A Wisconsin firearm bill of sale documents the transfer or sale of a firearm from one party to another. It includes a description of the firearm (with details like the serial number, caliber, model, and make), the buyer’s and seller’s names, the sales price, and the transaction date.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Wisconsin
Minimum Age to Purchase
Wisconsin follows federal law, so firearm purchasers must be at least 21 if they’re buying a handgun and at least 18 if they’re buying a long gun. [1]
Permit for Purchase
Wisconsin residents don’t need a permit to purchase a gun. If buying from a federally licensed dealer, they must obtain a background check, which typically takes around five days. The state doesn’t implement a specific waiting period for buyers.
Register a Gun
You can buy a gun in Wisconsin without registering it. State law forbids the mandatory registration of firearms. [2]
Open Carry Permit
You can carry a gun openly without a permit if you’re 18 and not otherwise forbidden to carry a firearm. [3]
Concealed Carry Permit
Wisconsin residents of at least 21 can conceal carry if they have a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit. [4] [5] Applicants must provide proof of training and otherwise not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law.
How to Apply
You can apply for a CCW permit by following these steps:
- Step 1 – Get Trained: Complete a firearms safety or training course that meets the state-mandated requirements. [6]
- Step 2 – Fill Out Application: Complete the CCW permit online application with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General. Attach current and valid documentation, including your current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license or identification card number and acceptable proof of training.
- Step 3 – Pay Fee: All applicants must pay the $40 application fee ($30 for the application and $10 for the background check).
- Step 4 – Turn in the Application: Submit the form online or mail it to the Wisconsin Department of Justice with your payment.
Gun Reciprocity
Wisconsin will recognize out-of-state concealed carry licenses except those from Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont. [7]
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Minors under 18 cannot own or purchase firearms. [8]
Additionally, the following individuals cannot purchase or own a firearm in Wisconsin: [9]
- Individuals who have been convicted of a felony
- People who have been adjudicated delinquent for acts committed on or after April 21, 1994, that, if committed by an adult in Wisconsin, would be a felony
- Individuals who have been found not guilty of a felony because of mental defects or disease
- Individuals who have been committed for treatment and are subject to orders not to possess firearms
- People subject to an injunction or tribal injunction
- People who are subject to orders not to possess firearms
Firearm Inheritance Laws
While there are no specific firearm inheritance laws, you cannot transfer a firearm via inheritance to anyone under 18.
Because the state doesn’t require registration, you don’t have to register any inherited firearms.
