Summary 

• Permit required? Yes. Wisconsin generally requires a CCW license (or a recognized out-of-state permit for nonresidents) to carry a concealed weapon. 

• Minimum age:  21+ to apply for a Wisconsin CCW license (with limited special eligibility such as active military stationed in WI). 

• Duty to inform:  No general duty to proactively inform, but you must display your CCW license + photo ID upon request; DOJ recommends telling the officer if you’re carrying during contact. 

• Where you generally can/can’t carry: Many public places are allowed unless specifically prohibited; common prohibited areas include schools, courthouses, police/sheriff/state patrol stations, secured airport areas, and certain correctional/secure facilities.

• Alcohol-adjacent rule: Carry in a tavern is tightly regulated; a CCW licensee may carry a concealed handgun in a tavern only if not consuming alcohol.

Wisconsin issues concealed carry licenses statewide through the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) (not county-by-county). The DOJ must issue or deny a completed application within 21 days, and licenses are typically valid for five years. 

Wisconsin functions as a practical “shall-issue” system: if you meet eligibility requirements (including being 21+, not prohibited, and meeting training requirements), the state processes the license through the DOJ.  Reciprocity is significant: nonresidents who are 21+ and hold a permit from a state on Wisconsin DOJ’s recognition list may carry in Wisconsin as an out-of-state licensee,but residents must have a CCW license to carry in Wisconsin even if they have another state’s permit. 

For residents and visitors, day-to-day restrictions usually come down to location rules, posting/signage, and alcohol/impairment. Private property owners and businesses can restrict carry with proper notice/signage (DOJ’s FAQ describes minimum sign sizing and notice concepts). When traveling use secure storage (locked cases/safes) and consider Faraday-protected SLNT bags for privacy and protection of electronics (e.g., keeping key fobs/phones shielded while your secured firearm is stored), particularly when you’re moving between car and room or leaving valuables in a vehicle.

Useful Links

• Wisconsin DOJ CCW Reciprocity (recognized out-of-state permits list)

• Wisconsin DOJ Firearms Background Check Overview

Official Links

• Wisconsin DOJ Concealed Carry FAQs (PDF)

• Wisconsin DNR Concealed Carry (context for outdoors/transport rules, long gun notes)