WISCONSIN GUN LAWS

The Latest Guide

Get the latest facts on Wisconsin gun laws with this quick guide.

Everything you need to know is on this page.

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Wisconsin gun laws operate at the state level with concealed weapons licenses being issued by the Department of Justice. Licenses are only issued to residents of the state with no options for a non-resident to obtain a license. There are no firearm registration requirements or laws limiting the capacity of magazines or any requirement for background checks on private gun sales. In Wisconsin open carry is legal for any person that is 18 years or older and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state and federal laws.

Wisconsin CCW Quick Facts

Carry In Vehicle SEE DETAILS

Must Notify Officer NO

Carry In State Parks Allowed YES

No Weapons Signs Enforced YES

Open Carry Permitted YES

Carry In Restaurant YES

Constitutional Carry NO

See Details

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Wisconsin CCW Reciprocity

WISCONSIN

Permit Honored
Permit not honored

Residential permits only

Issuing state

How Reciprocity Works in Wisconsin

Wisconsin will honor all non-resident permits from the states they honor provided the holder of the permit is at least 21 years old. More information on reciprocity can be found at the state website.

Wisconsin Reciprocity State's

states

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

Districts & Territories
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

STATES

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming

states

Districts & Territories
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

states

California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Washington.

Districts & Territories
District of Columbia

Virginia – Wisconsin will not honor the Virginia Resident Permit/License only their Non Resident Permit/License.
Missouri – Only licenses issued/renewed on or after 8/28/13 are honored in Wisconsin.
Ohio – Only Permits Issued/renewed on or after March 23, 2015 are honored in Wisconsin.
Massachusetts – Only Honors the Class A Massachusetts Permit.
South Dakota – Wisconsin Only Honors the Enhanced and Gold Licenses.

Wisconsin Pistol License

Wisconsin Issue Policy

Shall Issue

License Issued To

Residents

CCW License Overview

Permits are issued to residents only, who are 21 or older, have completed a firearms training course, and meet other criteria. Applications are processed at the state level by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and can be filed online or by mail.

An emergency license is available and is valid for 30 days. To obtain one you will need to obtain permission from a Court in the county you reside in and prove that you need a firearm to protect yourself from death or bodily harm.

Handgun Training

You are required to provide proof that you have completed a firearms safety training course. The following documents will be accepted;

The hunter education program or a similar program from another state.
A current or expired CCW license from another state with form DJ-LE-289 to verify it has not been revoked.
Proof of security, military or law enforcement training.
Certificate issued for the Department of Justice Firearm Safety Course.
Certificate from a firearms course taught by a state or national organization that certifies firearms instructors or a course offered to the public by a law enforcement agency.

CCW License Overview

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-resident licenses are only issued to military personnel if they are stationed in Wisconsin.

The Law
175.60(1)(dm) and 175.60(14)(c)

Handgun Training

If you are planning on getting a CCL then you will be required to provide proof that you have completed a firearms safety training course. The course is a 4-6 hour class with no shooting involved. After completing the course you will be given a certificate which can be submitted online. Training is only required if you want to obtain a CCL license, no license is required to openly carry.

The following documents will be accepted as proof of training;

The hunter education program or a similar program from another state.
A current or expired CCW license from another state with form DJ-LE-289 to verify it has not been revoked.
Proof of security, military or law enforcement training.
Certificate issued for the Department of Justice Firearm Safety Course.
Certificate from a firearms course taught by a state or national organization that certifies firearms instructors or a course offered to the public by a law enforcement agency.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 21 years old
Applicant can provide adequate proof of training
Applicant is not prohibited by a court order from possessing a firearm
Applicant is a Wisconsin resident as indicated by a current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card or is active military stationed in Wisconsin.
You have not been convicted of a felony in Wisconsin
You have not been convicted of a crime elsewhere that would be a felony if convicted in Wisconsin.
You have not been adjudicated delinquent for an act committed on or after April 21, 1994, that if committed by an adult in this state would be a felony.
You have not been committed to treatment and ordered not to possess a firearm.
You have not 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.
You have not been adjudicated delinquent for an act committed on or after April 21, 1994, that if committed by an adult in this state would be a felony.
Federal Law Requirements

APPLICATIONS

Follow these steps to obtain a permit

Complete your firearm training course if required.
Decide if you are going to file your application online or by mail.
For mail applications download the application under the FORMS tab.
You will need the following documents;
- The completed application form (pages 2- 4) containing: Three (3) required original signatures, no photo copies
- Current Wisconsin residential mailing address
- Current and valid Wisconsin driver license or identification card number
- Acceptable proof of training
- Payment of $40 fee
Mail the application to;
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Attn: Firearms Unit
PO Box 7130
Madison, WI, 53707-7130
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

Applications can also be filed online.

