2nd Amendment News

Wisconsin Gun Laws as of 1-6-2025 printing

By RVL / January 6, 2025

GUN LAWS

Wisconsin Gun Laws

STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION – WISC. CONST. art. 1, § 25

The people have the right to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.

Gun Laws Overview

RIFLES & SHOTGUNS HANDGUNS
Permit to Purchase No No
Registration of Firearms No No
Licensing of Owners No No
Permit to Carry No Yes
The list and map below are included as a tool to assist you in validating your information.  We have made every effort to report the information correctly, however reciprocity and recognition agreements are subject to frequent change.  The information is not intended as legal advice or a restatement of law and does not include:  restrictions that may be placed on non-resident permits, individuals under the age of 21, qualifying permit classes, and/or any other factor which may limit reciprocity and/or recognition.  For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation.  YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL.
STATE STATUS
Castle Doctrine Enacted
No-Net Loss No Legislation
Right to Carry Confidentiality Provisions Enacted
Right to Carry in Restaurants Partial Ban
Right To Carry Laws Shall Issue
Right To Carry Reciprocity and Recognition Conditional Recognition
Right to Keep & Bear Arms State Constitutional Provisions With Provisions
Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Select Map
Click on a State to see the Gun Law Profile
CTDEHIMDMANHNJNYNYCRIVTDCGUAMPUERTO RICO

These States recognize Wisconsin’s permit

  • Permit-Issuing State

  • Recognizing States

  • Non-Recognizing States

 

Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms

Purchase

A firearm dealer transferring possession of a handgun must have the transferee present identification and detailed information, complete a notification form, and pay a $13.00 fee. The information from the form is conveyed to the Department of Justice using a toll free telephone number for a background check for criminal history, involuntary commitment, domestic violence and tribal restraining orders.

MORE
Possession

No state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.

MORE
Carrying

The following presents discussion of the recently passed “Personal Protection Act” (PPA) effective November 1, 2011.  Recently passed legislation focused on legalizing the carrying of concealed weapons, however, it should be noted that the legislation significantly strengthens the rights of those who choose to carry handguns openly without a license. The PPA prohibits the use of disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace statutes as a means of effectively prohibiting the open-carrying of lawfully-possessed firearms.

Wisconsin only honors Alaska permits issued/renewed after 1/13/2013.

Wisconsin only honors Missouri permits issued after 8/27/2013.

Wisconsin only honors Nevada permits issued after 7/1/2011.

Wisconsin only honors Ohio permits issued after 3/22/2015.

Wisconsin only honors Virginia Non-Resident permits.

Wisconsin only honors West Virginia permits issued after 6/8/2012.

MORE
Preemption

no political subdivision may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution that regulates the sale, purchase, purchase delay, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration or taxation of any firearm…

MORE
Machine Guns and other Illegal Weapons

At this time the law addressing possession, transfer and transport of machine guns, destructive devices, suppressors, short barreled rifle and shotguns are in a state of flux and clarification and reform are being sought.

MORE
Antiques and Replicas

Beginning November 1, 1992 it shall be a crime for a person to sell or distribute any look-alike firearm. Look-alike firearm means any imitation of any original firearm that was manufactured, designed and produced after December 31, 1897, including and limited to toy guns, water guns, replica non-guns and air-soft guns firing nonmetallic projectiles.  The crime does not apply to the restoration of any weapon by a person having a license to collect firearms as curios or relics issued by the U.S. Dept. Of Treasury or to an imitation, non-firing, collector replica of an antique firearm developed prior to 1898, or any traditional bb, paint ball or pellet firing air guns that expels a projectile through the force of air pressure.
Range Protection

Any domestic corporation formed for the purpose of sharpshooting or improving in the use of firearms may acquire suitable grounds therefor, and may establish, use and maintain a rifle range for its exercises.

MORE
Miscellaneous

It is unlawful to possess any firearm in a wildlife refuge unless you are a licensee carrying concealed with a license.

You may also like