Out-of-State Licenses Recognized in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) is required to conduct a survey of other states to establish a list of states that issue a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit under requirements substantially similar to Wisconsin law. This includes that the holder chose to submit to a background check that is comparable to the type of background check that Wisconsin DOJ is required to conduct for Wisconsin licensees.
The Wisconsin background check includes two components:
- A criminal history record search
- A search of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A search of the NICS database is required because it contains information on people who are prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms by federal or state law.
Any person who is at least 21 years of age, who is not a Wisconsin resident, and who holds a valid concealed carry permit issued by any of the states on Wisconsin DOJ’s list, will be recognized in Wisconsin as an out-of-state licensee. An out-of-state licensee is permitted to carry a concealed handgun in Wisconsin while abiding by Wisconsin laws governing the carrying of a concealed weapon.
A Wisconsin resident must have a Wisconsin CCW license in order to carry in Wisconsin, even if that individual holds a valid CCW license from another state.
Permit(s) Honored in Wisconsin (for those 21 and older):
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington
West Virginia*
Wyoming
*See the special conditions list below
Permit(s) Not Honored in Wisconsin:
Guam
Maine
New Jersey
Oregon
Virgin Islands
Permit(s) Honored in Wisconsin with Special Conditions:
Virginia NON-RESIDENT license only. Virginia resident license does not qualify for recognition in Wisconsin.
Idaho regular or enhanced license only. Emergency licenses do not qualify for recognition in Wisconsin.
Puerto Rico regular license only. Expedited licenses do not qualify for recognition in Wisconsin.
West Virginia regular resident or non-resident license. Provisional licenses do not qualify for recognition in Wisconsin.
Missouri regular license only. Provisional licenses do not qualify for recognition in Wisconsin.
Florida NON-RESIDENT license only. Florida resident license does not qualify for recognition in Wisconsin.
Each state regulates firearms laws differently and there is no obligation for one state to inform another of any changes to its law. The accuracy of the information on these websites is the responsibility of each individual state.
If you believe you have information indicating that a state has been wrongly omitted from the list submit that information to Wisconsin DOJ in writing. The information will be reviewed, and the list will be adjusted if Wisconsin DOJ verifies an inaccuracy.
Reciprocity
Whether another state will recognize a Wisconsin CCW license is governed by the laws of that state. If the laws of another state recognize Wisconsin CCW licenses, then a Wisconsin CCW license holder may carry in that state. A Wisconsin CCW licensee should always contact the state where they wish to carry concealed for information on the most current laws of that state and whether that state recognizes the Wisconsin CCW license.