RENEWALS

Concealed weapons licenses can be renewed within 120 days before the expiry date;
Or up to 90 days after the expiry date.
Although you can renew a license for up to 90 days after the expiration date this does not authorize you to carry a concealed handgun after your license has expired. Once the expiry date is reached you are then violating the law if you continue to carry a concealed handgun.
Usually at around 90 days before the license expires a renewal notice will be mailed to the licensee.
The notice will contain a unique ID number that allows the licensee to access the online renewal system.

Wis. Stat. § 175.60(15)(b).

PERMIT FEES

Application Conditions	Original	Renewal
Individual	$40	$22

Accepted forms of payment
Check, Money order – payable to “Wisconsin Department of Justice.” Name and address must be imprinted on the checks (no “counter or starter checks”).

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Wisconsin: Places Off-Limits for CWL

Wisconsin state flag

Places Off-Limits in Wisconsin

Building that is a police station, sheriff’s office, state patrol station.
Prison, jail, house of correction, or secured correctional facility.
Secure mental health facility for sexually violent Persons.
Wisconsin Resource Center.
Secured unit of a mental health institute, including a facility designated as the Maximum Security Facility at Mendota Mental Health Institute.
County, state, or federal courthouse.
Municipal courtroom if court is in session.
Beyond a security checkpoint in an airport.
School grounds or within 1000 feet of a school. This applies to elementary school, middle school, junior high school, senior high school, or high school- public or private. You can be within 1000ft of a school if you have a CCW license.
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Places Allowed in Wisconsin

State parks
State and national forests
Road side rest areas
Vehicle
All areas of the state - except those listed as off limits

Pointers: Wisconsin Gun Laws

Who can own a gun in Wisconsin?

When you can use your gun

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Laws

Wisconsin state capitol building

Wisconsin Gun Laws To Know

YES/NO - Without a permit

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on 4/10/18 ruled that a person must have a permit that is valid in Wisconsin to carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle. If you do not have a permit you can still carry a handgun in a vehicle if it is visible. That means above the window line and not concealed in any manner.

The Law
167.31
948.605

NO - Must Inform Officer

"A licensee shall have with him or her, during all times he or she is carrying a concealed weapon, his or her license document, photographic identification card, and, if the licensee is a military resident, his or her military license."

YES

Open carry is legal without a license if you are at least 18 years old and allowed to possess a firearm.

YES

Wisconsin gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. To be legally enforceable the signs must be 5"x 7" and clearly state the type of gun and carry that is prohibited.

GunsToCarry recommends that you do not enter a property displaying a “No Weapons" sign whether the law is for or against signage. If asked to leave a property and you refuse to do so then you are breaking the law and put yourself at risk of being charged.

The Law
943.13

YES

You are permitted to carry in the following areas;

State Parks: YES - DNR FAQs for firearms and 29.089
State/National Forests: YES - DNR FAQs for firearms
State Wildlife Management Areas: YES - DNR FAQs for firearms and 29.091
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

YES

In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol

"Yes" or "No" states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. In Wisconsin any person can legally carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, even if there is a bar in the restaurant.

If you enter an establishment that makes more than 51% of its income from selling alcohol such as a bar or tavern you are required to have a CCL license. However, if you have a CCL then you are not permitted to drink in these establishments.

NO

Wisconsin is not regarded as a constitutional carry state however it does have permitless carry if the weapon is carried openly.

YES/NO - Without a permit

?- Without a License
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on 4/10/18 ruled that a person must have a permit that is valid in Wisconsin to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. The law also specifically states you must not come within 1000 feet of a school. Under Federal law, you can go within the 1000 feet zone if the gun is unloaded and secured.

The Law
167.31
948.605

NO - Must Inform Officer

Nothing in Wisconsin gun laws say that you need to disclose to a police officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon. However, if the officer requests documentation then the law says you must show him your license and photo ID. "A licensee shall have with him or her, during all times he or she is carrying a concealed weapon, his or her license document, photographic identification card, and, if the licensee is a military resident, his or her military license."

