Originally published: March 29, 2019 -- Updated: September 17, 2021

UPDATE: The state of Wisconsin does permit the open carry of firearms as described below, although there are a few cases where a person may be restricted from carrying a loaded weapon in public, such as when a person has been convicted of a felony or a domestic abuse charge. Gun owners should also be aware of the situations in which they could face criminal charges based on how a weapon was used. The offense of “endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon” may apply in the following situations:

Fewer issues are the subject of as much controversy as gun laws. Although the right to possess a firearm is protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, state gun laws vary dramatically. If you are a gun owner in Wisconsin, it is crucial to know and understand your firearm-related rights and responsibilities. Violating Wisconsin gun laws, including laws related to gun transport, can lead to criminal charges.

Gun Laws in Wisconsin

Per Wisconsin law, you do not need a permit to own a gun. However, certain individuals are prohibited by possessing firearms by state and federal law. Under federal law, individuals who have been convicted of a felony criminal offense or certain domestic violence offenses may not possess a firearm. Additionally, Wisconsin law prohibits gun ownership for individuals who are subject to a restraining order, have drug or alcohol dependence problems, or have certain mental conditions.

If you are not prohibited from owning a gun by federal or Wisconsin law, anyone who passes a background check can open carry a firearm in plain view. If you wish to carry a concealed firearm in Wisconsin, you will need a concealed carry license (CCW license).

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives us the right to bear arms. However, this right does not prevent states from enforcing certain restrictions regarding who can own a gun and where. If you are a gun owner, knowing the firearms laws in Wisconsin is crucial. Failure to obey conceal carry laws or other Wisconsin weapons laws can lead to criminal charges and the loss of your right to own a firearm.

Concealed Carry Permits Are Required to Conceal Carry a Firearm in Wisconsin

In order to legally carry a concealed firearm, you must apply for a carrying concealed weapon (CCW) license. To get a CCW license, you must be at least 21 and a Wisconsin resident. You must also complete a training course. Certain individuals are barred from getting a CCW under Wisconsin and/or federal law including:

Few topics can stir up controversy in the United States the way gun ownership can. While concealed carry refers to carrying a gun that is hidden in a purse or pocket, open carry refers to carrying a gun in such a way that others can see the firearm. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to own firearms; however, open carry of firearms is only permitted under certain circumstances in Wisconsin. If you are a gun owner or you are thinking about purchasing a firearm, you should know about Wisconsin open carry laws. Read on to learn about open carry in Wisconsin and what you can do if you have been arrested and charged with a gun-related offense.

Wisconsin Is an Open Carry State

Gun owners may openly carry a gun in public in Wisconsin. However, there are some places in which open carry is prohibited. These locations include schools, correctional facilities, mental health institutions, police stations, courthouses, and airports. In addition, a license is required to carry a concealed firearm in Wisconsin. There are also laws in Wisconsin specifically designed to protect gun owners. Cities are not permitted to pass gun laws that are stricter than the state laws. In 2017, The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that forbidding guns on public buses was in violation of this legislation. Individuals who are permitted to carry a firearm may now bring their guns on a public bus.

Almost one out of every five adults in the United States are living with some form of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses can range in severity from mild to debilitating. If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may wonder how this could affect your gun rights in Wisconsin. You may ask, “Are people with a mental illness prohibited from owning firearms?” or “Will I be forced to surrender my firearms if I am a patient in a mental health facility?” It is important to understand Wisconsin gun laws in order to avoid criminal charges. 

Wisconsin Law Regarding Firearm Possession and Mental Health

The right to possess a firearm is granted by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, there are some situations in which a person can lose his or her gun rights. Possession of a firearm is a Class G felony criminal offense in Wisconsin if the person possessing the gun: