Wisconsin Concealed Carry FAQ Released By DOJ

The Wisconsin Department of Justice released an FAQ on the new concealed carry laws that go into effect on Nov. 1, 2011. It contains some information that we already knew but touched on some other issues such as training requirements, cost, and how long it takes for the permits to be issued. You can view the full FAQ here. We will be updating our Wisconsin Concealed Carry page with the information provided in the FAQ.

One thing it doesn’t clear us is which concealed carry permits Wisconsin will recognize from other states. The DOJ will complete this by Nov. 1, 2011.

DOJ is required to establish, by rule, a list of states that issue CCW licenses or permits that either requires or designates that the holder of the license or permit chose to submit to a background check that is comparable to the check conducted under Wisconsin law. Wis. Stat. A person who possesses a CCW license or permit from one of the states designated by DOJ may carry concealed in Wisconsin. Such a person may begin carrying concealed as soon as DOJ lists the state by rule but no earlier than the effective date of the law of November 1, 2011.

Out-of-state CCW licenses issued to Wisconsin residents are not valid in Wisconsin. All Wisconsin residents must obtain a Wisconsin CCW license in order to carry concealed in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Training Requirements

In an application for a license, an individual must include proof of having received firearm training. The proof of training requirement may be met by any of the following:
A copy of a document, or an affidavit from an instructor or organization that conducted the course or program, that indicates that the individual completed any of the following (but see note below):

• The hunter education program established by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or a substantially similar program that is established by another state, country, or province and that is recognized by DNR.
• A firearms safety or training course that is conducted by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors.
• A firearms safety or training course that is available to the public and is offered by a law enforcement agency
• A firearms safety or training course that is taught by an instructor who is certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors or by an instructor certified by DOJ, and that is available to the public and offered by any of the following: a technical college, a college or university, a private or public institution or organization, or a firearms training school.
• A firearms safety or training course that is offered to law enforcement officers or to owners and employees of licensed private detective and security agencies.
• A firearms safety or training course that is conducted by a firearms instructor who is certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors or who is certified by DOJ.

Documentation that the individual completed military, law enforcement, or security training that gave the individual experience with firearms that is substantially equivalent to a course or program described above.

A current or expired license, or a photocopy of a current or expired license, that the individual holds or has held that indicates that the individual is licensed or has been licensed to carry a firearm in this state or in another state or in a county or municipality of this state or of another state unless the license has been revoked for cause.

Documentation of completion of small arms training while serving in the U.S. armed forces as demonstrated by an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions or a certificate of completion of basic training with a service record of successful completion of small arms training and certification.

IMPORTANT NOTE: DOJ is currently in the rule-making process and is evaluating what information will be required on the certificate to substantiate proof of training. We will not have specifics until the rule-making process is complete.

Cost of Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit

The cost of a Wisconsin concealed carry permit will not exceed $50. The application process will cost $37 and the background check will cost $13.

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit Issuing Time

For completed applications received between November 1 and December 1, 2011, DOJ shall issue or deny as soon as practicable and no longer than 45 days after receiving an application.  After December 1, 2011, DOJ must either issue a license or deny the license application within 21 days of receiving the completed application.

Wisconsin Concealed Carry FAQ