Source: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/wi-gun-laws/
Timestamp: 2020-02-18 22:35:22
Document Index: 654012780

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 895', '§ 939', '§ 947', '§ 66', '§ 175', '§ 175', '§ 941', '§ 948', '§ 167', '§ 948', '§29', '§ 29', '§ 941', '§ 175', '§175', '§ 943', '§ 941', '§ 941', '§ 948', '§ 29', '§ 25', '§ 174', '§ 948', '§ 18', '§ 175', '§ 941', '§ 943', '§ 939']

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Gun Laws | USCCA CCW Reciprocity Map (Last Updated 01/31/2020)
Wisconsin	Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
View Updates: Calendar 2020-01-31
Carry allowed with my Wisconsin permit?
Summary of Wisconsin Gun Laws
Wisconsin is a shall-issue state. Wisconsin gun laws operate at the state level with concealed carry weapons (CCW) licenses issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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.
Concealed carry is legal with a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License (CWL) or a license/permit from a state that Wisconsin honors. CWLs are only issued to residents and military personnel stationed in Wisconsin. Applicants must be 21 or older, have completed a firearms training course and meet other criteria. With the exception of military personnel that are stationed in Wisconsin, non-residents cannot obtain a license. In terms of reciprocity, 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.
Wisconsin is a Castle Doctrine state. There is no duty to retreat and the law applies at a person’s residence, vehicle or business. To use the law, an intruder must be trying to forcibly enter a person’s home, business or vehicle while the defender is present [Wis. Stat. § 895.62, Wis. Stat. § 939.48(1m)(ar)1]. With Castle Doctrine, when a person uses force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm (such as shooting another person) in the course of defending themselves they have civil immunity from prosecution.
Wisconsin Gun Laws at a Glance
Does Wisconsin allow constitutional carry?
No. Wisconsin is not a constitutional carry state.
Is open carry permitted in Wisconsin?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. However a concealed carry permit is required to conceal a loaded handgun within reach in a vehicle.
[Wis. Stat. § 947.01]
[Wis. Stat. § 66.0409]
If Wisconsin requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Wisconsin grants concealed carry permits on a shall-issue basis.
[Wis. Stat. § 175.60(2)(a)]
What is the minimum age in Wisconsin to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 21 to carry in Wisconsin.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Wisconsin with a concealed carry permit (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.
Long guns (rifles, shotguns) may not be carried concealed.
[Wis. Stat. § 175.60(1)(j)]
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Wisconsin?
Yes. A concealed carry permit 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 permit 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]
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 that contains a combination of oleoresin of capsicum 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]
Does Wisconsin issue concealed carry permits 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.
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 permit that is valid in Wisconsin to carry a concealed loaded handgun within reach in a vehicle.
Without a permit, 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]
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.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Wisconsin?
[Wis. Stat. §29.091]
[Wis. Stat. § 29.089]
Can you carry a firearm in 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.
[Wis. Stat. § 941.237]
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.
[Wis. Stat. 175.60(15m)(b)]
Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Wisconsin?
[Wis. Stat. § 175.6(2g)(c)]
Does Wisconsin have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Wisconsin does not limit the maximum size of handgun magazines.
Does Wisconsin have ammunition restrictions?
No. Wisconsin does not prohibit certain types of handgun ammo.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Wisconsin? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.
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 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 by a local governmental properties, buildings on the grounds or grounds of a university or college);
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 §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.
[Wis. Stat. § 943.13]
Does Wisconsin have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Restrict the discharge of firearms (except for self-defense).
Does Wisconsin state law define brandishing?
No. However, anybody 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.
[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.
Does Wisconsin have a red flag law?
No. Wisconsin does not have an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?
Does Wisconsin have laws regarding carrying a 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.
[Wis. Stat. §§ 941.20, 941.237 and 939.22(42)]
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Wisconsin?
No. A special permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Wisconsin.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Permit Exempts from Background Check?
Does my current Wisconsin concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin law does not require a waiting period for handgun sales.
Do handguns need to be registered in Wisconsin?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Wisconsin.
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]
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. In addition, a person who owns, leases or is the legal occupant of land and who is at least age18, will be allowed to possess a concealed handgun while hunting on those lands without the need for a license to carry a concealed weapon. To use the concealed handgun for hunting purposes, the handgun must be a legal size and caliber for the species being hunted.
[WI Dept of Natural Resources website]
Can you concealed carry while bowhunting 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 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 age18, will be allowed to possess a concealed handgun while hunting on those lands without the need for a license to carry a concealed weapon.
