Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin protects the right to bear arms under Article I, Section 25 of the state constitution, but this does not mean that everyone may carry a gun, or that you may always carry a gun wherever you like. While most people may openly carry a firearm without a license, Wisconsin requires a concealed carry permit to carry a weapon concealed on (or near) you body or vehicle unless you are in your house, at your place of business, or on your own property. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 941.23(2)(e).)

For more information on permitting laws, see Gun Permit Laws in Wisconsin.

The following sections explain who may not have a gun, and the circumstances or situations when carrying a gun is illegal.

People Who May Not Carry a Gun in Wisconsin

The following individuals are prohibited from carrying a weapon in Wisconsin:

• those younger than 21 years old
• people convicted of a felony in Wisconsin (or a crime in another state that would have been a felony if it had been committed in Wisconsin)
• people adjudicated delinquent for an act that, if committed by an adult, would have been a felony
• people found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity, a mental disease, defect, or illness, or
• those ordered not to possess a firearm under several specified Wisconsin laws.

(Wi. Stat. Ann. § 941.9.)

Situations or Circumstances Where Carrying a Gun is Illegal

The following rules govern when you may not carry a gun in Wisconsin.

• Unless you are in your house, place of business, or on your own property, you may not carry a concealed firearm without a concealed carry permit. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 941.23(2)(e).)
• You may not carry a firearm in a jail, prison, or detention facility. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 175.60(16)(2).)
• You may not carry a firearm in a secured portion of a mental health institution. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 175.60(16)(5).)
• You may not carry a firearm in a courthouse. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 175.60(16)(6).)
• You may not carry a firearm beyond airport security checkpoints. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 175.60(16)(8).)
• With certain exceptions, you may not carry a firearm in an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold. (Wi. Stat. Ann. § 941.237.)

Penalties for Gun Carry Violations

It is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in Wisconsin without a concealed carry license (unless you are in your own home, on your own property, or at your fixed place of business). Penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, up to nine months in jail, or both.

You are not allowed to carry a firearm, openly or concealed, if you are within a class of people prohibited to possess a firearm (described above). Penalties include a fine of up to $25,000, up to ten years in prison, or both.

Carrying a firearm in a jail, mental health institution, courthouse, or airport is illegal. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

Getting Legal Help

The penalties for violating gun carry laws are serious, and often include harsh fines and long prison sentences. If you have any questions about whether you are allowed to carry a gun in Wisconsin, or if you are facing charges for a gun violation, consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer.