Wisconsin Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permit Required Castle Doctrine

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Wisconsin Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$40
Permit Validity	5 years
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Wisconsin

Open carry is legal in Wisconsin for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Wisconsin

Concealed carry in Wisconsin requires a valid permit. Wisconsin issues Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) licenses through Department of Justice. Must be 21+, complete 4-hour approved training course, pass background check.

Where You Cannot Carry in Wisconsin

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Wisconsin. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Jails
Police Stations
Licensed Premises With Signs

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Wisconsin CCW Permit

Wisconsin issues Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) licenses through Department of Justice. Must be 21+, complete 4-hour approved training course, pass background check.

Official Wisconsin Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Wisconsin

States that honor your Wisconsin permit (30)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Wisconsin honors permits from (31)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Wisconsin Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Wisconsin gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wisconsin Gun Laws

Does Wisconsin have stand your ground?

No. Wisconsin requires a duty to retreat before using deadly force in public, though castle doctrine applies in the home.

Can I open carry in Wisconsin?

Yes. Open carry is legal in Wisconsin for those 18+ who can legally possess a firearm, though some local restrictions may apply.

Shooting Ranges in Wisconsin

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Wisconsin. Filter by type, features, and location.

Find Ranges in Wisconsin

Neighboring State Gun Laws