Wisconsin pistol permit is for the possession of firearms in the state.

To obtain the permit, you must meet the requirements provided by its gun laws.

Wisconsin Gun Permit Summary

Wisconsin is a shall-issue state for firearm permits issued by the department of justice.

The permit is for only residents and military members stationed in the state.

There are no purchase permits, but you must complete a criminal record check to buy firearms.

How To Get A Gun Permit In Wisconsin?

To apply for a Wisconsin pistol license, you must be at least twenty-one years old or eighteen years old if you are a military member.

Also, you must have legal rights to possess firearms without a federal or state prohibition.

Wisconsin pistol license is for concealed carry in the state.

Wisconsin Gun Permit Laws

Wisconsin does not require a permit for open carry of firearms, anyone that is eighteen years old without restriction for the possession of weapons can open carry in the state.

However, there are places prohibited for the purchase of firearms in the state.

The state prohibits the possession of machine guns and similar firearms except for law enforcement officers, members of the military, and peace officers.

Also, it is a prohibition to make use of armor-piercing firearms in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Gun Permit Requirements

To apply for a pistol permit in Wisconsin, you must meet the requirements provided by its gun laws, and they include the following:

• You must be at least twenty-one years old before you apply for Wisconsin gun permits.
• Before applying for a Wisconsin pistol license, you must provide a driver’s license or an identification card except you are a member of the military.
• You must complete a state-licensed firearm training and have a certificate to show for it.
• You must not have a court order prohibiting you from the purchase of firearms in the state.
• You must not be a convicted felon in Wisconsin, or you must not be guilty of a crime considered a felony in any jurisdiction of the country.
• You must not be guilty of juvenile delinquency regarded as a felony crime if committed by an adult.
• You must not be a patient for any illness such that you are under strict orders against the possession of firearms.
• You must meet all federal requirements for the possession of firearms in the country.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Wisconsin

A summary of firearms permits in Wisconsin includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: Wisconsin does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: Wisconsin does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
• State permit to open carry: Wisconsin is a permissive state, so no license is required to open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: Wisconsin does not issue a state permit to conceal long weapons.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: Wisconsin issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Wisconsin?

The cost for initial and renewal permits application in Wisconsin is forty dollars and twenty-two dollars, respectively.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Wisconsin

The processes to apply for Wisconsin pistol permit includes the following:

Complete Firearm Training

You must complete a Wisconsin approved firearm training conducted by a state-certified instructor.

Complete The Application

You can either submit the application via mail or download it from the website and submit it online.

Provide Other Necessary Documents

The documents required for processing your application includes the following:

• A completed application with the correct signature appended on it. Make sure you do not submit photocopies.
• Your residential address for mailing.
• Your Wisconsin driver’s license or your identification number.
• Proof of your completed firearm training.

After submission, you have to pay the required fee of forty dollars.

Receive Notification

After the processing period, you will get a mail notifying you about your application status.

For the renewal permit process, you can begin the application at least one hundred and twenty days before the expiry date of your permit.

Also, you have a grace of ninety days until after the permit expires to renew your application.

If the ninety days elapses, and you do not renew the permit, the license becomes invalid. And you have to apply for an initial permit all over again.

Note that if you are going to renew your permit within ninety days after the expiry date, you cannot conceal carry a firearm with the permit after it expires.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Wisconsin

Wisconsin will only allow gun permits from states that they have reciprocity with, and those that complete a criminal record check before issuing a pistol license.

Aspects of its reciprocity are:

States That Wisconsin Will Accept Their Gun Licenses

As residents of these states, you can conceal carry in Wisconsin with your gun license issued by any of the states. But, you must comply with Wisconsin gun laws while doing so.

States That Recognize Wisconsin Pistol Permits

These states will allow you to possess firearms within their jurisdiction if you have a Wisconsin issued license. However, you must be familiar with the state’s gun laws and carry the firearms according to the regulations. They include:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wyoming
• Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Wisconsin

These states honor gun licenses from Wisconsin, but regardless, you must meet other individual requirements before the possession of firearms in their territory. They are:

• Colorado
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania

States That Have Permitless Carry Policy

These states do not require you to have a gun license before you can possess firearms. They are constitutional carry states. However, you must meet the age requirement before you can carry guns. They include:

• Arizona
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Wisconsin

Some of the most frequently asked questions about gun license application renewal and other information in Wisconsin includes the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Wisconsin?

