Can I Carry a Concealed Weapon in Wisconsin?

 Posted on December 30, 2025 in Criminal Defense

You may legally carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin, as long as you follow the rules. Whether carrying is legal depends on your license status, where the weapon is carried, and whether any legal restrictions apply to you.

Concealed carry is common across Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Concealed Carry Annual Report released in 2025, over 70,000 people applied for a concealed carry license in one year. Even so, mistakes can still lead to criminal charges. To better understand these laws, talk with our Milwaukee County, WI weapons charge defense lawyer.

Who Can Legally Carry a Concealed Weapon in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin allows concealed carry, but most people must have a valid concealed carry license to do so legally. You cannot lawfully carry a hidden firearm unless you meet the state’s licensing requirements.

According to Wisconsin Statutes § 175.60, applicants must meet age requirements, complete approved firearms training, and be legally allowed to possess a firearm. You can apply through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, but eligibility is not automatic. Certain felony convictions may prevent someone from carrying a concealed weapon. Some misdemeanor convictions involving violence or active court orders can also make concealed carry illegal.

These rules are not always easy to identify or understand. In some situations, an older conviction may still affect whether concealed carry is allowed under Wisconsin law. If the requirements are not met, carrying a concealed weapon can still lead to criminal charges, even when the firearm itself was legally purchased.

Where Is Concealed Carry Prohibited in Wisconsin?

Even with a valid license, concealed carry is not allowed everywhere. Wisconsin law places limits on certain locations to protect public safety. Places where carrying a weapon is illegal include:

• In places where alcohol is sold and consumed
• Schools and school grounds
• Courthouses and secured government buildings
• Police stations and correctional facilities
• Restricted areas of some government-owned buildings
• Private property where a proper "no carry" notice is posted

Carrying a concealed weapon in one of these locations can lead to criminal charges, even if you have a license.

Does Wisconsin Require You to Tell Police You Are Carrying?

Wisconsin does not require you to volunteer that you are carrying a concealed weapon during a traffic stop or police encounter. You do not have to bring it up on your own.

However, if an officer directly asks whether you are carrying a weapon, you must answer truthfully. Giving false information or refusing to follow lawful instructions can create additional legal problems.

What Charges Can Result From Illegal Concealed Carry?

The potential charges related to illegal concealed carry depend on the specific situation and the reason the carry was illegal. Common examples include:

• Wisconsin Statutes § 941.23: Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid license
• Wisconsin Statutes § 941.237: Carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited location
• Wisconsin Statutes § 941.29: Carrying a weapon while legally barred from possessing a firearm

A conviction can affect your ability to possess firearms in the future. It can also lead to fines, jail time, or both.

What Should You Do If You Are Charged With a Weapons Offense?

Weapons cases often depend on small details. These details may include how the weapon was carried, where it was located, and whether it was truly concealed.

Police reports do not always tell the full story. Because of this, how a case is handled early on can make a real difference. Reviewing the facts and the law carefully may affect whether charges are reduced, dismissed, or moved forward.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Waukesha County, WI Gun Crimes Defense Attorney

At Bucher Law Group, LLC, we are focused on protecting the rights of people facing serious criminal charges. Attorney Paul E. Bucher brings decades of experience to weapons defense cases. He spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney and was elected twice as President of the Statewide District Attorneys Association. He also served on dozens of statewide task forces focused on violent crimes. Throughout his career, he has litigated the most high-profile and complex cases in Wisconsin and has handled thousands of criminal cases.

If you are facing a weapons charge or have questions about concealed carry laws, call 262-446-9222 today to schedule a free consultation with our Milwaukee County, WI weapons charge defense lawyer.