Am I required to report stolen firearms in Virginia? Anyone in lawful possession of a firearm in Virginia must immediately report any theft of that firearm (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failing to timely report a stolen firearm will result in a civil penalty and the person could be held both criminally and civilly liable for any acts resulting from the theft.
What is a Firearm?
Am I Required to Report Stolen Firearms in Virginia?
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 Firearms in Virginia?
Anyone in Virginia who is in lawful possession of a firearm must report a theft of that firearm 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 stolen firearm will not be held criminally or civilly liable for damages resulting from the loss.
Penalty for Failing to Report Stolen Firearms in Virginia
Failing to timely report a stolen firearm in Virginia is punished with a civil penalty up to $250.
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