Can a felon own a gun in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. The only mechanism to restore gun rights under state law is a gubernatorial pardon. Wisconsin does not have an expungement process that restores firearm rights for felony convictions. Governor Evers resumed granting pardons in 2019 after a long hiatus.

How can a felon restore gun rights in Wisconsin?

Apply for a gubernatorial pardon through the Governor's Pardon Advisory Board.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Wisconsin?

Must complete sentence. Pardon eligibility: varies; generally requires several years of law-abiding conduct after sentence completion.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Wisconsin?

Expungement in Wisconsin is only available at sentencing for young offenders and does not apply to serious felonies. There is no court petition process for firearm rights restoration.

How do I apply for a pardon in Wisconsin?

Download the Pardon Application from evers.wi.gov/pages/pardon-information.aspx. Complete all sections, have it notarized, and mail it with supporting documentation (character references, employment verification, evidence of rehabilitation). The Pardon Advisory Board staff will review it for completeness, then schedule a hearing. The process from application to hearing is approximately 13-14 months.

How long does the pardon process take?

The 5-year waiting period after sentence completion is mandatory before you can even apply. Once your application is submitted and deemed complete, it takes approximately 13-14 months to get a hearing before the Pardon Advisory Board. After the hearing, the Board makes a recommendation to the Governor, who decides at his discretion. The total timeline from application to decision is typically 18-24 months, sometimes longer.

Does a Wisconsin pardon restore gun rights under federal law?

Yes. Per ATF guidance, Wisconsin pardons granted after November 15, 1986, restore the right to receive, possess, or transport firearms in commerce unless the pardon expressly provides otherwise. Since Wisconsin pardons typically restore full civil rights including firearms, this satisfies the federal requirement for lifting the 18 USC 922(g)(1) prohibition.

What are the chances of getting a pardon in Wisconsin?

Governor Evers has granted hundreds of pardons since resuming the program in 2019, making the process more accessible than in many states. However, pardons remain discretionary. The Pardon Advisory Board considers the seriousness of the offense, your criminal record, how your sentence went, rehabilitation since completion, time elapsed since the offense, input from prosecutors and victims, and your reasons for seeking the pardon.

Can I possess a gun for hunting after a felony in Wisconsin?

No. Statute 941.29 does not have an exception for hunting or sporting purposes. You cannot possess any firearm — including hunting rifles and shotguns — until your gun rights are restored through a gubernatorial pardon. You may, however, hunt with non-firearm weapons such as crossbows and archery equipment, which are not prohibited for felons.

What if I have a felony from decades ago? Does time help?

Time helps with the pardon application but does not automatically restore your rights. Even if your conviction is 30+ years old, you remain prohibited under Statute 941.29 until you receive a pardon. However, a long period of law-abiding conduct significantly strengthens your pardon application and is one of the key factors the Pardon Advisory Board considers.

Is there a federal alternative to the Wisconsin pardon process?

Yes. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal process (2025) allows any federally prohibited person to petition the DOJ directly for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This is particularly useful for Wisconsin residents with federal convictions (which the Governor cannot pardon) or those who want an alternative to the state pardon process. However, federal relief would only address the federal prohibition — you would still be prohibited under Wisconsin Statute 941.29 unless you also obtain a state pardon.

What happens if I am caught with a gun as a felon in Wisconsin?

Possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class G felony under Wisconsin Statute 941.29, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)), it is punishable by up to 15 years. A new conviction would also permanently destroy any future pardon eligibility, as the pardon program requires no subsequent convictions.

Can my spouse or housemate own a gun if I am a prohibited felon living in the same home?

This is a gray area that creates significant legal risk. While your spouse or housemate may legally own firearms, you cannot have 'possession' of them — which courts have interpreted to include constructive possession (having access to a firearm in a shared living space). To minimize risk, firearms must be stored in a manner that prevents your access, such as a locked safe to which you do not have the combination or key. Consult a Wisconsin firearms attorney for specific guidance.

