Firearms Permit

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Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and ​Renewals!

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​LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform. 

Please review the helpful links below:

• Find step-by-step instruction for license renewal here.
• Find a list of license renewals available via LicensE in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  
• Find all licenses available via LicensE, plus user guides and other resources, on the LicensE Customer Information page.
• Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.
  

Our LicensE Application Status Lookup tool makes it easier for employees, and helps academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, you will need the applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. Find more information in our news release about this tool. ​​

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We are transitioning our forms to an online platform, AccessGov, that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidance. You will be able to submit some forms directly within the platform, while some may require you to download as a PDF and upload to another system. AccessGov will launch at the end of June 2026.

​Permit Information​​

For information about requirements pertaining to Law Enforcement Officers, see Wis. Admin. ​Code §​ SPS 34.01(5) to (8)​.

For information about restrictions on carrying a firearm in a vehicle, see Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 34.011.

Pre-Credential Education Information

Applicants for a new firearms permit must complete at least 36 hours of initial firearms training as described in Wis. Admin. Code § SPS  34.03(1). The training must be provided by a firearms proficiency certifier approved by the Department.  

Applicants who wish to apply equivalent training under Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 34.03​(2)​ must submit evidence they were authorized by another licensing jurisdiction or governmental agency to carry a firearm while on duty as a police officer, a security guard or a private detective in the 5 years immediately before applying to the Department for a firearms permit. 

Application for Permit

Late Renewal After Five (5) or More Years

A person who has not obtained a Certificate of Proficiency within the five (5) years preceding the date of application for a permit must complete the full 36-hour course.

Renewal Information

Requirements      

• No FEE required. (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
• Online APP 
  

Other Requirements      

• Hold an unexpired Private Security Permit or Private Detective License
• Be employed by a Private Security Agency or Private Detective Agency

• Have received at least six hours of firearms refresher training from a firearms proficiency certifier approved by the Department. A list of approved certifiers is posted on the Department's web site.​
  

Renewal Method

• ​Online Log In: LicensE (For assistance see LicensE​ Customer Information or contact renewal staff at DSPSRenewal@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-2112.) ​
  

Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship.  Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form #R210.