Reporting Stolen Firearms in Virginia
February 1, 2021 by Jean Humbrecht
Reporting Stolen Firearms in Virginia is Required within 48 Hours
Virginia requires anyone lawfully in possession of a firearm to report a loss or theft of that firearm (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failure to timely do so will result in a civil penalty, and the person could potentially be held criminally or civilly liable for any acts resulting from the unreported loss or theft.
What is Considered a Firearm?
The general 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 Firearms in Virginia
Anyone who is lawfully in possession of a firearm must report a loss or theft of a firearm 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 by someone 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 Firearms 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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