Wisconsin Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. No magazine limit. No waiting period. Castle doctrine; no duty to retreat.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Wisconsin requires a shall-issue permit for concealed carry. The state recognizes castle doctrine and has no duty to retreat, though outside the home, vehicle, or business a jury may consider whether retreat was possible. No magazine limits, assault weapon bans, or waiting periods exist (the former 48-hour handgun waiting period was repealed in 2015).

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (Wis. Stat. § 175.60)
• Open Carry: Permitted without a permit
• Permit to Purchase: Not required (Wis. Stat. § 66.0409 (preempts local gun ordinances))
• Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
• Magazine Limit: No limit
• Waiting Period: None (repealed 2015)
• Universal Background Check: Not required for private sales
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): No state ERPO law
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (Wis. Stat. § 939.48(1m))
• Stand Your Ground: No statute; no duty to retreat, but outside home/vehicle/business a jury may weigh the chance to retreat (Wis JI-Criminal 810; State v. Wenger (1999))
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors permits from states with 'substantially similar' standards (Wisconsin DOJ — CCW Reciprocity)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a shall-issue concealed carry license. Open carry is generally allowed without a permit.

Does Wisconsin have a waiting period?

No. Wisconsin's former 48-hour handgun waiting period was repealed in 2015; no waiting period applies today.

Does Wisconsin require background checks for private sales?

No. Private firearm sales in Wisconsin do not require a background check.

Does Wisconsin have a red flag law?

No. Wisconsin has not enacted an extreme risk protection order law.

Does Wisconsin recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

Only from states the Wisconsin DOJ has surveyed and found to issue permits under standards substantially similar to Wisconsin's own, including a comparable background check. Check the DOJ's current published list before carrying here on an out-of-state permit.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.