Disclaimer

License Needed to Carry Stun Gun or Taser in Wisconsin

It's illegal in Wisconsin to carry a stun gun or Taser anywhere other than your own home, land, or business, unless you have a concealed carry license, or the electric weapon is enclosed in a carrying case. This restriction doesn't apply to peace officers and on-duty military or corrections personnel.

The state will not issue concealed carry licenses to certain people, including those who:

  • are younger than 21
  • are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law
  • have been convicted of a felony or a juvenile offense that would've been a felony if they were adults at the time, or
  • are subject to a court order not to possess a firearm, such as an anti-harassment restraining order.

Because of these restrictions, you'll have to go through a background check before you can get a concealed carry license. You also must show proof that you've completed a certified firearms safety or training course.

(Wis. Stat. §§ 175.60, 941.23, 941.295 (2024).)

Other Wisconsin Restrictions on Possession of Stun Guns or Tasers

Minors under the age of 18 aren't allowed to have an electric weapon unless they're being supervised by an adult during target practice or an instructional class. Anyone who sells or gives a stun gun or Taser to a minor will be charged with a felony; the penalties are stiffer if the youth kills someone with the weapon.

Even if you have a concealed carry license, it's a misdemeanor to bring a stun gun to an elementary or secondary school, unless you keep it in your vehicle while you're at the school for authorized business or you're picking up or dropping off passengers.

(Wis. Stat. §§ 948.60, 948.61 (2024).)

Illegal Use of an Electric Weapon in Wisconsin

Criminal laws in Wisconsin specifically include electric weapons in the definition of dangerous weapons. That means you could be charged with a crime for using a stun gun or Taser in a negligent way that endangers someone's safety or causes bodily harm. It also means you could face stiffer penalties for using an electric weapon while committing a crime, including carjacking, robbery, stalking, or sexual assault.

As with any type of force, you're allowed to use or threaten to use an electric weapon to defend yourself or someone else.

(Wis. Stat. §§ 939.22, 939.48, 939.63, 940.08, 940.24, 940.225, 940.32, 941.20, 943.32, 948.60 (2024).)

Look out for Legal Changes

States can change their laws at any time. To see if Wisconsin has made any recent changes to the laws discussed here, or to read the full text, type in the statute number or a phrase in the search button on the state legislature's statute page.

Getting Legal Help

Some cities and counties in Wisconsin may have their own restrictions on stun guns and Tasers. You may want to contact your local law enforcement agency or a local lawyer with any about your legal rights to carry a stun gun or Taser. If you've been charged with a crime that involves an electric weapon, you should speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Pepper spray

  • Wisconsin only allows legitimate pepper spray to be carried by civilians; OC sprays only, not CN or CS tear gas, or any OC plus tear gas blends.
  • The legal amount of pepper spray a civilian may carry on or about their person for self-defense is 2 oz. or less.
  • No pepper spray container may be disguised as something other than what it is; your pepper spray container cannot look like a lipstick tube, pen, or anything else. This might be problematic if considering a keychain-carried “kubotan” type dispenser or even a modern “pistol” format dispenser.
  • Felons may not own any pepper spray without an official pardon.
  • Anyone who is 18 years or older can purchase and own pepper spray in the state, though people under the age of 18 may still be given pepper spray by their parents or adult guardian.