Wisconsin Fees and Costs

Statutory Fee Structure

Wisconsin's CCL fees are set by Wis. Stat. § 175.60(7)(c) and the implementing rules in Wis. Admin. Code Jus 17. The fee structure was last revised by the legislature in conjunction with Wis. Stat. § 175.49, which sets the funding framework for the DOJ CCL program.

Direct DOJ Fees

All fees are payable to the Wisconsin Department of Justice by money order or check. Cash is not accepted by mail. Fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.

Training Costs (Wis. Stat. § 175.60(7))

The CCL framework requires firearms training under Wis. Stat. § 175.60(7), but does not specify a price or vendor. Training costs are private and vary by instructor. Common ranges:

For applicants who already hold a qualifying credential (military DD-214, prior law-enforcement firearms qualification, hunter education certificate), there is no additional training cost to apply for a CCL.

Range and Ammunition

Wisconsin's training requirement does not mandate live-fire or range time. However, most quality NRA Basic Pistol and USCCA Concealed Carry courses include range time. Additional ammunition and range fees vary:

• Range fees: $15 - $40 per session at a private range.
• Ammunition: $25 - $50 for 100 rounds of practice 9mm or .380; more for premium defensive loads.
• Eye and ear protection: ~$30 one-time cost.

License Term Economics

The CCL is valid for 5 years. Spread across that term, the direct DOJ cost is $8/year for an original license and $4.40/year at renewal. By design this is a low-friction credential cost.

Comparison with Neighboring States

For instructor context (subject to change in each state's recent legislation):

Wisconsin's direct DOJ fee is one of the lowest in the Midwest. The total acquisition cost (DOJ fee + training + range + travel) typically runs $150-$300 for a first-time applicant taking a private NRA Basic Pistol course.

Where the Fees Go

Wisconsin's CCL program funding structure is in Wis. Stat. § 175.49. Fees collected by DOJ under Wis. Stat. § 175.60(7)(c) fund:

• DOJ Concealed Carry Unit operations.
• CCL background checks under Wis. Stat. § 175.50.
• Administrative-rule implementation under Wis. Admin. Code Jus 17.
• License-card production and mailing.

By statutory design, the CCL program is funded primarily by user fees - the program is largely self-supporting.

Replacement and Re-Issuance

A licensee whose card is lost, stolen, or destroyed may request a replacement for $12. The replacement card carries the original expiration date. The licensee must request the replacement card by mail to DOJ.

Re-issuance after a name change (e.g., marriage) follows similar procedures. DOJ may require documentary proof of the name change.

Fee Waivers - None

Wisconsin does not waive CCL fees for any category of applicant. Active-duty military, veterans, retired law enforcement, and senior citizens all pay the standard fees. Some other states offer fee waivers for these categories; Wisconsin does not.

Payment Methods

DOJ accepts:

• Personal check payable to "Wisconsin Department of Justice."
• Money order.
• Cashier's check.

DOJ does not accept:

• Cash by mail.
• Credit cards by mail.
• Wire transfers.

Fee Changes

Statutory fees can change by legislative amendment. Always confirm current fees on the DOJ Concealed Carry Unit page before mailing the application.

Late or Bounced Fees

If the application fee check bounces (insufficient funds), DOJ pauses the application and notifies the applicant. The 21-day statutory window under Wis. Stat. § 175.60(9g) does not start until a valid fee is received. The applicant may be subject to a bounced-check fee from DOJ in addition to the bank's fee.

Total Cost-of-Entry Summary

For a first-time Wisconsin CCL applicant who needs to take a training course:

For a renewal applicant: $22 (DOJ fee only - no new training required).