Do I Have to Report Stolen Firearms in Virginia?

Do I Have to Report Stolen Firearms in Virginia?

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

Do I Have to Report Stolen Firearms in Virginia?

Anyone in lawful possession of a firearm in Virginia has a duty to report a stolen 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.

Any person who, in good faith, reports a stolen firearm in Virginia will not be held civilly or criminally liable for damages resulting from the theft.

Failure to Report a Stolen Firearm

Failing to report a stolen firearm 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 theft.

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