Wisconsin

Secure Storage
Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has not enacted or repealed major gun safety laws in recent years. It has some of the foundational gun laws in place, including a child access prevention law, which took effect in Wisconsin in 1992.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Wisconsin

Wisconsin state law requires gun owners to securely store their loaded firearm(s) to prevent children under the age of 14 from accessing them. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Gun owners in Wisconsin may be subject to criminal penalties if they recklessly store or leave a loaded firearm within reach or easy access of a child under 14, the child gains access to the firearm and then exhibits it in a public place or causes bodily injury or death with it. If a person is not carrying a firearm on their person, proper storage of a firearm consists of keeping it:

  • In a securely locked box or container; or
  • In a location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or
  • Securely locked with a trigger lock.

A firearm can also be rendered inoperable by removal of an essential component of the firing mechanism.

Gun owners in Wisconsin may be subject to criminal penalties if a child under age 14 gains access to an improperly stored loaded firearm and displays or exhibits it in a public place, or discharges it and causes bodily harm or death.

By the Numbers

0+

More than 700 children die by gun suicide each year, most often using guns belonging to a family member.

0/0+

At least one-third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented with secure storage.

0k+

More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year, significant portion of those are stolen from cars

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Wisconsin Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Wisconsin in English or Spanish.