Wisconsin Open Carry Laws (2026)

Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal at 18 or older, with no license, for anyone who may lawfully have one.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Open carry of a handgun is legal at 18 or older, with no license, for anyone who may lawfully have one. Without a license it is also illegal in government-owned or leased buildings, in taverns and other places licensed to sell alcohol for drinking on site, and within 1,000 feet of a school. A licensee may not carry in a place licensed to sell alcohol while drinking there. On school grounds it is a felony even with a license. Courthouses, police stations and jails are also off limits, even with a license.

Official source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Carry in states bordering Wisconsin

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisRestricted
Open carry of a handgun is prohibited in Illinois. Firearms must be carried concealed under a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: isp.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IowaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Iowa without a permit for anyone who may lawfully carry.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dps.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
MichiganConditional
A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is not required to carry a pistol openly if you are 18 or older, may lawfully have a firearm, and hold the pistol license Michigan law requires. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan rule →
MinnesotaConditional
Open carry of a handgun in Minnesota requires a Minnesota Permit to Carry or a recognized out-of-state permit. The same permit covers both open and concealed carry.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dps.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →

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