Felon Gun Rights in Wisconsin

Pardon only

No, unless you receive a gubernatorial pardon. Wisconsin permanently bans all felons from possessing firearms under Statute 941.29. There is no court petition, no automatic restoration, and no expungement process that restores gun rights for felony convictions. The only path is a pardon from the Governor. You must have completed your sentence at least 5 years ago and have no new criminal convictions to be eligible to apply.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Wisconsin imposes a lifetime ban on firearm possession for anyone convicted of a felony under Wisconsin Statute 941.29. The only mechanism to restore gun rights is a gubernatorial pardon. Wisconsin does not have a court petition process, an administrative restoration mechanism, or an expungement system that restores firearm rights for felony convictions. Wisconsin's limited expungement provision (available only at sentencing for younger offenders) does not apply to most felonies and does not restore gun rights. Governor Tony Evers resumed granting pardons in 2019 after an 8-year hiatus under his predecessor, and the Pardon Advisory Board actively reviews applications. Applicants must have completed their sentence at least 5 years ago and have no subsequent convictions.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year is federally prohibited from possessing firearms. A Wisconsin gubernatorial pardon lifts the federal ban because it restores civil rights including firearms — provided the pardon does not expressly exclude firearms. Wisconsin pardons granted after November 15, 1986, restore the right to receive, possess, or transport firearms in commerce unless the pardon expressly provides otherwise (per ATF guidance). Importantly, even if another state restores a felon's civil rights for an out-of-state conviction, a Wisconsin pardon is still required to possess firearms in Wisconsin. The revived federal 18 USC 925(c) process (2025) provides an additional federal pathway for relief.

Can restore gun rights

✓Any person convicted of a Wisconsin felony who has completed their entire sentence (including incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision) at least 5 years ago
✓No subsequent criminal convictions after the felony conviction
✓No pending criminal charges at the time of application
✓Not a registered sex offender
✓Demonstrated rehabilitation through employment, community involvement, education, or other positive contributions
✓Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence may also apply (separate federal prohibition under the Lautenberg Amendment requires pardon for relief)

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons who have not completed their full sentence (including probation, parole, extended supervision, and payment of restitution)
✗Persons whose sentence was completed less than 5 years ago
✗Persons with any subsequent criminal convictions after the felony
✗Persons with pending criminal charges
✗Registered sex offenders — ineligible for the pardon program
✗Persons convicted of a felony in another state — the Wisconsin Governor can only pardon Wisconsin convictions (must seek relief in the convicting state or through federal process)
✗Persons convicted of a federal felony — requires presidential pardon or federal 18 USC 925(c) process

Step-by-Step Process

Verify your eligibility

Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements: convicted of a Wisconsin felony, completed your entire sentence (including all supervision) at least 5 years ago, no subsequent criminal convictions, no pending charges, and not a registered sex offender. The 5-year waiting period cannot be waived. Contact the Governor's Pardon Office at GOVPardons@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-1212 with questions.

Obtain and complete the Pardon Application

Download the official Pardon Application from evers.wi.gov/pages/pardon-information.aspx. Complete all sections, including personal information, conviction details, sentence history, employment record, community involvement, and a detailed statement explaining why you are seeking a pardon and how you have rehabilitated. The application must be signed and stamped by a licensed notary public.

Gather supporting documentation

Collect character reference letters (employers, community members, clergy, family), documentation of sentence completion, employment verification, education certificates, volunteer work records, and any other evidence of rehabilitation. The stronger your evidence of a law-abiding and productive life since your conviction, the better your chances of approval.

Submit the application

Mail the completed, notarized application and all supporting documentation to the address provided on the application form. Ensure all sections are complete — incomplete applications will be returned. The Pardon Advisory Board staff will review your application for completeness and eligibility before scheduling a hearing.

Attend the Pardon Advisory Board hearing

Once your application is considered complete, it takes an estimated 13-14 months to receive a hearing date. At the hearing, you will have approximately 15 minutes to answer questions about your offense, your sentence, what you have done since completion, and why you should receive a pardon. The Board may also hear from the district attorney, victims, and community members.

Await the Governor's decision

The Pardon Advisory Board makes a recommendation to the Governor. The Governor has sole discretion to grant or deny the pardon. If granted, the pardon restores your civil rights, including firearm rights (unless the pardon expressly excludes firearms, which is uncommon). Obtain certified copies of the pardon for your records and for any future firearm purchases.