YES

Wisconsin gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.

The Law
943.13

"The people have the right to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose" (Art. I, 25)

Wisconsin Off-Limit Statutes

(a) Except as provided in par. (b), neither a licensee nor an out−of−state licensee may knowingly carry a concealed weapon, a weapon that is not concealed, or a firearm that is not a weapon in any of the following places:

Any portion of a building that is a police station, sheriff’s office, state patrol station, or the office of a division of criminal investigation special agent of the department.
Any portion of a building that is a prison, jail, house of correction, or secured correctional facility.
The facility established under s. 46.055. (Secure mental health facility for sexually violent Persons)
The center established under s. 46.056. (Wisconsin Resource Center)
Any secured unit or secured portion of a mental health institute under s. 51.05, including a facility designated as the Maximum Security Facility at Mendota Mental Health Institute.
Any portion of a building that is a county, state, or federal courthouse.
Any portion of a building that is a municipal courtroom if court is in session.
A place beyond a security checkpoint in an airport.

(b) The prohibitions under par. (a) do not apply to any of the following:

A weapon in a vehicle driven or parked in a parking facility located in a building that is used as, or any portion of which is used as, a location under par. (a).
A weapon in a courthouse or courtroom if a judge who is a licensee is carrying the weapon or if another licensee or out−of−state licensee, whom a judge has permitted in writing to carry a weapon, is carrying the weapon.
A weapon in a courthouse or courtroom if a district attorney, or an assistant district attorney, who is a licensee is carrying the weapon.

(17) Penalties. (a) Any person who violates sub. (2g) (b) or (c) may be required to forfeit not more than $25, except that the person shall be exempted from the forfeiture if the person presents, within 48 hours, his or her license document or out−of−state license and photographic identification to the law enforcement agency that employs the requesting law enforcement officer.

(ac) Except as provided in sub. (11) (b) 2., any person who violates sub. (11) (b) 1. may be required to forfeit $50.
(ag) Any person who violates sub. (2m) (e), (12), or (12g) may be fined not more than $500 or sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both.

(a) Any individual who knowingly possesses a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is in or on the grounds of a school is guilty of a Class I felony. Any individual who knowingly possesses a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school is subject to a Class B forfeiture.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to the possession of a firearm by any of the following:

1r. Except if the person is in or on the grounds of a school, a licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g).

3. A person possessing a gun that is not loaded and is any of the following:

a. Encased.
b. In a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle.

Dangerous Weapons Other Than Firearms on School Premises

(1)(b) “School” is defined as “a public school, parochial or private school, or tribal school, as defined in s. 115.001(15m), which provides an educational program for one or more grades between grades 1 and 12 and which is commonly known as an elementary school, middle school, junior high school, senior high school, or high school.”

(1m) (c)

1. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains at a residence that the actor does not own or occupy after the owner of the residence, if he or she has not leased it to another person, or the occupant of the residence has notified the actor not to enter or remain at the residence while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. In this subdivision, "residence," with respect to a single-family residence, includes the residence building and the parcel of land upon which the residence building is located, and "residence," with respect to a residence that is not a single-family residence, does not include any common area of the building in which the residence is located or any common areas of the rest of the parcel of land upon which the residence building is located.

1m. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in a common area in a building, or on the grounds of a building, that is a residence that is not a single-family residence if the actor does not own the residence or does not occupy any part of the residence, if the owner of the residence has notified the actor not to enter or remain in the common area or on the grounds while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a part of the grounds of the building if that part is used for parking and the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in that part.

2. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in any part of a nonresidential building, grounds of a nonresidential building, or land that the actor does not own or occupy after the owner of the building, grounds, or land, if that part of the building, grounds, or land has not been leased to another person, or the occupant of that part of the building, grounds, or land has notified the actor not to enter or remain in that part of the building, grounds, or land while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a part of a building, grounds, or land occupied by the state or by a local governmental unit, to a privately or publicly owned building on the grounds of a university or college, or to the grounds of or land owned or occupied by a university or college, or, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of a building, grounds, or land used as a parking facility.

3. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains at a special event if the organizers of the special event have notified the actor not to enter or remain at the special event while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the special event grounds or building used as a parking facility.

4. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in 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 s. 175.60 (16) (a), if the state or local governmental unit has notified the actor not to enter or remain in the building while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a person who leases residential or business premises in the building or, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the building used as a parking facility.

5. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in any privately or publicly owned building on the grounds of a university or college, if the university or college has notified the actor not to enter or remain in the building while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a person who leases residential or business premises in the building or, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the building used as a parking facility.

Other Wisconsin Statutes

(2) (bm) 1. In this paragraph, “sign” means a sign that states a restriction imposed under subd. 2. That is at least 5 inches by 7 inches.

2. a. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 1m., an owner of a residence that is not a single-family residence has notified an individual not to enter or remain in a part of that building, or on the grounds of that building, while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the owner has posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies or near all probable access points to the grounds to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the building or the grounds can be reasonably expected to see the sign.

am. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 2., 4., and 5., an owner or occupant of a part of a nonresidential building, the state or a local governmental unit, or a university or a college has notified an individual not to enter or remain in a part of the building while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the owner, occupant, state, local governmental unit, university, or college has posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the building can be reasonably expected to see the sign.

b. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 2., an owner or occupant of the grounds of a nonresidential building or of land has notified an individual not to enter or remain on the grounds or land while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the owner or occupant has posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all probable access points to the grounds or land to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the grounds or land can be reasonably expected to see the sign.

c. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 3., the organizers of the special event have notified an individual not to enter or remain at the special event while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the organizers have posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the special event and any individual attending the special event can be reasonably expected to see the sign.

(2g)

(b) 1. Unless the licensee is carrying a concealed weapon in a manner described under s. 941.23 (2) (e), a licensee shall have with him or her, during all times he or she is carrying a concealed weapon, his or her license document, photographic identification card, and, if the licensee is a military resident, his or her military license.

2. Unless the out−of−state licensee is carrying a concealed weapon in a manner described under s. 941.23 (2) (e), an out−of−state licensee shall have with him or her his or her out−of−state license and photographic identification card at all times during which he or she is carrying a concealed weapon.

(c) Unless the licensee or out−of−state licensee is carrying a concealed weapon in a manner described under s. 941.23 (2) (e), upon request by a law enforcement officer who is acting in an official capacity and with lawful authority, a licensee who is carrying a concealed weapon shall display to the officer his or her license document and, photographic identification card, and, if the licensee is a military resident, his or her military license, and an out−of−state licensee who is carrying a concealed weapon shall display to the officer his or her out−of−state license and photographic identification card.

(2) Prohibitions; motorboats and vehicles; highways and roadways.

(a) Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a motorboat with the motor running, unless one of the following applies:

The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
The bow does not have an arrow nocked.
The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.

(b) Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a vehicle, unless one of the following applies:

The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
The bow does not have an arrow nocked.
The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.

(c) Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may load a firearm, other than a handgun, in a vehicle or discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow from a bow or crossbow in or from a vehicle.

(2) (a) Any individual who knowingly possesses a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone in or on the grounds of a school is guilty of a Class I felony. Any individual who knowingly possesses a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school is subject to a Class B forfeiture.

(2) (b) (intro.) Paragraph (a) does not apply to the possession of a firearm by any of the following:

(2) (b) 1m. A person who possesses the firearm in accordance with 18 USC 922 (q) (2) (B) (i), (iv), (v), (vi), or (vii).

(1) In this section:

(a) “Firearm” has the meaning given in s. 167.31 (1) (c).
(b) “Political subdivision” means a city, village, town or county.
(c) “Sport shooting range” means an area designed and operated for the practice of weapons used in hunting, skeet shooting and similar sport shooting.

(2) Except as provided in subs. (3) and (4), no political subdivision may enact or enforce an ordinance or adopt a resolution that regulates the sale, purchase, purchase delay, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration, or taxation of any knife or any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, unless the ordinance or resolution is the same as or similar to, and no more stringent than, a state statute.

(3)

(a) Nothing in this section prohibits a county from imposing a sales tax or use tax under subch. V of ch. 77 on any knife or any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, sold in the county.
(b) Nothing in this section prohibits a city, village or town that is authorized to exercise village powers under s. 60.22 (3) from enacting an ordinance or adopting a resolution that restricts the discharge of a firearm. Any ordinance or resolution that restricts the discharge of a firearm does not apply and may not be enforced if the actor's conduct is justified or, had it been subject to a criminal penalty, would have been subject to a defense described in s. 939.45.

(4) (a) Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from continuing to enforce an ordinance or resolution that is in effect on November 18, 1995, and that regulates the sale, purchase, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration or taxation of any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, if the ordinance or resolution is the same as or similar to, and no more stringent than, a state statute.

(am) Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from continuing to enforce until November 30, 1998, an ordinance or resolution that is in effect on November 18, 1995, and that requires a waiting period of not more than 7 days for the purchase of a handgun.
(b) If a political subdivision has in effect on November 17, 1995, an ordinance or resolution that regulates the sale, purchase, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration or taxation of any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, and the ordinance or resolution is not the same as or similar to a state statute, the ordinance or resolution shall have no legal effect and the political subdivision may not enforce the ordinance or resolution on or after November 18, 1995.
(c) Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from enacting and enforcing a zoning ordinance that regulates the new construction of a sport shooting range or when the expansion of an existing sport shooting range would impact public health and safety.

(5) A county ordinance that is enacted or a county resolution that is adopted by a county under sub. (2) or a county ordinance or resolution that remains in effect under sub. (4) (a) or (am) applies only in those towns in the county that have not enacted an ordinance or adopted a resolution under sub. (2) or that continue to enforce an ordinance or resolution under sub. (4) (a) or (am), except that this subsection does not apply to a sales or use tax that is imposed under subch. V of ch. 77.

(6) Unless other facts and circumstances that indicate a criminal or malicious intent on the part of the person apply, no person may be in violation of, or be charged with a violation of, an ordinance of a political subdivision relating to disorderly conduct or other inappropriate behavior for loading a firearm, or for carrying or going armed with a firearm or a knife, without regard to whether the firearm is loaded or the firearm or the knife is concealed or openly carried. Any ordinance in violation of this subsection does not apply and may not be enforced..

Governor; Duties and Powers.

(1) ONGOING DUTIES. The governor shall do all of the following:

(a) Review orders establishing or altering emergency management areas.
(b) Review state emergency management plans and modifications to the plans.
(c) Determine responsibilities of state departments and independent agencies with respect to emergency management and by order direct those departments and agencies in utilizing personnel, facilities, supplies, and equipment before and during a state of emergency.

(2) ONGOING POWERS. The governor may do all of the following:

(a) On behalf of the state, enter into mutual aid agreements concerning emergency management with other states.
(b) Accept from any source gifts and grants including services for emergency management purposes and may authorize the state and local units of government to receive such gifts and grants. When grants require participation by a local unit of government, the state may transfer title to equipment acquired through an agreement between participating local units of government.
(c) If the governor determines that a condition of civil disorder or a threat to the safety of persons on state property or damage or destruction to state property exists, he or she may, without declaring an emergency, call out the state traffic patrol or the conservation warden service or members of that patrol or service for use in connection with the threat to life or property.

(3) DUTIES DURING AN EMERGENCY. During a state of emergency declared under s. 323.10, the governor shall issue orders, delegate such authority as is necessary to the administrator, and direct the division to coordinate emergency management activities.

(4) POWERS DURING AN EMERGENCY. The governor may do all of the following during a state of emergency declared under s. 323.10:

(a) Declare priority of emergency management contracts over other contracts, allocate materials and facilities in his or her discretion, and take, use, and destroy, in the name of the state, private property for emergency management purposes. The governor shall keep records of that action. Those records shall be evidence of a claim against the state. The claim against the state shall be referred to the claims board under s. 16.007.
(b) Issue such orders as he or she deems necessary for the security of persons and property.
(c) Contract on behalf of the state with any person to provide, on a cost basis, equipment and services to be used to respond to a disaster or the imminent threat of a disaster.
(d) Suspend the provisions of any administrative rule if the strict compliance with that rule would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary actions to respond to the disaster

For information on other states handgun laws please go back to the state laws page and select the state you are interested in.

Other Gun Laws in Wisconsin

There are no background checks required on private gun sales. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. There is also no requirement to register guns or to obtain a purchase permit.

A Castle Doctrine law was enacted in 2011 for Wisconsin. Any person who uses a gun in self defense has immunity from criminal or civil law. There is no duty to retreat and the law applies at a persons residence, vehicle or business. To use the law an intruder must be trying to forcibly enter a persons home, business or vehicle while the defender is present.

The law will not protect any person that is engaged in any type of criminal activity and cannot be used against police or public safety workers.

