How Expungement or Sealing Your Record Can Help Restore Your FOID Card in Illinois

Written By Richard Waller

If your Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card was denied or revoked in Illinois due to a past criminal case, you may feel like your Second Amendment rights are permanently lost. But in many cases, clearing your record through expungement or sealing can reopen the door to owning a firearm legally.

At the Law Offices of Richard Waller, we’ve helped many clients restore their FOID eligibility by first addressing their criminal record. Here’s how the process works—and how we can help.

What’s the Difference Between Expungement and Sealing?

Both processes are designed to help you move on from your past—but they work in different ways:

Expungement

  • Completely erases the record from public view and law enforcement databases

  • Available for arrests that did not result in a conviction (e.g., dismissed charges, acquittals, completed supervision for certain offenses)

Sealing

  • Hides the record from public view but law enforcement and certain agencies can still see it

  • Available for most misdemeanors and many felonies—even if you were convicted

⚠️ Some offenses are not eligible for expungement or sealing, including certain violent felonies, DUIs, and domestic battery convictions.

Why This Matters for FOID Eligibility

When you apply for a FOID card, the Illinois State Police (ISP) reviews your entire criminal record, including old arrests and convictions—even if they happened decades ago. If something in your background makes you prohibited under state or federal law, your application may be denied or your FOID card revoked.

But if that record is expunged or sealed:

  • The ISP may no longer have legal grounds to deny you

  • Your record may appear “clean” for FOID purposes

  • You may have a stronger basis for appeal if your FOID was previously denied

What Types of Cases Most Commonly Affect FOID Status?

  • Domestic battery convictions

  • Felony drug or theft convictions

  • Gun-related charges

  • Juvenile adjudications

  • Orders of protection or battery arrests (even if dismissed)

These are often the kinds of records we help clients address through sealing or expungement before reapplying for a FOID.

Why You Should Involve an Attorney Early

Illinois record-clearing laws are complex and constantly changing. Filing on your own can lead to delays or denials—and even if your case qualifies, you still have to present it properly to the court.

At the Law Offices of Richard Waller, we:

  • Review your eligibility for expungement or sealing

  • Help file the correct petitions in the right county

  • Represent you at hearings if needed

  • Advise on the best timing for FOID reapplication or appeal after clearing your record

We also assist clients with the FOID appeal process itself, so your efforts to clear your name don’t go to waste.

Don’t Let Your Past Block Your Future

If your criminal history is standing in the way of legally owning a firearm, there may be a solution—but you have to take the right legal steps. Clearing your record may be the key to restoring your rights.

Talk to an experienced attorney before you apply—or reapply—for your FOID card.

Say Nothing, Call Me.®

Richard Waller
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Understanding the FOID Card Application and Appeal Process in Illinois