What stolen gun databases does SafeOrStolen search?

We search multiple databases: (1) FBI NCIC Stolen Gun File - the official federal database with 7+ million records, (2) ATF eTrace - traced crime guns from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (3) HotGunz - public database with 32,000+ user-reported stolen guns, (4) State databases including TheftAZ (Arizona), FDLE (Florida), Ohio AG, (5) Insurance company theft claims, (6) Local police department reports. This comprehensive approach catches stolen guns that might only appear in one database.

Is there a free gun serial number database search?

Yes, SafeOrStolen offers 2 free stolen gun database searches. While law enforcement has direct access to NCIC, civilians can verify firearms through our service which aggregates multiple databases including the publicly accessible HotGunz. Our free tier protects buyers at gun shows and private sales where no background check is required.

What is HotGunz and why should I check it?

HotGunz is the largest public stolen gun database with over 32,000 user-reported stolen firearms. Victims report their stolen guns directly, often before or in addition to police reports. SafeOrStolen searches HotGunz alongside official law enforcement databases for comprehensive coverage. A gun may appear in HotGunz but not yet in NCIC if the police report is still being processed.

Can I search NCIC directly?

NCIC (National Crime Information Center) is restricted to law enforcement - civilians cannot access it directly. However, SafeOrStolen's stolen gun database search includes NCIC data through our law enforcement data partnerships, plus additional databases (HotGunz, ATF, state databases) that NCIC doesn't include.

What if the stolen gun database shows a match?

If your search shows the firearm is in a stolen gun database: (1) DO NOT buy or possess it - federal crime with 10 year penalty, (2) Walk away without confronting the seller, (3) Report to ATF at 1-800-283-4867, (4) Report to local police with seller information, (5) Report the listing if on an online platform. If you already purchased a gun that shows as stolen, contact ATF immediately - voluntary disclosure helps your case.

How current is the stolen gun database?

NCIC is updated in real-time as law enforcement agencies enter reports. HotGunz updates as users submit reports. State databases vary by state. We recommend checking before purchase because a clean result today doesn't guarantee a gun wasn't just reported. If buying online, check again before completing the transfer at the FFL.

What is SafeOrStolen?

SafeOrStolen is a consumer protection platform that verifies if secondhand items are stolen by checking IMEI numbers, VIN numbers, and serial numbers against law enforcement databases, insurance claim records, and carrier blacklists. The service offers 2 free verifications with no credit card required and returns results in approximately 3 seconds.

Is SafeOrStolen free?

SafeOrStolen offers 2 free verifications with no credit card required. Paid plans include Basic at $4.99/month (50 verifications), Pro at $9.99/month (unlimited verifications), and custom Business API pricing.

Does SafeOrStolen have a mobile app?

SafeOrStolen offers a Progressive Web App (PWA) for iOS and Android with camera-based barcode scanning, offline verification capability, and push notifications. It can be installed from safeorstolen.com/app.

How do I check if a phone is stolen?

Dial *#06# on the phone to find the IMEI number. Enter the 15-digit IMEI at safeorstolen.com/imei-checker or in the SafeOrStolen app. The system checks carrier blacklists and law enforcement databases and returns results in approximately 3 seconds.

How do I verify a used car is not stolen?

Find the 17-character VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or the driver's door jamb. Enter it at safeorstolen.com/vin-checker. The system checks law enforcement, insurance, and NICB databases to verify the vehicle's theft status.

What items can SafeOrStolen verify?

SafeOrStolen supports verification of mobile phones (via IMEI), vehicles including cars, trucks, and motorcycles (via VIN), firearms (via serial number), bicycles (via frame number), laptops, electronics, power tools, and other items with serial numbers.

Can pawn shops and businesses use SafeOrStolen?

Pawn shops and resale businesses use SafeOrStolen for compliance verification before accepting items. Business plans with API access are available for high-volume verification needs.

Stolen Gun Database Search

Search multiple stolen gun databases in 3 seconds. Check any firearm serial number against NCIC, ATF traced firearms records, HotGunz (32,000+ user-reported stolen guns), state databases, and insurance claims. Free verification before buying at gun shows, private sales, or online.

Secure

3 Seconds

Accurate

Trusted

Trusted Verification

50+ Databases

3-Second Checks

256-bit SSL

99.2% Accuracy

SOC 2 Compliant

What is Firearm Verification?

A stolen gun database is a collection of firearm serial numbers reported as lost, stolen, or associated with criminal activity. Multiple databases exist at federal, state, and private levels. SafeOrStolen searches across all major stolen gun databases simultaneously: (1) FBI NCIC - the official federal stolen gun file used by law enforcement, (2) ATF eTrace - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives traced firearms, (3) HotGunz - the largest public stolen gun database with 32,000+ entries, (4) State databases like TheftAZ and Ohio AG, (5) Insurance claims and police reports. Our comprehensive search gives you more coverage than any single database.

Verified Data Sources50+ Databases

Federal Records

Insurance Bureau

Device Registry

Bicycle Registry

Firearms Database

Vehicle Records

How It Works

Locate the firearm serial number (frame, receiver, barrel, or slide)

Record the complete serial number with all letters and numbers

Enter the serial number into our verification tool above

We search multiple stolen gun databases simultaneously

Review results showing any database matches or clean status

If stolen, do NOT buy and report to ATF at 1-800-283-4867

Our stolen gun database search works by querying multiple sources in real-time: (1) Enter the firearm serial number - found on frame, receiver, barrel, or slide, (2) We search NCIC Stolen Gun File (FBI's primary database), (3) We check ATF traced firearms records for crime guns, (4) We query HotGunz public database of 32,000+ user-reported stolen guns, (5) We search state-level databases (TheftAZ, FDLE, Ohio AG, etc.), (6) We check insurance claims for theft reports. Within 3 seconds, you receive a comprehensive report showing if the firearm appears in any stolen gun database.

Why Check Before Buying?

Possessing a stolen firearm is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 922(j) - up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine. There is NO 'innocent buyer' defense. Even if you had no idea the gun was stolen, you face criminal prosecution, confiscation of ALL your firearms, and permanent loss of gun rights. Private sales at gun shows, online platforms, and individual transactions are where most stolen guns circulate because no background check is required. Searching the stolen gun database before purchase is essential protection.

Search NCIC - FBI's official stolen gun database

Check ATF traced firearms records

Search HotGunz - 32,000+ user-reported stolen guns

Query state databases (TheftAZ, FDLE, Ohio AG)

Check insurance theft claims

Free 2 searches - no credit card required

Instant 3-second results

Works for handguns, rifles, shotguns, all firearms

Frequently Asked Questions

SOC 2 Compliant

256-bit SSL

FasterCapital Accelerated

US-Based

10,000+ Users

All 50 States

Ready to Verify Your Firearm?

Get instant verification results in 3 seconds. Protect yourself from stolen goods.