Do I Have to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia?

Do I Have to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia?

Anyone in Virginia who is in lawful possession of a firearm must report a lost firearm (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failure to timely report lost firearms will result in a fine and the person could be held civilly and criminally liable for any acts resulting from the unreported loss.

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.”

Do I Have to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia?

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

Anyone who, in good faith, reports a lost firearm in Virginia will not be held civilly or criminally liable for damages resulting from the loss.

Failure to Report Lost Firearms

Failing to report lost firearms in Virginia is punished with a civil penalty of a fine up to $250 and the person could be held both civilly and criminally liable for any acts resulting from the unreported loss.

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