Reporting Stolen Firearm in Virginia
August 1, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht
Not Reporting Stolen Firearm in Virginia Required Can Have Serious Consequences
Virginia requires anyone who is in lawful possession of a firearm to report its loss or theft (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 or theft of the firearm.
What is Considered a 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 Stolen Firearm in Virginia
Anyone who is in lawful possession of a firearm must report its loss or theft to a local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 48 hours of discovering the loss or theft or within 48 hours of 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 reports a loss or theft of a firearm (in good faith) will not be held criminally or civilly liable for damages resulting from the loss or theft.
Penalty for Not Reporting Stolen Firearm in Virginia
Failing to report a stolen or lost firearm in Virginia is punished with a civil penalty up to $250.
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