Reporting Lost Firearm in Virginia

Virginia law requires that anyone in lawful possession of a firearm must immediately report its loss (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failure to timely do so will result in a civil penalty. Additionally, the person could potentially be held criminally or civilly liable for any acts resulting from the unreported loss of the firearm.

What is Considered a Firearm in Virginia?

Virginia Law Requires Timely Reporting of a Lost 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.”

Reporting Lost Firearm in Virginia

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

Reporting a lost firearm in Virginia (in good faith) will not result in criminal or civil liability on the part of the person who was in lawful possession of a firearm and lost it.

Penalty for Not Reporting Lost Firearm in Virginia

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

***DISCLAIMER: THE MATERIAL AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS POST, ON ANY PAGES ON THIS WEBSITE, AND ON ANY PAGES LINKED FROM THESE PAGES, ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND NOT LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY IN YOUR JURISDICTION BEFORE RELYING ON ANY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THESE PAGES. SENDING EMAIL TO OR VIEWING INFORMATION FROM THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP***