Am I Required to Report a Lost Firearm in Virginia?

Am I required to report a lost firearm in Virginia? The law in Virginia requires that anyone who is in lawful possession of a firearm must immediately report any loss of that firearm (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failure to timely report a loss of a firearm will result in a civil penalty. Additionally, the person could potentially be held criminally or civilly liable for any acts resulting from the loss.

What is a Firearm?

Am I Required to Report a Lost Firearm in Virginia?

A “firearm” in Virginia is “an instrument designed, made, and intended to expel a projectile by means of an explosion.” It is not necessary to prove that the instrument was “operable,” “capable of being fired,” or has the “actual capacity to do serious harm.”

Am I Required to Report a Lost Firearm in Virginia?

Anyone in lawful possession of a firearm must report its loss within 48 hours of discovering or being informed of the loss. The report must be made to a local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police. The law-enforcement agency will then update that information into the National Crime Information Center.

Any person who (in good faith) reports a loss of a firearm will not be held criminally or civilly liable for damages resulting from the loss.

Penalty for Failing to Report a Lost Firearm in Virginia

Failing to timely report a lost firearm in Virginia is punished with a civil penalty up to $250.

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