Attorney General Chris Koster  announced Friday that Wisconsin now recognizes concealed-carry permits issued to Missouri residents. As a result, Missourians holding valid permits can carry concealed weapons while in the state of Wisconsin.

Legislation signed into law by Governor Nixon in 2013 requires Missouri’s county sheriffs to utilize a National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) system when processing applications for permits. The NICS check assists law enforcement in recognizing whether an applicant has certain prior convictions making him or her ineligible for a permit.

With the new law in place, Missouri’s concealed-carry permitting process is substantially similar to Wisconsin’s, paving the way to reciprocity between the states. Koster asked Wisconsin officials to officially recognize the reciprocity agreement. In a letter received by the Attorney General’s Office on January 16, Wisconsin affirmed that Missouri’s concealed-carry permits would be honored in their state. Koster said, “We are pleased that Wisconsin is joining the list of states that welcome Missouri’s concealed-carry permit holders.”