Wisconsin Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Wisconsin operates as a shall-issue state for concealed carry weapons (CCW) licenses, managed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Here are key aspects of Wisconsin’s gun laws:
- Handgun Purchase Requirements:
- No permit, background check, or firearms registration is required for purchasing handguns from private individuals in Wisconsin.
- Open Carry Laws:
- Individuals aged 18 and older, not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal laws, can openly carry firearms.
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- Concealed Carry Laws:
- Residents with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License (CWL) and non-residents with valid licenses/permits from states recognized by Wisconsin can carry concealed.
- CWLs are issued to residents and military personnel stationed in Wisconsin, requiring applicants to be 21 or older and to complete a firearms training course.
- Reciprocity:
- Wisconsin honors permits from states with reciprocity agreements and those requiring background checks comparable to Wisconsin’s standards.
- Defense of Property:
- Individuals may use force to prevent unlawful interference with their property, limited to what is reasonably necessary to stop or prevent the interference.
- Deadly force solely for defense of property is not considered reasonable.
- Self-Defense Laws:
- Wisconsin follows the Castle Doctrine, allowing individuals to defend their residence, vehicle, or business without a duty to retreat.
- Deadly force can only be used if there is a reasonable belief that it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
- Defense of Others:
- Individuals can intervene to defend others from unlawful interference under the same conditions as self-defense, assuming the third person would have the right to self-defense.
- The use of deadly force to protect others is justified when reasonably believed necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
- Presumption in Deadly Force Cases:
- If deadly force is used against an intruder in a dwelling, vehicle, or place of business, it is presumed that the force was necessary if certain conditions are met.
These laws are outlined under Wis. Stat. §§ 939.48 & 939.49, defining the parameters of self-defense and property protection in Wisconsin.
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Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Wisconsin to get a concealed carry license? You must be at least 21 to carry in Wisconsin.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Wisconsin with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? Yes. “Weapon” means a handgun, an electric weapon, or a billy club. “Electric weapon” means any device which is designed, redesigned, used or intended to be used, offensively or defensively, to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use of electric current. A handgun does not include a machine gun, a short barreled rifle or a short barreled shotgun. Wis. Stat. 175.60(1)(bm). Long guns (rifles, shotguns) may not be carried concealed.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Wisconsin? Yes. A concealed carry license is required to carry a stun gun or Taser, except in an individual’s dwelling, place of business or on land that he or she owns, leases, or legally occupies. The minimum age for possession is 18 years old. Transporting a stun gun is allowed without a license if the stun gun is enclosed within a carrying case. It is illegal to carry or use a stun gun on school premises. [Wis. Stat. § 941.295] [Wis. Stat. § 948.61]
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Wisconsin? Yes, any non-felon at least 18 years old or minors that have permission of a parent or guardian, may purchase or possess a device or container that contains a combination of oleoresin of capsicum or CS gel and inert ingredients but does not contain any other gas or substance that will cause bodily discomfort when acting in self-defense or defense of another. It is illegal to use pepper spray against a peace officer or in a crime. The device must have a proper label and written safety instructions for using the device or container. [Wis. Stat. 941.26]
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Wisconsin have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? No. Wisconsin does not limit the maximum size of handgun magazines.
Constitutional Carry?
Does Wisconsin allow constitutional carry? No. Wisconsin is not a constitutional carry state.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Wisconsin? Yes, without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. However, a concealed carry license is required to conceal a loaded handgun within reach in a vehicle. [Wis. Stat. § 947.01] [Wis. Stat. § 66.0409]
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Wisconsin requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? Wisconsin grants concealed carry licenses on a shall-issue basis. [Wis. Stat. § 175.60(2)(a)]
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does Wisconsin have ammunition restrictions? Yes. Wisconsin prohibits the possession or use of an armor-piercing bullet during the commission of a crime. [Wis. Stat. § 941.296(2)]
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Wisconsin? Yes, with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors.
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Wisconsin? Yes, with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Wisconsin? Yes, with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Wisconsin? Any business may prohibit individuals from entering the premises with a firearm, if the property is posted or verbal notice is given, though weapons can be stored in vehicles in parking areas. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Wisconsin have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? An employer may not prohibit a licensee, as a condition of employment, from carrying or storing a concealed weapon, a particular type of concealed weapon, or ammunition in the licensee’s own motor vehicle, regardless of whether the motor vehicle is used in the course of employment or whether the motor vehicle is driven or parked on property used by the employer.
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Wisconsin? Yes, with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors, but not in or on the grounds of a school. The Wisconsin Supreme Court on 4/10/18 ruled that a person must have a license that is valid in Wisconsin to carry a concealed loaded handgun within reach in a vehicle. Without a license, a loaded handgun must not be concealed in any manner, including on a car seat. Based on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruling in State v. Walls (1994), in order to be considered openly carried in a vehicle, the handgun must be discernible from the ordinary observation of a person located outside and within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. Some interpret this to mean above the window line of the vehicle.
Does Wisconsin state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Wisconsin law. However, anyone who endangers another’s safety by the negligent operation or handling of a dangerous weapon, or intentionally points a firearm at or toward another shall be charged.