Wisconsin CCW FAQ's

Wisconsin CWL Contact

Wisconsin Department of Justice

Hours

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Contact

Address 17 W. Main St.

CityMadison, WI 53703

Phone (608) 266-1221

Updates & Data Sources

DATE	DETAILS
7/19/18	West Virginia page updated
7/1/18	Updated Kentucky page added holster guide
4/19/18	Updated Wisconsin page
3/25/18	Updated Federal background checks to latest figures
2/23/18	Updated DC page
2/11/18	Updated Missouri page
1/26/18	Updated Nevada page and federal statistics
1/19/18	Updated Tennessee page
1/14/18	Update Washington, Colorado pages
1/7/18	Updated South Carolina, DC pages
1/1/18	Updated New York page
12/28/17	Updated Arizona pge
12/25/17	Updated Utah page to mobile friendly design, will roll out to other pages over next few months.
12/9/17	Updated Texas page
12/6/17	Updated California and Hawaii page, Hawaii page only partially completed.
12/1/17	Ohio page finished
11/24/17	Updated Washington DC to Shall Issue
11/8/17	Update Illinois page
11/1/17	Updated Florida and Alabama pages
10/12/17	Updated Ohio page, added new sections to statistics page
10/5/17	Added video section to Florida page
10/3/17	Updated Nevada page
10/2/17	Updated Georgia page
9/30/17	Updated Texas page
9/30/17	Entered new figures for latest 2017 NICS checks on Statistics page
9/29/17	Updated Pennsylvania page
9/26/17	Updated Florida page, added new links, forms and sections
7/22/17	updated permit numbers to latest figures
6/29/17	Updated permit numbers to 14,917,279
6/17/17	updated interface, added new travel info and other sections.
7/28/18	Updated Mississippi page

Comments

March 20, 2019 Reply
tom

To the famelies of Abby Perlman, Brette Polin and Jonny Lichtenstein your children got involved in dangerous business with crazy CBS anchor Otis Livingston to steal money from some pr companies becareful if we will catch them they will go to jail !!!!!!!!!!
March 4, 2019 Reply
Jay Sormrude

I was reading the new law passed in April of 2018 on hand guns in your vehicle and cant be within 1,000 feet of a school, how is that possible, if your in your car picking up your kid, u are within 1,000 feet.
1. March 9, 2019 Reply
  MATTHEW
  
  The way myself and others in our CCW circle understand this is the following: if you are not a CCW holder, you cannot drive even within a thousand square feet of a school with an accessible loaded handgun in your car. It would need to be secured and unloaded. Meaning, if you got a speeding ticket 500 feet from the school that’s a problem for you now. The exception and there is one that doesn’t state until you read way down inside that statute, that if you are a CCW holder you can keep the gun in your car within a thousand feet of a school as a CCW holder. You can’t take it in the school but you can drive through the parking lot to pick up children drive past the school etc loaded and accessible. CCW holders are exempt from the thousand feet from a school rule. Fun fact: if you live across the street from the school with no CCW license you can open carry on your sidewalk cuz it’s considered your property. The police can’t do anything about it.
March 3, 2019 Reply
Bill Packard

Ok, back on April 9 2016. I had a temporary domestic abuse restraining order that was changed to harassment restraining order for 4 years. Am I able to get a concealed weapon carry in Wisconsin.
February 17, 2019 Reply
Richard

Can I carry my TAC 14 loaded and concealed in my truck? It’s not a shoutgun, and follows the same paper work as a handgun.
1. July 18, 2019 Reply
  John RAUHAUSER
  
  Not being facetious so…how is a Rem 870 TAC 14 not a shotgun? According to Rem’s website it is (only) available in 12 or 20 gauge. Even if it was only loaded with slugs, I’m pretty sure the ATF would classify it as a shotgun.
  1. June 21, 2020 Reply
    Claymore
    
    Nope. I purchased a 12 gauge mossberg shotgun a couple years ago and the owner of the store explained to me that because it was already equipped with a short barrel and a pistol grip with no stock it was classified as handgun. Which was also completely legal to conceal and carry in Wisconsin. I used to carry it inside my jacket when walking my dog in the early mornings and late evenings.
February 1, 2019 Reply
David Pfisthner

I have an Arizona conceal carry permit but live in wisconsin. Am I legally allowed to conceal carry in wisconsin?
1. February 12, 2019 Reply
  liam
  
  yes i am very sure since Wisconsin honors an Arizona permit.
2. February 15, 2019 Reply
  Jacob
  
