricter.
No Statewide Preemption
Illinois does not preempt local knife ordinances. Other municipalities with their own knife laws include:
- Aurora (§ 29-43)
- Joliet (§§ 32-2, 32-8, 32-19, 32-22 — concealed weapons permits required)
- Cook County (§ 58-172)
Always check local ordinances wherever you are in Illinois.
Buying Automatic Knives in Illinois
Legal for purchase if you hold a valid FOID card. Selling or manufacturing switchblades without a FOID card is also unlawful. Many Illinois gun shops sell automatic knives and will verify your FOID card at point of sale, same as they would for ammunition.
Online purchases: retailers should verify FOID status before shipping. Not all do, but you need the card to be in legal possession.
Age Restrictions
- 21+: Can obtain a FOID card independently
- 18-20: Can obtain a FOID card with parental/guardian consent
- Under 18: Cannot obtain a FOID card; cannot legally possess switchblades
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Illinois?
Yes — if you have a valid FOID card. Without one, OTF knives are illegal to possess or carry. The card costs $11.50 and is valid for 10 years.
Are switchblades illegal in Illinois?
For people without a FOID card, yes. With a FOID card, switchblades are legal under state law. However, local ordinances (especially Chicago's 2.5-inch limit) may impose additional restrictions.
Is there a blade length limit for knives in Illinois?
No general statewide blade length limit, but knives with blades 3 inches or more are restricted in publicly funded buildings under § 21-6. Chicago limits carry to 2.5 inches. Other municipalities may have their own limits.
Do I need a FOID card just for knives?
You need a FOID card specifically to legally possess automatic/switchblade knives in Illinois. All other knife types do not require a FOID card.
Are automatic knives legal in Chicago?
Even with a FOID card, Chicago's ordinances restrict carry of any knife with a blade over 2.5 inches and have additional restrictions on "deadly weapons." The FOID card protects you under state law, but city law adds another layer. Check Chicago municipal code before carrying.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.
Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.
When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.