[Statute Reference: Wis. Stat. § 941.20]
Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance shall be charged.
[Statute Reference: Wis. Stat. § 947.01]
Does Wisconsin have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?
Not while consuming or under the influence or while the person has a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood. Under the influence of an intoxicant means that the actor’s ability to operate a vehicle or handle a firearm or airgun is materially impaired because of his or her consumption of an alcohol beverage, hazardous inhalant, a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or any combination of those things.
[Statute References: Wis. Stat. §§ 941.20, 941.237, 939.22(42)]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Does Wisconsin issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes, but only issued to military personnel stationed in Wisconsin.
Does Wisconsin allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No. Wisconsin concealed carry data is not public record.
Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Wisconsin?
Yes. Whoever enters or remains in any of the following areas once notified not to enter or remain while carrying a firearm is subject to a Class B forfeiture:
- A residence;
- A common area in a building or on the grounds of a residence that is not a single-family residence;
- Any part of a nonresidential building, grounds or land (not including state or local governmental properties, buildings on the grounds or grounds of a university or college);
- A special event;
- Any part of a building that is owned, occupied or controlled by the state or any local governmental unit, excluding any building or portion of a building under Wis. Stat. §175.60(16)(a) (not including leased residential or business premises); or
- In any privately or publicly owned building or on the grounds of a university or college (not including leased residential or business premises in the buildings).
These restrictions do not apply to firearms that are in vehicles driven or parked in parking facilities on these properties.
[Statute Reference: Wis. Stat. § 943.13]
Does Wisconsin have a red flag law?
Wisconsin does not have a red flag law.
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Wisconsin?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless the officer asks.
[Statute Reference: Wis. Stat. § 175.60(2g)©]
Is my Wisconsin driver’s license linked to my Wisconsin carry license?
No. Your Wisconsin driver’s license is not linked to your Wisconsin concealed weapons license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
Does Wisconsin have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Wisconsin, except cities may restrict the discharge of firearms (except for self-defense).
[Statute Reference: Wis. Stat. § 66.0409]
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A LICENSE?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
- Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license in his or her own dwelling, place of business or on land that he or she owns, leases, or legally occupies. (Wis. Stat. § 941.23(2)(e))
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Wisconsin?
- No. A special permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Wisconsin.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Wisconsin?
- No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
WISCONSIN LICENSE EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Wisconsin concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
- No.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Wisconsin?
- No. Wisconsin law does not require a waiting period for handgun sales.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Wisconsin?
- No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Wisconsin.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Wisconsin?
- You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Wisconsin. (Wis. Stat. § 948.60)
Alabama (at least 21 years old)
Alaska
Arizona (at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (at least 21 years old)
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware (at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia
Florida (only non-resident permits)
Georgia (at least 21 years old)
Hawaii
Idaho (Enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old)
Illinois
Indiana (at least 21 years old)
Iowa (at least 21 years old)
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana (only permits issued/renewed on or after 3/9/2015)
Maryland (at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (Class A permits only)
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi (at least 21 years old)
Missouri (only permits issued/renewed on or after 8/28/2013, at least 21 years old (not provisional licenses))
Montana (at least 21 years old)
Nebraska
Nevada (at least 21 years old)
New Mexico
New York (at least 21 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only )
Ohio
Oklahoma (only permits issued/renewed on or after 10/1/2018 and at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota (Only Enhanced and Gold permits and at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (at least 21 years old)
Texas (at least 21 years old)
Utah (at least 21 years old)
Virginia (non-resident permits only)
Washington
West Virginia (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin will honor permits from states they have reciprocity agreements with, as well as states that require a background check comparable to the check conducted under Wisconsin law. People with CCW permits from these states may carry concealed in Wisconsin provided that they are at least 21 years old and not a Wisconsin resident. More information on reciprocity can be found at the state website. Residents must have a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License (CWL) in order to carry in the state.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements:
- An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Provide a current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card or be active military stationed in Wisconsin;
- Provide proof that you have completed a firearms safety training course;
- Not be prohibited by a court order from possessing a firearm;
- Not have been convicted of a felony in Wisconsin or convicted of a crime elsewhere that would be a felony if convicted in Wisconsin;
- Not have been adjudicated delinquent for an act committed on or after April 21, 1994, that if committed by an adult in Wisconsin would be a felony;
- Not have been committed to treatment and ordered not to possess a firearm;
- Not have been found not guilty or not responsible for a crime elsewhere that would be a felony in this state by reason of insanity or mental illness, disease or defect;
- Meet federal law requirements.
- Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Fees:
- Initial License $40
- Renewals $22
Valid For:
- 5 years
Processing Time:
- 21 days
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
- Only issued to military personnel stationed in Wisconsin. The process is the same as for residents.
Name/Address Changes:
- To apply for a replacement license due to a name and/or address change, you can use the online system to Request a Replacement License and pay the fee. There is no charge for address changes if no new card is requested.
