Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

26 U.S.C. § 5842

Identification of firearms

(a)

Identification of firearms other than destructive devices

Each manufacturer and importer and anyone making a firearm shall identify each firearm, other than a destructive device, manufactured, imported, or made by a serial number which may not be readily removed, obliterated, or altered, the name of the manufacturer, importer, or maker, and such other identification as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(b)

Firearms without serial number

Any person who possesses a firearm, other than a destructive device, which does not bear the serial number and other information required by subsection (a) of this section shall identify the firearm with a serial number assigned by the Secretary and any other information the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(c)

Identification of destructive device

Any firearm classified as a destructive device shall be identified in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

Pub. L. 90–618, title II, § 20182 Stat. 1230Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A)90 Stat. 1834(Added , , ; amended , , .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 73668A Stat. 725Pub. L. 90–618A prior section 5842, , , related to books, records, and returns, prior to the general revision of this chapter by .

act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 73668A Stat. 725Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 203(e)72 Stat. 1427Pub. L. 90–618Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5843, , , as amended by act , , , prior to the general revision of this chapter by .

Amendments

Pub. L. 94–4551976— struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.