Am I Required to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia?

Am I Required to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia?

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

What is a Firearm?

The general definition of 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 Lost Firearms in Virginia?

Any person in Virginia who is in lawful possession of a firearm must report a loss of that firearm within 48 hours of discovering the loss 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 Lost Firearms in Virginia

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

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