Am I Required to Report Lost or Stolen Firearms in Virginia?

Am I Required to Report Lost or Stolen Firearms in Virginia?

Am I required to report lost or stolen firearms in Virginia? Virginia law requires anyone in lawful possession of a firearm to immediately report any loss or theft of that firearm (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failing to timely report a lost or stolen firearm in Virginia 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 or theft.

What is a Firearm?

The 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 or Stolen Firearms in Virginia?

Any person in Virginia who is in lawful possession of a firearm must report a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours of discovering the loss or being informed of the loss or 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 loss or theft of a firearm will not be held criminally or civilly liable for damages resulting from the loss or theft.

Penalty for Failing to Report Lost or Stolen Firearms in Virginia

Failing to timely report a lost or stolen firearm in Virginia is punished with a fine up to $250.

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