Illinois
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Illinois
Illinois

Identification

Alcohol

  • Age permitted to Access Alcohol Retailers and Venues (How old do you have to be to enter a bar? Include Federal Law and State Law)
  • Age permitted to consume Alcohol
  • Age permitted to serve Alcohol
    • Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS 5/6-16
    • 18 years old.
      • This includes working as a bartender, server, or cashier in establishments where alcohol is sold.
      • Employers may impose stricter age requirements at their discretion.
  • Age permitted to purchase Alcohol
  • What is the consumable limit (if any)
  • What is the purchase limit (if any)
    • Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS 5/6-16
    • No legal limit, but retailers may impose restrictions.
    • 0.08% for drivers aged 21 years or older.
    • 0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers.
    • 0.00% (zero tolerance) for drivers under 21 years old.
  • Are there any exceptions for minors consuming alcohol (e.g., religious ceremonies, parental supervision)?
  • What are the penalties for providing alcohol to minors at a private residence?
    • Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS 5/6-16
    • Penalties for providing alcohol to minors include:
      • Class A Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
      • Felony Charges: If the minor causes injury or death as a result of consuming the alcohol, the provider may face felony charges.

Tobacco

  • Age permitted to access Tobacco Retailers and Venues (How old do you have to be to enter a cigar shop, smoke shop, or smoking lounge? Include Federal Law and State Law)
  • Age permitted to use Tobacco
  • Age permitted to sell Tobacco
  • Age permitted to purchase Tobacco
  • What is the consumable limit (if any)
  • What is the purchase limit (if any)
  • Are vaping products regulated differently from traditional tobacco in this state?
    • FDA Tobacco 
    • ILCS 720 ILCS 675/1
    • Vaping products are regulated similarly to traditional tobacco products under the Tobacco 21 Law.
      • Age restrictions (21+ to purchase, use, or possess).
      • Taxation on vaping products.
      • Prohibition of sales to minors.
    • Subject  to additional regulations:
      • Labeling requirements.
      • Restrictions on advertising targeting minors.
  • Are flavored vapes or disposable e-cigarettes banned?
    • FDA Tobacco 
    • Federal law prohibits the sale of closed-system devices (pods, cartridges) containing e-liquid in flavors other than tobacco or menthol.
      • This ban does not apply to open-system devices (refillable tanks) or disposable e-cigarettes, though these products remain subject to state regulations.
    • State law
      • Illinois has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored vaping products or disposable e-cigarettes. 
      • Some local municipalities (Chicago) have implemented restrictions on flavored vaping products to reduce youth access.

Cannabis

  • Age permitted to access Cannabis Retailers and Venues (How old do you have to be to enter a dispensary or smoke shop? Include Federal Law and State Law)
    • Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, 410 ILCS 705
    • Federal Law:
      • Under federal law, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 812), meaning it is illegal to possess, sell, or use cannabis at the federal level.
    • Illinois State Law:
      • Illinois legalized recreational cannabis.
      • To enter a licensed cannabis dispensary or smoke shop in Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old.
      • Exceptions:
        • Individuals under 21 years old may enter medical cannabis dispensaries if they are registered medical cannabis patients or caregivers.
  • Age permitted to use Cannabis
  • Age permitted to sell Cannabis
  • Age permitted to purchase Cannabis
  • What is the consumable limit (if any)
    • Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, 410 ILCS 705
    • For recreational cannabis:
    • Illinois imposes limits on the amount of cannabis an individual can possess and consume:
      • 30 grams of cannabis flower.
      • 5 grams of cannabis concentrate (oils, waxes).
      • 500 milligrams of THC in cannabis-infused products (edibles).
    • For medical cannabis:
      • Registered medical cannabis patients are not subject to the same possession limits as recreational user
  • What is the purchase limit (if any)
    • Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, 410 ILCS 705
    • For recreational cannabis:
    • Illinois imposes the same purchase limits as possession limits for recreational users:
      • 30 grams of cannabis flower.
      • 5 grams of cannabis concentrate.
      • 500 milligrams of THC in cannabis-infused products.
    • For medical cannabis:
      • Medical cannabis patients may purchase larger quantities based on their physician’s recommendation.
  • Can minors obtain medical cannabis with a prescription?
    • Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act, 410 ILCS 130
    • Yes, minors can obtain medical cannabis in Illinois with physician certification, parental consent, and registration; limited to non-smokable forms.
    • Requirements for minors include:
      • Certification from a physician: The minor must have a qualifying medical condition.
      • Parental or Guardian Consent: A parent or guardian must consent to the minor’s use of medical cannabis and serve as the minor’s caregiver.
      • Registration: Both the minor and their caregiver must be registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
    • Minors are restricted to using non-smokable forms of cannabis ( edibles, oils, tinctures).

