300,000th concealed carry permit issued in WI; more than 19K applications processed this year

MADISON -- The 300,000th concealed carry permit has been issued in Wisconsin, Attorney General Brad Schimel announced on Thursday, March 31st.

The 300,000th permit was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Criminal Information Bureau's Firearms Unit on March 24th.

The concealed carry program began in Wisconsin in 2011.

Since January 1st, 2016, 19,515 concealed carry applications were processed in Wisconsin, and 46,658 background checks were completed. The background checks are required for the transfer of a handgun from a firearms dealer in Wisconsin.

During the entirety of 2015, 45,549 concealed carry applications were processed, and 131,648 background checks were completed.

Data collected by the DOJ shows that between 2001-2005, to 2011-2015 the total number of background checks increased from 162,208 to 599,141 -- a 369% increase over the 10-year period.

“The dedicated professionals at the Department of Justice have provided a safe, secure and efficient process for the issuance of concealed carry permits since 2011 Act 35 went into effect on November 1st, 2011,” said Attorney General Schimel. “Wisconsin has always had a rich tradition of firearms ownership, and I am proud to lead the agency that ensures law abiding citizens can exercise their rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about how to apply for a concealed carry permit.