Are You Required to Report a Stolen Firearm in Colorado?

If you own a firearm in Colorado and it is lost or stolen, you are legally required to report it.

This is not optional — it is statutory.

Understanding this requirement is part of responsible firearm ownership, whether you carry concealed under a CHP, store firearms at home, or use them for training and lawful self-defense.

The Law: Colorado’s Reporting Requirement

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-113, a firearm owner must report the theft or loss of a firearm to a local law enforcement agency within five (5) days of discovering that it is missing.

Key points:

Applies to all firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns)
Applies to all firearm owners
The clock starts upon discovery
Classified as a civil infraction

This law was designed primarily to improve firearm tracing and discourage false “it was stolen” claims after a firearm is used in a crime.

What Is the Penalty for Not Reporting?

Failure to report within five days is a civil infraction punishable by:

Up to a $25 fine

There is:

No jail time
No misdemeanor charge
No felony record
No criminal conviction attached to the infraction itself

Yes — the statutory fine is small.

But that does not mean the situation is minor.

Why the Real Risk Is Bigger Than $25

The financial penalty is minimal. The downstream exposure is not.

1️⃣ Criminal Investigation Exposure

If a firearm traced back to you is recovered at a crime scene and you never reported it missing, law enforcement will examine:

When you discovered the loss
Why you did not report it
Whether your explanation is credible

Delayed reporting can immediately weaken your position.

2️⃣ Civil Liability Risk

If the firearm is used to injure someone, plaintiffs’ attorneys may examine:

Storage practices
Compliance with reporting laws
Whether reasonable steps were taken

A documented police report within the statutory timeframe protects you.

3️⃣ Credibility Problems

If you only claim a firearm was stolen after investigators contact you, it appears reactive rather than responsible.

Prompt reporting establishes a clear legal timeline.

When Does the 5-Day Clock Start?

The five-day period begins when you discover the loss — not when the theft actually occurred.

Example:

You return from vacation and find your home burglarized. You notice a handgun missing from your safe.

The reporting clock starts the day you discover it is missing.

What If You Don’t Know the Serial Number?

Report it anyway.

Provide:

Make
Model
Caliber
Any identifying marks
Approximate purchase date

This is why responsible owners should:

Photograph firearms
Securely document serial numbers
Maintain purchase records

Those small steps matter if something goes wrong.

Safe Storage Matters Too

Colorado also has a safe storage statute under:

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-114

If a firearm is stolen and it was not stored in compliance with state law, separate legal consequences may apply — especially if a juvenile gains access or the firearm is used unlawfully.

Reporting is one layer of responsibility. Secure storage is another.

What Should You Do If Your Firearm Is Missing?

Confirm it is actually missing (check safe, vehicle, range bag)
Contact your local police department (or county sheriff if outside city limits)
Provide all available identifying information
Obtain a case number
Retain documentation for your records

If the firearm is later recovered, notify law enforcement to update the report.

Scenario: Why This Matters

A firearm owner leaves a handgun in a vehicle overnight. The vehicle is burglarized. The owner does not report the firearm missing.

Two months later, the firearm is recovered in a robbery.

Now:

The firearm traces back to the original owner
There is no theft report on file
Investigators ask why

The civil fine may be $25 — but the investigative scrutiny can be far more serious.

Does This Apply to CHP Holders?

Yes.

Whether you have a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or not, the statute applies to all firearm owners.

Common Myths

Myth: “It’s just $25 — it doesn’t matter.”
Reality: The fine is minor. The investigative and civil consequences may not be.

Myth: “Only handguns must be reported.”
Reality: The statute applies to all firearms.

Myth: “I’ll just report it if it turns up somewhere.”
Reality: Waiting undermines credibility.

Bottom Line

Colorado law requires you to report a lost or stolen firearm within five days of discovering it.

The penalty for failing to do so is small — up to $25.

But responsible firearm ownership is not about avoiding fines. It is about:

Legal compliance
Documentation
Protecting yourself from unnecessary liability
Maintaining credibility

If you carry, train, or store firearms in Colorado, understanding statutes like § 18-12-113 is part of being a serious, responsible owner.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for or renewing a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Self-Defense Insurance

Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison

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Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.