Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Wisconsin

State

Carry allowed with Wisconsin permit?

Yes

No

Yes, with Restrictions

Selected State

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: July 22, 2024

Wisconsin is a shall-issue state that requires a permit to conceal carry. Licenses are issued to residents who meet certain qualifications. Wisconsin recognizes concealed carry permits from 44 other U.S. states.

To qualify for a Wisconsin concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old; have a current Wisconsin driver’s license or ID, or be an active duty military member stationed in the state; complete a firearms training course; and meet all federal requirements. There are also certain factors that can disqualify you from obtaining a Wisconsin carry permit.

Open carry is legal in Wisconsin without a permit for those over the age of 18 and legally allowed to possess a firearm. A permit is required to carry a loaded handgun within reach while in a vehicle, however. 

To learn more about Wisconsin CCW requirements, review state laws here or visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s website

*Disclaimer: This Wisconsin concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney. 

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Issue Type

Shall-issue

Constitutional Carry

No

Open Carry

Yes

Nonresident Permits

Yes - for military personnel stationed in Wisconsin

Enhanced Permits

No

Concealed Carry Age

21

Permit Valid

5 years

Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? 

Yes - handguns, electric weapons, and billy clubs.

Reciprocating States

33

States Honored

44

Duty to Inform

No

Castle Doctrine

Yes

Stand Your Ground

Yes

Issuing Agency

Wisconsin Department of Justice

Wisconsin Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States’ Permits Does Wisconsin Honor? 

Wisconsin recognizes concealed carry permits from 44 U.S. states. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk are honored by Wisconsin, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut 
  • Delaware
  • Florida*
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii 
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana*
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri*
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio*
  • Oklahoma*
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota*
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia*
  • Washington
  • West Virginia*
  • Wyoming

What States Honor a Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states honor Wisconsin concealed carry permitsPlease note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Wisconsin CCW reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

  • Alabama
  • Alaska*
  • Arizona*
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado*
  • Florida*
  • Georgia*
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa*
  • Kansas*
  • Kentucky*
  • Louisiana*
  • Maine*
  • Michigan*
  • Mississippi*
  • Missouri*
  • Montana
  • Nebraska*
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio*
  • Oklahoma*
  • Pennsylvania*
  • South Carolina*
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee*
  • Texas*
  • Utah*
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia*
  • Wyoming*

Does Wisconsin Require a Concealed Carry Permit?

Yes. Concealed carry is only permitted in Wisconsin for those who have a license to do so.

How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Wisconsin: Requirements

To obtain a Wisconsin CCW license, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

  • Be at least 21 years old. 

  • Have a current Wisconsin driver’s license or ID, or be an active duty military member stationed in the state. 

  • Complete a firearms safety training course. 

  • Meet all federal requirements. 

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a Wisconsin carry permit:  

  • A felony conviction. 

  • Be prohibited by court order from possessing a firearm. 

  • Be an adjudicated delinquent for a crime that would be considered a felony if it had been committed by an adult. 

  • Having been committed to treatment and ordered not to have a firearm. 

  • Having been found not guilty or not responsible for a crime in another state by reason of insanity or mental illness, disease, or defect that would be considered a felony in Wisconsin. 

For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s website

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin honors valid CCW permits from 44 U.S. states. Wisconsin also offers non-resident permits to military personnel who are stationed in the state. 

Is Wisconsin an Open Carry State?

Yes. In Wisconsin, open carry is legal for anyone at least 18 years old who is legally permitted to possess a handgun. No permit is required for open carry in Wisconsin. That being said, a concealed carry license is required to carry a loaded handgun within reach while in a vehicle. 

Where Can I NOT Carry a Concealed Weapon in Wisconsin?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry in Wisconsin, including school grounds; universities (unless you have written consent); law enforcement facilities; correctional facilities; mental health facilities for sexually violent people; the Wisconsin Resource Center; secured areas of mental health institutes; courthouses; beyond the security checkpoint of an airport; offices of the Wisconsin State Capitol Police or in the Supreme Court; anywhere while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; any private property that explicitly prohibits weapons; and anywhere it is federally prohibited. 

Where Can I Learn More About Wisconsin CCW Laws? 

You can visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s website for the most up-to-date information on Wisconsin concealed carry and to learn more about how to apply for a Wisconsin license to carry. For the official laws regarding Wisconsin concealed carry permit reciprocity and regulations, you can read state laws here

This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.