Is a Wisconsin Non-Resident Permit Valid in Alabama?

Why

• Wisconsin does not issue carry permits to non-residents (issued only to wisconsin residents (valid wi driver's license or id required) or active-duty military stationed in wisconsin (wi doj ccw faq)).

Attorney General: 'The state of Alabama recognizes any concealed carry permit issued by another state' (Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a)); no resident-only condition stated.

Carry rules in Alabama

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Alabama, these rules replace the ones you know from Wisconsin.

• No proactive duty to inform found on any official Alabama source; answer truthfully and present a permit if an officer asks during a lawful stop.
• Alabama sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Alabama allows permitless concealed carry from age 19 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Since Jan 1, 2023 a loaded handgun may be carried in a vehicle without a permit by anyone who may carry permitless (Act 2022-133 removed the vehicle-carry permit requirement).

Off-limits places in Alabama

• Police, sheriff and highway patrol stations
• Prisons, jails and other detention facilities
• Psychiatric and mental-health inpatient facilities
• Courthouses and court-related buildings
• Professional and school athletic events (without a permit)
• Secured facilities with guarded, restricted access

Frequently asked questions

Is a Wisconsin non-resident permit valid in Alabama?

No such permit is issued. Wisconsin restricts its carry permits to residents (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that Alabama does recognize.

Do I have to tell police in Alabama that I am carrying?

No proactive duty to inform found on any official Alabama source; answer truthfully and present a permit if an officer asks during a lawful stop.

Does Alabama limit magazine capacity?

Alabama sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Alabama without any permit?

Alabama allows permitless concealed carry from age 19 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Wisconsin issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Wisconsin issues carry permits to residents only (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.