Wisconsin Reciprocity and Recognitions
The laws governing the legal use, storage and carrying of firearms are constantly changing. Below are the applicable laws in the State of Wisconsin as of 1/21/2013. The below information is designed to be a guide and not the final word. If you have specific questions, please refer to Wisconsin state legislation at wisconsin.gov Another great resource is the Department of Justice and can be found at doj.state.wi.us
Whether another state will recognize a Wisconsin CCW license is governed by the law of the other state. If the statutes of another state recognizeWisconsin CCW licenses, then a Wisconsin CCW license holder may carry in that state. In addition, DOJ ―may enter into reciprocity agreements with other states as to matters relating to licenses or other authorization to carry concealed weapons.‖ Wis. Stat. § 175.60(18). If such agreements are created, then aWisconsin CCW licensee holder may carry in that state. Now that the emergency rules are approved, the DOJ will be able to contact other states regarding reciprocity. As this information is developed, it will be updated on the DOJ website. However, a Wisconsin CCW licensee should always contact the particular state where they wish to carry concealed for information on the laws of that state.
Out-Of-State CCW Licenses Recognized by Wisconsin:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia(NonResidentOnly)*
Washington, West Virginia (issued after 6-8-12)* Wyoming, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
*A Virginia non-resident license specifically states “non-resident” on the license. The Virginia resident licenses does not qualify in the state of Wisconsin.
*West Virgina passed a new law effective 6/9/12 that requires a background check similar toWisconsin for all new concealed carry licenses issued. Therefore, a West Virginia license ISSUED OR RENEWED AFTER 6/8/12 is recognized in Wisconsin. Previously issued West Virginia licenses are not. Licensees from any of the listed states will be recognized in Wisconsin as an out-of-state licensee per Sec. 175.60 (1)(g) Wis. Stats. This was determined based on the statutory requirement in s. 165.25 (12) that the listed state requires, or designates that the holder chose to submit, to a background search that is comparable to Wisconsin’s background check.
175.60 (1)(ac). Wisconsin’s background check includes only two components (1) A criminal
history record search; (2) A search of the national instant criminal background check system
(NICS). If another states background check meets the same requirements a Wisconsin resident must meet, the DOJ has recognized that state. The DOJ has tried to be as inclusive as possible
and will periodically check and update the list if other states can be added.
States That Recognize a Wisconsin CCW License:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont.
Note: State Reciprocity and Recognition is alway subject to change, check state laws before travel.