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 or intentionally attempt to interfere with an activity associated with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping, by doing any of the following:
Harassing a wild animal or by engaging in an activity that tends to harass wild animals;
Impeding or obstructing a person who is engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or trapping;
Impeding or obstructing a person who is engaged in an activity associated with lawful hunting, fishing or trapping;
Disturbing the personal property of a person engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or trapping;
Disturbing a lawfully placed hunting blind or stand;
Disturbing lawfully placed bait or other material used to feed or attract a wild animal;
Using a drone to conduct any activity prohibited under this law; or
Engaging in a series of 2 or more acts carried out over time, however short or long, that show a continuity of purpose and that are intended to impede or obstruct a person who is engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping, or an activity associated with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping, including any of the following:
Maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the person;
Approaching or confronting the person;
Photographing, videotaping, audiotaping, or through other electronic means, monitoring or recording the activities of the person.
[Wis. Stat. § 29.083]
The people have the right to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose."
ARTICLE 1, § 25
Which states' permits does Wisconsin honor?
Florida (only non-resident permits that have been issued/renewed after 8/1/2013)
Louisiana (only permits issued/renewed on or after 3/9/2015)
Massachusetts (Class A permits only)
Missouri (only permits issued/renewed on or after 8/28/2013, at least 21 years old (not provisional licenses))
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only and at least 21 years old)
Ohio (only permits issued/renewed on or after 3/23/2015)
Oklahoma (only permits issued/renewed on or after 10/1/2018 )
South Dakota (Only Enhanced and Gold permits and at least 21 years old)
Virginia (non-resident permits only)
West Virginia (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.
Other States' Reciprocity With Wisconsin
Which states honor permits from Wisconsin?
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Wisconsin resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit Information
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
Initial License $40
Renewals $22
Only issued to military personnel stationed in Wisconsin. The process is the same as for residents.
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.
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.
Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit
For mail applications, download the application from the website or complete the online application.
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; and
Acceptable proof of training.
Submit the form online or mail the application to the Wisconsin Department of Justice along with $40 payment.
Firearms Training Requirements in Wisconsin
Per 175.60(4), training 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; 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.
Find a USCCA Class in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit
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.
For mail applications, download the renewal application from the website or complete the online application.
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.
Per Wis. Stat. § 174.49, Wisconsin RLEOs may request his or her former law enforcement employer to issue a certification card which permits the former officer to carry a concealed handgun. Former federal LEOs and RLEOs from out-of-state agencies, residing in Wisconsin, may request a certification card through the WisDOJ. All RLEO handgun qualification must be conducted by an instructor certified by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.
The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation only issues LEOSA cards to retired DCI agents. Retired federal agents and out-of-state LEO’s who now reside in Wisconsin must submit their application to the Division of Law Enforcement Services (DLES) to obtain a LEOSA card.
WI DOJ LEOSA Process and Forms
DOJ WILEnet LEOSA Information
LEOSA Carry Process in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Law Enforcement Handgun Qualification Standard
Wisconsin Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Wisconsin?
Carry in 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 permit.
Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit.
Carry when traveling by train or bus? Yes. The Wisconsin state Supreme Court ruled in December 2019 that concealed carry permit holders may carry concealed handguns on Madison City buses. As of December 16, 2019, city attorneys were still determining when the ruling will take effect.
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.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Wisconsin?
On school grounds of elementary schools, middle schools, junior high schools and senior high schools (except a gun that is not loaded and is encased or in a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle) [Wis. Stat. § 948.605(2)];
All universities in the University of Wisconsin system, except with the written approval of the chief administrative officer [Wis. Adm. Code UWS § 18.10(3)];
Building that is a police station, sheriff’s office or state patrol station;
Prison, jail, house of correction or secured correctional facility;
Mental health facility for sexually violent persons;
The 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;
[Wis. Stat. § 175.60(16)]
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 where verbal notice has been given, though weapons can be stored in vehicles in parking areas [Wis. Stat. § 943.13 (1m)(c)]; and
FAQ: Wisconsin Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Wisconsin?
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]
Related Information & Links for Wisconsin Gun Laws
WI Dept. of Justice CCW License Informational Brochure
WI Dept. of Justice Legislative Info Regarding CCW
WI Dept. of Natural Resources CCW Info on DNR Lands
WI Dept. of Justice Concealed Weapon Law Q & A
Wisconsin Gun Laws Updates:
Updated reciprocity per WI DOJ website