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

Wisconsin CCW Reciprocity

  • 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

  • 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

  • Wisconsin CWL Weapons License Requirements
  • Wisconsin CWL Weapons License Application
  • Wisconsin CWL Weapons License Renewal
  • Wisconsin CWL Weapons License Fee's

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

Wisconsin CWL Forms

Download Your Forms

Wisconsin: Places Off-Limits for CWL

wisconsin state flag

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 state capitol building

Wisconsin Gun Laws To Know

"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

Other Wisconsin Statutes

Other Gun Laws in Wisconsin

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.

City Madison, WI 53703

Phone (608) 266-1221

Updates & Data Sources