Wisconsin permit process

How To Get Your Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Wisconsin's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CWL varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License below.

Steps To Get A Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit

1

COMPLETE a firearm training course

2

COMPLETE the online application or DOWNLOAD the mail-in application

3

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

The following documents are required:

  • The completed application form with required original signatures (no photocopies)
  • Current Wisconsin residential mailing address
  • Current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card number
  • Acceptable proof of training

Pay the fee.

4

SUBMITthe form online or mail the application to the Wisconsin Department of Justice along with your payment.


Wisconsin Department of Justice

Attn: Firearms Unit

P.O. Box 7130

Madison, WI, 53707-7130

5

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Wisconsin?

Training is required to obtain a CWL. It can be satisfied by providing a certificate from any of the following:

  • 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  • A current or expired concealed carry license from another state that has not been revoked for cause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
  • 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


What Are the Wisconsin License to Carry a Handgun 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; 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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

$22 Renewals

Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue

$40 Initial License

21 Day Processing

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:

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

Residency Changes:

Moving to Wisconsin and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?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? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Wisconsin license remains valid?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.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Wisconsin?

You are eligible to renew your license if it is valid and you are within 120 days of the expiration date or if your license has not been expired for more than 90 days. A licensee is ineligible to renew their license outside of that timeframe. Your ability to renew your license after the expiration date DOES NOT authorize you to carry concealed with an expired CCW License. 

1

COMPLETE the online application or DOWNLOAD the mail-in application

2

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

The following documents are required:

  • The completed form with required original signatures (no photo copies);
  • Current Wisconsin residential mailing address; and
  • Current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card number.

Pay the fee.

3

SUBMIT the form online or mail the application to the Wisconsin Department of Justice along with $22 payment

.

Wisconsin Department of Justice

Attn: Firearms Unit

P.O. Box 7130

Madison, WI, 53707-7130

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

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Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Wisconsin Gun Laws and Wisconsin concealed carry reciprocity with other states.