  Yes because Wisconsin honors ur states permit but u should have a Wisconsin permit if ur a resident of the state
January 24, 2019 Reply
DJ Osterberg

You can in fact do your training online. I took a hunter safety course online and that was used to apply for my CCW.
January 9, 2019 Reply
J Kolmos

I was just gifted a glock 19 and own a outside belt holster for it, I am also in the army but not 21, am i able to open carry my handgun as long as it is visible, or do i have to be 21 to open carry a pistol?
1. January 18, 2019 Reply
  Rick
  
  “Open carry is legal without a permit/license if you are at least 18 years old and allowed to possess a firearm. However, if you want to openly carry a handgun in a vehicle you will need a CWL license.“
2. March 9, 2019 Reply
  MATTHew
  
  Legal or not with open carry thing. You really just don’t want to be that guy though. Highly recommend against it.
January 3, 2019 Reply
Dave

I have had my CCL for some time now. Shortly after I took the course I was informed of a different course that was available that stated”carry in any state”. I know that yes, the course I took didn’t make us actually fire the weapon, just load and unload the weapon. What am I missing here? How would my CCL look/be any different?
1. March 3, 2019 Reply
  Jayce aslakson
  
  This is what it is .In wi u dont do a live fire exercise …..
  So mn does not except your permit. u have to live fire in MN to get your permit.
  So u go take a class in MN do a live fire course and pass it. than apply in any county of MN since your not a resident ….
  Residents of Mn can only go to sheriff Dept in the county they live .
  Bam they approve your application
  U now have mn and all the states that have reciprocity with them. I would look up Chandler’s conceal and carry courses of Minnesota
December 25, 2018 Reply
Tracy Williams

Can a Wisconsin felon visit a home that has guns
December 18, 2018 Reply
Darien Long

That woman was walking out the door. She was not a threat to anyone.
December 18, 2018 Reply
Darien Long

I watch the video when you can use a firearm. That woman was walking out the door and she wasn’t a threat. That’s some bullsit.
December 14, 2018 Reply
Xavier

So may i open carry a loaded handgun in my car?
1. January 18, 2019 Reply
  Rick
  
  Tldr: not without a concealed carry permit
  
  (2) Prohibitions; motorboats and vehicles; highways and roadways.
  
  (a) Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a motorboat with the motor running, unless one of the following applies:
  
  The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
  The bow does not have an arrow nocked.
  The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.
  (b) Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a vehicle, unless one of the following applies:
  
  The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
  The bow does not have an arrow nocked.
  The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.
  (c) Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may load a firearm, other than a handgun, in a vehicle or discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow from a bow or crossbow in or from a vehicle.
  (g) “Unloaded” means any of the following:
  
  Having no shell or cartridge in the chamber of a firearm or in the magazine attached to a firearm.
  In the case of a cap lock muzzle−loading firearm, having the cap removed.
  In the case of a flint lock muzzle−loading firearm, having the flashpan cleaned of powder.
December 7, 2018 Reply
Sheila Jensen

Does WI recognize a MN carry permit?
1. December 28, 2018 Reply
  Random Guy
  
  Yes
December 7, 2018 Reply
Leonard

Can correctional officers conceal carry in Wisconsin without a ccw permit?
1. December 19, 2018 Reply
  Random guy
  
  Not unless they’re in the line of duty.
November 19, 2018 Reply
Zach

Could anybody tell me if I can transport my unloaded long gun in the front seat with the loaded magazine next to it? I went down to my city hall to get information but they told me that my long gun MUST be in a locked case, which is simply not true. . Seems dangerous for police officers to go around enforcing the law when they don’t even know the law themselves. Especially gun laws..
1. January 18, 2019 Reply
  Rick
  
  Of course some officers do not know/understand the law, I do not pretend to understand it all. Having said that, my understanding is the legal definition of unloaded states: “Unloaded” means any of the following:
  
  Having no shell or cartridge in the chamber of a firearm or in the magazine attached to a firearm.
  In the case of a cap lock muzzle−loading firearm, having the cap removed.
  In the case of a flint lock muzzle−loading firearm, having the flashpan cleaned of powder.
  
  therefore my understanding of the law would be that if the detachable magazine is not attached, it is unloaded and therefore legal in the configuration described
October 17, 2018 Reply
Matthew

Ok, there are some things that need to be updated.