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
- If your license was damaged and are requesting a new card with your existing License Number you must complete the Replacement License Request Form and submit your request through the mail and return your damaged card. You may use the online system to request to have your lost or stolen CCW license replaced. A new License number will be assigned. The cost for a replacement license is $12 and will require a new background check.
Residency Changes:
- Moving to Wisconsin and interested in applying for a resident license? Wisconsin issues license to residents and military personnel stationed in Wisconsin only. You can apply for your license to the sheriff of your county once you have a current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card.
- Moving from Wisconsin and have a Wisconsin resident license? If a person with a Wisconsin concealed weapons license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Step 1:
- Complete a firearm training course if required.
Step 2:
- For mail applications, download the application from the website or complete the online application.
Step 3:
- The following documents are required:
- The completed application form with required original signatures (no photo copies)
- Current Wisconsin residential mailing address
- Current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card number
- Acceptable proof of training
- Pay the fee.
Step 4:
- Submit the form online or mail the application to the Wisconsin Department of Justice along with $40 payment.
- Wisconsin Department of Justice, Attn: Firearms Unit, P.O. Box 7130, Madison, WI, 53707–7130
Step 5:
- You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
- A hunter education program;
- A current or expired concealed carry license from another state that has not been revoked for cause;
- Small arms training while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard;
- A certification letter from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board or a letter from a Police Department stating you served as a police officer and completed training;
- A Firearms Certification of Proficiency as part of private security training from the Department of Safety and Professional Services or a similar course in another state; or
- A certificate of completion from a firearms safety or training course that is conducted by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors, a law enforcement agency, technical college, college, university or an instructor certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors.
- Step 1: Ensure eligibility by renewing within 120 days of expiration or within 90 days of expiration if not expired for more than 90 days. Carrying with an expired license is not authorized.
- Step 3: Required documents include the completed form with original signatures, current Wisconsin residential address, and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card number. Pay the renewal fee.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- On school grounds of elementary schools, middle schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools (except unloaded and encased firearms in a locked rack on a motor vehicle) [Wis. Stat. § 948.605(2)].
- All universities in the University of Wisconsin system, except with written approval from the chief administrative officer [Wis. Adm. Code UWS § 18.10(3)].
- Police stations, sheriff’s offices, or state patrol stations.
- Prisons, jails, houses of correction, or secured correctional facilities.
- Mental health facilities for sexually violent persons.
- The Wisconsin Resource Center.
- Secured units of mental health institutes, including the Maximum Security Facility at Mendota Mental Health Institute.
- County, state, or federal courthouses.
- Municipal courtrooms when court is in session.
- Beyond security checkpoints in airports [Wis. Stat. § 175.60(16)].
- Offices of the Wisconsin State Capitol Police or in the Supreme Court (Legislative offices can choose to post signs prohibiting firearms).
- Anywhere while under the influence of an intoxicant [Wis. Stat. § 941.20(1)(b)].
- Any business, residential or non-residential property, state or local government office, college or university that is posted or verbally notified as firearm-prohibited areas, except for storing weapons in vehicles in parking areas [Wis. Stat. § 943.13(1m)©].
- Any place where carrying firearms is prohibited by federal law.
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted AND as long as no alcohol is consumed.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No, only with a valid concealed carry license.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, forests, and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)? Yes, with a valid concealed carry license.
- Carry when traveling by train or bus? Yes, permitted.
- Carry when traveling by airplane? No for commercial aircraft, yes for private aircraft.
- Carry in places of worship? Generally allowed unless within 1,000 feet of a school serving grades 1–12 with an educational program. Private property rules apply, so some places of worship may prohibit firearms.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Wisconsin?
- Yes, with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors, except when shining. Additionally, individuals who own, lease, or legally occupy land and are at least 18 years old may possess a concealed handgun while hunting on those lands without needing a concealed carry license. The handgun must be legal size and caliber for the species being hunted.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Wisconsin?
- Yes. Individuals with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors, or qualified former law enforcement officers, may possess the type of firearm they qualified with in a wildlife refuge, Wisconsin state park, or state fish hatchery. However, this does not permit hunting or discharging firearms in these areas, nor does it allow firearms inside state-owned buildings on these properties if posted with signs prohibiting firearms. Individuals who own, lease, or legally occupy land and are at least 18 years old may also possess a concealed handgun while hunting on those lands without needing a concealed carry license.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Wisconsin?
- Yes. No person may interfere or attempt to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping with the intent to prevent the taking of a wild animal, or intentionally interfere with an activity associated with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping. [Wis. Stat. § 29.083]
Knives are not listed as dangerous weapons in Wisconsin, so knives may be carried openly or concealed. Anyone prohibited from possessing a firearm is also prohibited from carrying a concealed knife. Knives are prohibited at K-12 schools and may be restricted at government facilities by local ordinances. [Wis. Stat. §§ 939.22(10), 941.231, 948.61]
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Wisconsin, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
- One statute in Wisconsin concerns individuals concealing their identity with intent to commit illegal acts or to hide their identity, but it does not specifically address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm. There are no statutory or regulatory prohibitions identified that affect carrying a concealed carry license while complying with the order to wear a mask. [Wis. Stat. § 939.41]
