Am I Required to Report a Stolen Firearm in Virginia?

Am I Required to Report a Stolen Firearm in Virginia?

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

What is a Firearm?

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 Stolen Firearm in Virginia?

Anyone who is in lawful possession of a firearm must report its theft within 48 hours of discovering or being informed of the theft. 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 theft of a firearm will not be held criminally or civilly liable for damages resulting from the theft.

Penalty for Failing to Report Stolen Firearm in Virginia

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

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