Carrying
Wis. Stat. 175.60 — a license issued to anyone 21 or over who is not disqualified, decided within 21 days
Concealed without a license: a Class A misdemeanor. Carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon is a Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin, unless the person is a licensee or out-of-state licensee, a peace officer or one of the other people the section lists. A knife is not a dangerous weapon for this section.
At home, at work, on one's own land. The offense does not reach a person carrying a concealed weapon in their own dwelling or place of business, or on land they own, lease or legally occupy.
The Department of Justice issues a license to carry a concealed weapon to anyone who is not disqualified and completes the application. An applicant under 21 is disqualified. Within 21 days after a complete application the department issues the license or denies it in writing with the reason. The license fee may not exceed $37, and a license is valid for 5 years.
The license on request. A licensee carrying a concealed weapon, other than at home, at work or on their own land, has the license document and photo identification along, and displays them when a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity and with lawful authority asks. Not doing so is a forfeiture of not more than $25, excused if the licensee presents them to the officer's agency within 48 hours.
Even a licensee may not knowingly carry a weapon, concealed or not, in these places:
- A police station, sheriff's office or state patrol station.
- A prison, jail, house of correction or secured correctional facility.
- A county, state or federal courthouse, or a municipal courtroom while court is in session.
- Beyond the security checkpoint in an airport.
- Certain secured mental health and treatment facilities the section names.
Carrying in a prohibited place may be fined up to $500 or 30 days in jail, or both. A weapon in a vehicle in a parking facility in such a building is outside the prohibition. An officer who uses excessive force based solely on someone's status as a licensee faces the same penalty.
Sources for this section (2)
- Wis. Stat. 175.60 — License to carry a concealed weapon
- Wis. Stat. 941.23 — Carrying concealed weapon
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.