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 |
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
The state Supreme Court on Tuesday fired a perhaps fatal round into a claim advanced by gun rights ...
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
On March 28th, Governor Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill 820 into law to ensure that shooting ranges receive ...
Saturday, March 24, 2018
On March 22nd, the Wisconsin state Assembly introduced and passed Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 1031 aimed at expanding background ...
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Anti-gun legislators in the Wisconsin state Assembly are currently attempting to hijack Assembly Bill 1031 with Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 ...
Thursday, March 22, 2018
On March 20th, the Wisconsin state Senate passed Assembly Bill 843 with Governor Scott Walker’s school safety package by a ...
Monday, March 19, 2018
You are invited to join Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to announce the disbursement of the Pittman-Robertson grants to Wisconsin. This year the ...
Thursday, February 22, 2018
On February 21st, the Wisconsin state Senate passed Assembly Bill 820 by a 21-11 vote. AB 820 is an important ...
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to endorse Judge Michael Screnock for the Wisconsin ...
Friday, February 9, 2018
An appellate court judge in Wisconsin has ruled that lifetime loss of Second Amendment rights is not on ...
Friday, February 9, 2018
A Johnson Creek woman says she should be able to withdraw her guilty pleas to a misdemeanor because ...