Waiting Period

A minimum of 5 years must have passed since the completion of your entire sentence — including all incarceration, probation, parole, extended supervision, and any other court-ordered conditions. This 5-year waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived. After applying, the hearing process takes an estimated 13-14 months from the time the application is deemed complete.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Wisconsin Statute 941.29 — Possession of a Firearm by a Felon	1969 (amended periodically)	Prohibits any person convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction from possessing a firearm. Violation is a Class G felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $25,000 fine. The prohibition applies to all firearms — handguns, rifles, and shotguns. There is no exception for home possession or antique firearms under state law.
Wisconsin Constitution, Article V, Section 6 — Pardon Power	1848	Grants the Governor the exclusive power to pardon individuals convicted of offenses against the state. The Governor may grant pardons with or without conditions. This is the constitutional basis for the only mechanism to restore gun rights in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Statute 973.015 — Expungement	1975 (amended 2009, 2021)	Wisconsin's expungement provision is extremely limited. It is available only at the time of sentencing, only for persons under age 25 at the time of the offense, and only for certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies (Class H or I). Even when granted, expungement in Wisconsin seals the record but does not restore firearm rights for felony convictions. This is not a viable path for gun rights restoration.
Governor Evers — Pardon Program Guidelines	2019	Eligibility requirements established by Governor Evers' office: must be a Wisconsin felony conviction, sentence completed at least 5 years ago, no subsequent convictions, no pending charges, and not a registered sex offender. The Pardon Advisory Board reviews applications and makes recommendations. Governor Evers resumed pardons in 2019 after Governor Walker's 8-year moratorium.
18 USC 922(g)(1) — Federal Firearms Prohibition	1968	Federal law prohibiting any person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment from possessing firearms. A Wisconsin pardon lifts this ban because it restores civil rights including firearms (per ATF guidance for pardons granted after November 15, 1986).
18 USC 925(c) — Federal Firearms Disability Relief (Revived 2025)	1968 (revived 2025)	Federal process for petitioning the DOJ for relief from federal firearms disabilities. Important for Wisconsin residents with federal convictions (which the Governor cannot pardon) or out-of-state convictions.

Edge Cases

I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Wisconsin. Can the Wisconsin Governor pardon me?

No. The Wisconsin Governor can only pardon Wisconsin state convictions. For an out-of-state felony, you must seek a pardon or restoration of rights in the state where you were convicted. Even if that state restores your gun rights, Wisconsin Statute 941.29 independently prohibits firearm possession by anyone convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction. You would need both the convicting state's restoration AND a separate legal determination that the other state's restoration satisfies Wisconsin law — this is legally complex and uncertain. The federal 18 USC 925(c) process may be a more practical alternative.

I received Wisconsin expungement at sentencing. Are my gun rights restored?

No. Wisconsin's expungement under Statute 973.015 seals the record but does not restore firearm rights for felony convictions. A 2019 Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision confirmed that even where a conviction has been expunged under 973.015, the firearm prohibition under 941.29 remains in effect. The only way to restore gun rights after a Wisconsin felony is a gubernatorial pardon.

Governor Walker never granted pardons. Does Governor Evers grant them?

Yes. Governor Scott Walker (2011-2019) imposed a complete moratorium on pardons during his 8 years in office. Governor Tony Evers resumed the pardon program in 2019 and has granted hundreds of pardons since then. The Pardon Advisory Board meets regularly to review applications. However, pardons are still discretionary and not guaranteed — applicants must demonstrate substantial rehabilitation.

Can I possess a firearm if my only conviction is a misdemeanor in Wisconsin?

Statute 941.29 specifically prohibits firearm possession by persons convicted of a felony. Misdemeanor convictions generally do not trigger the state prohibition unless they are misdemeanor domestic violence offenses (which trigger a separate federal prohibition under 18 USC 922(g)(9), the Lautenberg Amendment). However, certain misdemeanors may carry a 3-year firearm prohibition under Wisconsin law. Check your specific conviction with an attorney.

If my only reason for wanting a pardon is to get my gun rights back, will that hurt my application?

Potentially. The Pardon Advisory Board considers the reasons for seeking a pardon, and applications motivated solely by gun rights restoration may be viewed less favorably. Applicants are generally more successful when they can demonstrate broader rehabilitation goals, such as employment barriers, licensing restrictions, or other collateral consequences of the conviction. Framing your application around your overall rehabilitation rather than solely around firearms is recommended.

