Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearm in Virginia

Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearm in Virginia Is Required by Law

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

What is Considered 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.”

Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearm in Virginia

Anyone who is in lawful possession of a firearm is required by law to report its loss or theft to a local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 48 hours of discovering or being informed of the loss or theft. 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 Not Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearm in Virginia

Failure to timely report a stolen or lost firearm in Virginia is punished with a civil penalty up to $250.

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