Adult Media

  • Age permitted to access Adult Content ONLINE
  • Age permitted to access Adult Retailers and Venues (Sex shops, Strip Clubs, burlesque)
    • Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS 5
    • Local Zoning and Licensing Ordinances
    • The minimum age to access adult retailers and venues in Illinois is generally 18 years old, but some venues may require individuals to be 21 years old if alcohol is served.
  • Are websites required to verify age for accessing adult content?
  • What penalties exist for providing minors access to adult material online?
    • Illinois Harmful Material to Minors Act, 720 ILCS 5/11-21
    • Title 18 Section 1470 Federal laws prohibit the distribution of obscene materials to minors. Violations can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
    • Federal Law:
      • Under Title 18, Section 1470 of the U.S. Code, it is illegal to knowingly transfer or distribute obscene material to minors under the age of 18.
      • Penalties include:
        • Fines of up to $250,000.
        • Imprisonment for up to 10 years.
    • Illinois State Law:
      • Under the Harmful Material to Minors Act (720 ILCS 5/11-21), it is illegal to distribute obscene or harmful material to minors.
      • Penalties include:
        • Class A misdemeanor for first offenses.
        • Class 4 felony for repeat offenses.
        • Fines and potential imprisonment.
  • What is the minimum age to work in the adult entertainment industry?
  • Are there restrictions on employment terms for adult content creators?
    • Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act (18 U.S.C. § 2257)
    • Illinois Human Trafficking Act, 775 ILCS 50
    • Federal Law:
      • The Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act (18 U.S.C. § 2257) imposes record-keeping requirements for adult content producers, including:
        • Verifying and documenting the age of performers.
        • Maintaining records of all performers’ identification.
      • Federal law prohibits coercion, exploitation, or trafficking of individuals in the adult entertainment industry under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
    • Illinois State Law:
      • Illinois prohibits coercion, exploitation, and human trafficking in all industries, including the adult entertainment industry, under the Illinois Human Trafficking Act (775 ILCS 50).
      • Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, such as requiring licensing for adult-oriented businesses and ensuring safe working conditions

Voting

  • Age permitted to register to vote in the state
    • Illinois Election Code, 10 ILCS 5/4-1
    • Federal Law:
    • In Illinois, individuals may register to vote if they are:
      • At least 18 years old on or before the next general election.
      • At least 17 years old if they will turn 18 years old by the date of the next general election.
      • A U.S. citizen and a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days prior to the election.
  • Age permitted to vote in the state
    • Illinois Election Code, 10 ILCS 5/4-1
    • To vote in Illinois, individuals must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.
    • Individuals who are 17 years old may vote in a primary election if they will turn 18 years old by the date of the general election.
  • What Identification requirements are needed to vote on a regular ballot
    • Illinois Election Code, 10 ILCS 5/4-10
    • Illinois Election Code,10 ILCS 5/17-9
    • Illinois State Law:
      • Illinois does not require voters to present identification to vote on a regular ballot if they are already registered to vote and their registration is active.
    • Exceptions:
      • If a voter is registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting, they must provide two forms of identification, one of which must include their current address.
  • What Identification requirements are needed to vote on a Provisional ballot
    • Illinois Election Code, 10 ILCS 5/18A-5
    • Illinois State Law:
      • A provisional ballot is issued if a voter’s eligibility cannot be immediately verified at the polling place.
      • Voters casting a provisional ballot must provide identification to election officials before their vote is counted.
      • Accepted forms of ID include:
        • A government-issued photo ID.
        • A utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document showing the voter’s name and address.
        • Voters have seven days after Election Day to provide the necessary identification to their local election authority.
    • Voter Restrictions/ Requirements in place federally and within the state.
      • Federal Requirements and Restrictions:
        • Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal elections.
        • Age: Voters must be at least 18 years old (26th Amendment).
        • Non-Discrimination: States cannot impose discriminatory practices, such as literacy tests or poll taxes, to restrict voting rights.
        • Felony Convictions: Federal law allows states to set their own rules regarding voting rights for individuals with felony convictions.
      • Illinois State Requirements and Restrictions:
        • Residency: Voters must have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days before the election.
        • Felony Convictions:
          • In Illinois, individuals currently serving a sentence in prison for a felony conviction are prohibited from voting.
          • Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. Individuals on parole or probation are eligible to vote.
        • Mental Competency: Individuals declared legally incompetent by a court are ineligible to vote.
        • Registration Deadline: Voters must register by the deadline, although Illinois offers same-day voter registration at polling places.

Legal

  • Laws on Presenting Identification to Law Enforcement
  • “Stop and Identify” Laws in this state
    • What is this state’s specific laws regarding police stops and ID requirements?
      • Illinois Criminal Code, 720 ILCS 5
      • Illinois is not a “Stop and Identify” state.
        • This means individuals are not required to provide their name or identification during a lawful stop unless:
          • They are driving a vehicle.
          • They are suspected of committing a crime.
    • Do you have the right to remain silent or refuse to provide ID in certain situations?
  • Public Place ID Requirements
    • Are there any public areas where a person must carry ID?
      • There are no laws in Illinois mandating that individuals carry ID in public spaces unless they are driving.
    • Are there curfew or loitering laws requiring ID verification?
      • Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/11-1-5
      • Curfew Laws for Minors under 17 years old:
        • Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
        • Friday–Saturday: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
        • Law enforcement may request ID to verify a minor’s age if they are stopped during curfew hours.
  • Traffic Stops and ID Requirements
    • Are you required to provide an ID when pulled over by law enforcement?
    • What are the consequences of refusing to show ID during a traffic stop?
      • Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/6-112
      • Refusing to provide your driver’s license during a traffic stop can result in:
        • A citation or fine for failure to comply.
        • Possible arrest if the refusal obstructs the officer’s investigation.
  • Passenger ID Requirements in Vehicles
    • Do passengers need to show ID if a vehicle is stopped by law enforcement?
    • Can passengers legally refuse to provide ID?
      • Passengers can legally refuse to provide ID unless there is reasonable suspicion of involvement in a crime.
  • Curfew Laws for Minors
    • Are minors required to carry ID to prove their age if stopped past curfew?
      • Minors may need to provide proof of age if stopped during curfew hours but are not legally required to carry ID.
    • What are the penalties for violating curfew laws?
  • Trespassing and ID Requirements
    • Can police demand ID if someone is suspected of trespassing?
    • What are the consequences of refusing to provide identification in such situations?
      • Illinois Criminal Code, 720 ILCS 5/31-4
      • Refusing to provide ID when suspected of trespassing may lead to:
      • Detention or arrest for obstruction of justice or failure to comply with an investigation.