Free Stolen Gun & Firearm Serial Number Check
Verify any firearm's theft status before buying or selling. Search available theft databases, insurance claims, and public records in seconds. Protect yourself from legal trouble.
2 free searches • Results in 3 seconds • No registration required
How to Check If a Gun Is Stolen in 3 Steps
Step 1 – Find the serial number on the firearm
The serial number is typically engraved on the frame or receiver of the firearm. For handguns, check the frame near the trigger guard or on the slide. For rifles and shotguns, look on the receiver. The serial number usually contains 6-17 alphanumeric characters. If you're buying, ask the seller for clear photos of the serial number before meeting.
Step 2 – Enter the serial number into SafeOrStolen
Enter the complete serial number exactly as it appears on the firearm. Include all letters, numbers, and hyphens. Our system searches available databases including insurance theft claims, salvage records, and public theft reports. Results are returned within 3 seconds.
Step 3 – Review risk signals before you buy or sell
Review the verification results carefully. If any theft indicators, insurance claims, or risk flags appear, do not proceed with the transaction. You can download a verification certificate as proof of due diligence for your records. If the firearm shows as potentially stolen, contact local law enforcement.
Where Does Stolen Gun Data Come From?
Insurance theft claims and salvage records
When a firearm is reported stolen to an insurance company, the serial number is logged in insurance claim databases. SafeOrStolen accesses these records to identify firearms that may have been reported as stolen property. Salvage records also help identify firearms that were involved in incidents or claims.
Law-enforcement and public theft reports where available
Some jurisdictions make theft reports publicly accessible. We aggregate these public records to provide additional theft indicators. While we cannot access NCIC directly (law enforcement only), we search available public databases for reported firearms.
Why no tool (including NCIC) can guarantee 100% coverage
Even the FBI's NCIC database, accessible only to law enforcement, is not 100% comprehensive. Not all thefts are reported. Some agencies don't enter data promptly. International databases aren't connected. Private sales often aren't tracked. This is why SafeOrStolen provides "risk indicators" rather than absolute guarantees—we show you what's available in searchable databases, but a clean result doesn't guarantee a firearm was never stolen.
Can Civilians Use NCIC or "National Stolen Gun Databases"?
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is the FBI's nationwide database used by law enforcement agencies to track stolen property, including firearms. NCIC is not accessible to the general public. Only authorized law enforcement officers, certain government agencies, and licensed firearms dealers (through the ATF's eTrace system) can query NCIC.
When you see websites claiming "NCIC access" or "national stolen gun database lookup," they're either:
- Misleading—they don't actually have NCIC access
- Aggregating other available databases (like SafeOrStolen does honestly)
- Offering to connect you with an FFL dealer who can run the check
What SafeOrStolen Can and Cannot Show
We can show: Insurance theft claims, public theft reports, salvage records, and risk indicators from available databases.
We cannot show: NCIC records, registered owner information, or law enforcement-only databases. For official verification, visit your local police department or licensed firearms dealer.
Buying a Used Gun? Red Flags to Watch For
No bill of sale or unwilling to show ID
Legitimate sellers have no problem providing identification or signing a bill of sale. Refusal is a major red flag that the firearm may be stolen or the seller has something to hide.
Price far below market value
If a $600 pistol is being offered for $200, ask why. Thieves often sell stolen firearms quickly at steep discounts. Research market prices before meeting any seller.
Serial number scratched, altered, or removed
A defaced serial number is a federal crime. If the serial number appears scratched, ground down, or otherwise altered, do not purchase the firearm and contact law enforcement immediately.
Selling a Gun? Protect Yourself With a Verification Trail
If you're selling a firearm, running a verification check protects you legally. Here's why:
Run and save a pre-sale check
Before selling, verify your own firearm isn't falsely flagged in any database. Download the verification certificate as proof the firearm was verified clean at time of sale.
Include serial, date, and buyer details in your records
Keep a bill of sale with the serial number, sale date, sale price, and buyer information. Many states recommend or require this documentation for private sales.
Why this helps if a gun is later traced
If a firearm you sold is ever used in a crime, your documentation proves you conducted due diligence, sold it legally, and transferred it to a specific person on a specific date. This paper trail can protect you from legal liability.