Wisconsin Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

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.

[Wis. Stat. § 175.60(1)(j)]

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]

No. Wisconsin is not a constitutional carry state.

Wisconsin grants concealed carry licenses on a shall-issue basis.

[Wis. Stat. § 175.60(2)(a)]

Yes, with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors.

[Wis. Stat. §29.091(2)(d)][Wis. Stat. § 29.089(2)(d)]

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 it's concealed carry policy.  Handguns are prohibited from hotel taverns for anyone without a concealed carry  license, provided the licensee does not consume alcohol. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

[Wis. Stat. §§ 943.13 (1m)(c), 943.237(2), (3)(cx) and (3)(i)]

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.

[Wis. Stat. § 167.31][Wis. Stat. § 948.605]

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.

[Wis. Stat. §§ 941.20, 941.237 and 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 judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

No. Wisconsin concealed carry data is not public record.

Wisconsin does not have a red flag law.

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.

No. A special permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Wisconsin.

No.

No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Wisconsin.

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; and
• 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.

5 years

Only issued to military personnel stationed in Wisconsin. The process is the same as for residents.

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.

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted AND provided you consume no alcohol.
• 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, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes, with a valid concealed carry license.
• Carry when traveling by train or bus? Yes. The Wisconsin state Supreme Court ruled in December 2019 that concealed carry license holders may carry concealed handguns on Madison City buses. 
• Carry when traveling by airplane? No for commercial aircraft. Yes for private aircraft.
• Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship, unless the place of worship is on the grounds or within 1,000 feet of a school which provides an educational program for one or more grades between grades 1 and 12 . Also, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms. 

Yes. Individuals with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors, or qualified former law enforcement officer may possess the type of firearm they qualified with and which is indicated on their certification card, may concealed carry in a wildlife refuge, a Wisconsin state park or state fish hatchery. However this does not allow such persons to hunt or discharge their firearm in the refuge, state park or state fish hatchery, nor does it allow bringing the firearm inside state owned buildings on these properties which are posted with signs that provide notice that firearms are not allowed in the building. In addition, a person who owns, leases or is the legal occupant of land and who is at least age 18, will be allowed to possess a concealed handgun while hunting on those lands without the need for a license to carry a concealed weapon.

[WI Dept of Natural Resources website]

Knives are not listed as dangerous weapons in Wisconsin, so knives may be carried openly or concealed. Anyone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm is prohibited from carrying a concealed knife. Knives are prohibited at K -12 schools, which includes buildings and grounds, athletic fields, recreation areas and any other property used or operated for school administration. Local governments may also restrict the possession of knives at government facilities.

[Wis. Stat. §§ 939.22(10), 941.231 and 948.61]