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 |
Friday, April 1, 2005
There are three issues on the ballot at the Conservation Congress meeting that are of critical concern to ...
Friday, March 25, 2005
AB 56, legislation that will put an end to reckless lawsuits against gun manufacturers, dealers, and clubs, attempting ...
Monday, March 21, 2005
A citizens group that advises the state on environmental and hunting issues will ask people at public hearings ...
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Retired police officers, game wardens and others in Wisconsin who want to carry concealed guns under a new ...
Thursday, December 23, 2004
The state Department of Natural Resources is giving new hunters more hands-on experience with guns, thanks to a ...
Thursday, October 28, 2004
FAIRFAX, VA— On October 30, National Rifle Association (NRA) Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and Chief Lobbyist Chris ...
Friday, September 24, 2004
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle says he plans to recommend an increase in hunting and fishing license fees in ...
Thursday, September 9, 2004
No summary available
Sunday, August 1, 2004
After a series of break-ins at his Phillips, Wis., home, Gary Gabrielsen waited up one night. After first ...
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on April 6 upheld the right to hunt mourning doves, ending a three-year legal ...