1. Handgun Training
You are required to provide proof that you have completed a firearms safety training course. The following documents will be accepted; – This is only true, if you are planning on getting your CCL. You can open carry a handgun without a permit. Also, you don’t have “training” as in shooting. You sit through a 4-6 hour class, get a certificate, then submit the application online.

2. School grounds or within 1000 feet of a school. – This applies to places you REASONABLY believe are schools. Public or private. Also, you can be within 1000 feet of a school if you have your CCW permit. Likewise, if you are 1000ft from a school on private property, you don’t need any permit.

3. The Wisconsin Supreme Court on 4/10/18 ruled that a person must have a permit that is valid in Wisconsin to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. – This isn’t true. They ruled to have one in your GLOVE box, you have to have a CCL. The handgun must be visible as in open carry visibly, if you don’t.

4. Open carry is legal without a permit/license if you are at least 18 years old and allowed to possess a firearm. However, if you want to openly carry a handgun in a vehicle you will need a CWL license. – This is incorrect. See point 3.

5. Wisconsin gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs – This only applies to signs that are at least 5″x7″. It has to clearly identify the type of gun/carry that isn’t allowed. Example: There are a lot of “No Beretta” signs that just so a gun icon with a “no” symbol through it. Regardless of sizes, all that legally enforces is that you cannot carry that particular gun. It has to be clear.

6. In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol – Anyone can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Even if it has a bar. HOWEVER, if you want to go into a bar/tavern establishment (specifically a place that makes more than 51% of its revenue from alcohol sales), you have to have a CCL. Also, if you have a CCL, you cannot be drinking.

7. There is no constitutional carry in Wisconsin although attempts to make it legal have been made. – Yes, you can constitutionally carry guns open.
1. Author
  
  October 19, 2018 Reply
  Wayne
  
  Thanks for pointing that out Mathew, we appreciate readers letting us know if there is an error. We will go through your points and correct everything.
2. Author
  
  October 19, 2018 Reply
  Wayne
  
  Have made corrections, let us know if you spot any other errors, thanks.
August 27, 2018 Reply
Terry Wentz

I have a CCW in Indiana which has reciprocity with WI. Can I still carry a loaded gun in the vehicle? On my person or in the glove box?
1. September 29, 2018 Reply
  Brad
  
  I think it states clearly above that if you have a valid CCW recognized in Wisconsin, then yes, you can carry loaded in the vehicle.
August 18, 2018 Reply
anonymous

should be “What if I lose my license?” not “loose”
1. Author
  
  August 18, 2018 Reply
  Wayne
  
  Thanks, have changed that.
July 29, 2018 Reply
Matt

I live in WI. TX will honor our permits. I travel to Dallas on business regularly. I called both State PD as well as county n local…all referred me to DA office…DA stated they would not prosecute those charges if permit is in good standing. I got pulled over just outside of Dallas I was carrying in shoulder holster under suit coat. I made officer aware n he laughed n said long as u don’t pull it on me idc if u got permit or not. TX DOJ stated it’s too much papers to file recip so it’s more of non prosecution agreement
1. October 17, 2018 Reply
  Matthew
  
  This is not true. TX does not have reciprocity with WI.
  
  I have driven to TX, so I looked up their lows. WI recognizes TX permits, but TX does not recognize WI permits.
  
  It doesn’t matter what cop you spoke to, cops are notoriously misinformed with CCW laws.
  1. November 19, 2018 Reply
    Phil
    
    Texas recognizes any license to carry from any state and you can legally carry a loaded hand gun and or rifle in your vehicle, no permit needed. You do need a permit to legally carry a hand gun in public either concealed or open in Texas, but your car is considered an extension of your “home” as it should be anywhere. Not sure where you got your information but it is completely wrong. I was a Texas resident for 12 years and worked with both the Military and Law Enforcement.
May 14, 2018 Reply
Scott Bailey

My name is Scott Bailey,I am a legal CCW holder in Florida.I need to transport a handgun across the state of Wisconsin in my motor vehicle.What do I do?
Thank you,
Scott Bailey
1. Author
  
  May 14, 2018 Reply
  Wayne
  
  Please go to our reciprocity page (under resources) and look at the firearm owners protection Act and section on travel tips, you are covered if you follow the guidelines

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