Yes. To conceal carry firearms in Wisconsin, you must have a gun permit issued by the state or another one from a state that it honors.

For How Long Is Wisconsin Pistol Permit Valid?

Wisconsin gun license is valid for five years, after which you have to apply for a renewal.

Can Non-Residents Apply For Wisconsin Pistol Permits?

No. Only non-residents that are members of the military posted to the state can apply for a Wisconsin pistol permit. The process is similar to that of residents of the state.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Wisconsin Pistol License?

For a change of name or address, you can complete a replacement form online, and there is no charge for this as long as you do not request a new license.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Wisconsin Gun Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For a damaged permit, you can use your license number to request a replacement permit and submit via mail. If it is a damaged permit, you have to return it.

For missing or stolen permits, you will need a new license.

The cost for this is twelve dollars, and you have to complete a criminal record check again.

How Soon Can I Apply For Wisconsin Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

If you are a new resident that just moved to Wisconsin, you must first obtain a driver’s license or a state identification card.

Can I Make Use Of Wisconsin Gun Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Upon establishing residency in Wisconsin, your pistol permit becomes invalid and expires automatically regardless of the expiry date.

Do I Need A Wisconsin Permit To Open Carry In The State?

No, Wisconsin does not issue a gun permit for open carry.

It is a permissive open carry state, and anyone that is eighteen years old or more with legal rights to possess firearms can open carry.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Wisconsin Pistol Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a gun permit in Wisconsin, except military members that must be at least eighteen years old.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Wisconsin?

No, Wisconsin does issue a permit to purchase firearms.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In Wisconsin?

No, you must complete a criminal record check before you buy firearms in Wisconsin, regardless of whether you are a permit holder or not.

Do I Need A Wisconsin Pistol Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, you do not need to be a permit holder to possess firearms in your home or any private property in the state.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Wisconsin Gun Permit?

Yes, you must complete a state-approved firearm training before you can apply for a pistol license in Wisconsin.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Wisconsin?

The processing period for the Wisconsin pistol license application is twenty-one dollars.

Does Wisconsin Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

Ye, it is a prohibition to possess machine guns, and similar firearms in Wisconsin, except you have a federal license, a law enforcement officer, or a military member.

Wisconsin prohibits armor-piercing ammunition.

Is Wisconsin A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the Wisconsin state government has the authority to regulate firearms in the state.

However, local municipalities can regulate the discharge of firearms within their boundaries except for self-defense reasons.

Do I Need A Wisconsin Concealed Weapon Permit To Hunt?

If you want to conceal carry while hunting, then you must have a Wisconsin pistol license. However, you cannot use the firearm to shoot wildlife.

What Is The Age Requirement For The Possession Of Firearms In Wisconsin?

You must be at least eighteen years old to possess firearms in Wisconsin.

Relevant Gun Laws Permits And Legislature In Wisconsin

Wisconsin pistol permit laws that have to do with the possession of firearms in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

According to the statutes, [Wis. Stat. § 167.31] and [Wis. Stat. § 948.605] you can possess firearms in your private vehicle if you have a Wisconsin gun permit or anyone from a state that it recognizes. However, the license does not mean you can possess firearms in off-limit areas.

On the fourth of October twenty-eighteen, Wisconsin supreme court gave a verdict that, to carry firearms in a private vehicle, a person must have a valid license recognized in Wisconsin.

However, without a permit, you cannot conceal carry a loaded firearm in a private vehicle.

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas

You can conceal carry firearms in roadside areas if you have a Wisconsin pistol permit or anyone from a state it reciprocates.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

According to the gun laws, [Wis. Stat. §29.091] and [Wis. Stat. § 29.089] you can possess firearms in these areas of the state if you have Wisconsin gun permit or anyone from a state it reciprocates.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas Of The State

You can possess firearms in restaurant and bar areas of the state as long as there is no post prohibiting such, and you are not under the influence of alcohol.

[Wis. Stat. § 941.237]

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

Any type of business organization in Wisconsin can prohibit the possession of firearms within its premises as long as there is a post communicating such info, or a verbal warnin

Additional Resources

Wisconsin Gun Laws
Wisconsin Concealed Carry Laws
Wisconsin Open Carry Laws