Can I hunt with a muzzleloader or crossbow as a felon in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Statute 941.29 prohibits felons from possessing 'firearms,' which includes muzzleloaders that meet the statutory definition of a firearm. However, crossbows and archery equipment are not firearms and are not prohibited for felons under Wisconsin law. Check the Wisconsin DNR hunting regulations for specific weapon classifications. Federal law also has a separate antique firearms exception (pre-1899 firearms), but this is narrow and should be verified with an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon own a gun in Wisconsin?: No, not unless you receive a gubernatorial pardon. Wisconsin permanently bans all felons from possessing any firearm — including handguns, rifles, and shotguns — under Statute 941.29. There is no court petition process, no automatic restoration after a waiting period, and Wisconsin expungement does not restore gun rights. A pardon from the Governor is the only pathway.
How do I apply for a pardon in Wisconsin?: Download the Pardon Application from evers.wi.gov/pages/pardon-information.aspx. Complete all sections, have it notarized, and mail it with supporting documentation (character references, employment verification, evidence of rehabilitation). The Pardon Advisory Board staff will review it for completeness, then schedule a hearing. The process from application to hearing is approximately 13-14 months.
How long does the pardon process take?: The 5-year waiting period after sentence completion is mandatory before you can even apply. Once your application is submitted and deemed complete, it takes approximately 13-14 months to get a hearing before the Pardon Advisory Board. After the hearing, the Board makes a recommendation to the Governor, who decides at his discretion. The total timeline from application to decision is typically 18-24 months, sometimes longer.
Does a Wisconsin pardon restore gun rights under federal law?: Yes. Per ATF guidance, Wisconsin pardons granted after November 15, 1986, restore the right to receive, possess, or transport firearms in commerce unless the pardon expressly provides otherwise. Since Wisconsin pardons typically restore full civil rights including firearms, this satisfies the federal requirement for lifting the 18 USC 922(g)(1) prohibition.
What are the chances of getting a pardon in Wisconsin?: Governor Evers has granted hundreds of pardons since resuming the program in 2019, making the process more accessible than in many states. However, pardons remain discretionary. The Pardon Advisory Board considers the seriousness of the offense, your criminal record, how your sentence went, rehabilitation since completion, time elapsed since the offense, input from prosecutors and victims, and your reasons for seeking the pardon.
Can I possess a gun for hunting after a felony in Wisconsin?: No. Statute 941.29 does not have an exception for hunting or sporting purposes. You cannot possess any firearm — including hunting rifles and shotguns — until your gun rights are restored through a gubernatorial pardon. You may, however, hunt with non-firearm weapons such as crossbows and archery equipment, which are not prohibited for felons.
What if I have a felony from decades ago? Does time help?: Time helps with the pardon application but does not automatically restore your rights. Even if your conviction is 30+ years old, you remain prohibited under Statute 941.29 until you receive a pardon. However, a long period of law-abiding conduct significantly strengthens your pardon application and is one of the key factors the Pardon Advisory Board considers.
Is there a federal alternative to the Wisconsin pardon process?: Yes. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal process (2025) allows any federally prohibited person to petition the DOJ directly for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This is particularly useful for Wisconsin residents with federal convictions (which the Governor cannot pardon) or those who want an alternative to the state pardon process. However, federal relief would only address the federal prohibition — you would still be prohibited under Wisconsin Statute 941.29 unless you also obtain a state pardon.
What happens if I am caught with a gun as a felon in Wisconsin?: Possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class G felony under Wisconsin Statute 941.29, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)), it is punishable by up to 15 years. A new conviction would also permanently destroy any future pardon eligibility, as the pardon program requires no subsequent convictions.
Can my spouse or housemate own a gun if I am a prohibited felon living in the same home?: This is a gray area that creates significant legal risk. While your spouse or housemate may legally own firearms, you cannot have 'possession' of them — which courts have interpreted to include constructive possession (having access to a firearm in a shared living space). To minimize risk, firearms must be stored in a manner that prevents your access, such as a locked safe to which you do not have the combination or key. Consult a Wisconsin firearms attorney for specific guidance.

Take Action — Direct Links

Governor Evers — Pardon Information and Application
Official state resource for pardon applications, eligibility requirements, and contact information. Includes the downloadable pardon application form.
Wisconsin State Law Library — Pardons
Comprehensive legal resource covering Wisconsin pardon law, the constitutional basis, historical context, and the application process.
Grieve Law — Restoring 2nd Amendment Gun Rights in Wisconsin
Wisconsin criminal defense firm resource explaining the pardon pathway to gun rights restoration, including eligibility, process, and practical considerations.
Subzero Defense — How Do I Get My Gun Rights Back in Wisconsin?
Detailed attorney analysis of the Wisconsin pardon process for gun rights restoration, including common questions and strategic considerations for applications.
Milwaukee Justice Center — Pardon Application Guide (PDF)
Step-by-step guide for completing the Wisconsin pardon application, with practical tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Wisconsin Restoration Profile
Comprehensive profile of Wisconsin's restoration of rights landscape, including firearms, pardons, expungement, and other civil rights. Regularly updated.
DOJ — Federal Firearm Rights Restoration (18 USC 925(c))
Federal pathway for relief from federal firearms disabilities, revived in 2025. Alternative to the Wisconsin state pardon process for federal convictions.