Wisconsin Gun Laws
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 |
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. MORE |
Thursday, April 7, 2016
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has removed Board Order LF-02-15, a proposed rule change related to ...
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
On March 24, the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Criminal Information Bureau’s Firearm Unit issued the 300,000th concealed carry ...
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has filed a brief with the state Supreme Court supporting guns on Madison ...
Monday, March 7, 2016
The Wisconsin Supreme Court said Friday that it will review a city of Madison policy banning guns on ...
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Just a reminder that your NRA-ILA will be conducting an important Grassroots Workshop on February 7th from 9:00 a.m. ...
Thursday, January 28, 2016
The NRA/Wisconsin Force State Convention will be held February 6-7th, in Weston. NRA-ILA will be conducting a free grassroots ...
Saturday, January 23, 2016
This week, state Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and state Representatives Robert Brooks (R-Saukville) and Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) introduced Senate Bill 589, ...
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Earlier this week, state Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) released yet another legislative package of anti-gun bills that once ...
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Those with concealed weapons permits could carry guns on school grounds — and in some cases in school ...
Monday, November 23, 2015
Hunting and fishing aren’t just pastimes and passions in Minnesota — they’re a constitutional right. Anyone who tries to ...