Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Practice Exam

Is a background check required every time a FOID cardholder purchases a firearm?

1. No, the FOID card serves as the background check

2. Yes, a background check is required for each purchase

3. Only for the first purchase

4. No, but sellers may require one at their discretion

The correct answer is: Yes, a background check is required for each purchase

A Option A is incorrect because although a FOID card is required for every purchase of a firearm, it does not substitute for a background check. The FOID card simply shows that the cardholder is eligible to own a firearm, but a background check verifies that the person is legally allowed to purchase one. B: Option B is correct because a federal background check is required for each purchase of a firearm. This is to ensure that the person purchasing the firearm is not prohibited by law from owning one at the time of the purchase. C: Option C is incorrect because regardless of whether it is the first or subsequent purchase, a background check is required each time. D: Option D is incorrect because although a seller may choose to run a background check before completing a sale, it is still required by federal law to conduct a background check for every firearm purchase. Additionally, some states may have stricter laws requiring background checks for every purchase, regardless of the seller's discretion.