Registering Your Firearm During a Pandemic…?! | Georgia

Both new and long-time gun owners frequently call U.S. LawShield and ask their Independent Program Attorneys this very simple, but important, question.

“Do I have to register my firearms in the State of Georgia?” The good news is an emphatic “No!”

Even in light of a world-wide pandemic, such as COVID-19 — and in fact, despite such events — no registration of firearms is not a requirement in Georgia.  The law in the Official Code of Georgia § 38-3-37 specifically prohibits government officials “While acting during or pursuant to a declared state of emergency” from requiring the registration of any firearm. 

What Does the Law Say?

There is no law or requirement in Georgia that you register a firearm unless, of course, it’s an item covered under the National Firearms Act (short-barreled rifles, automatic weapons, suppressors, etc.) if you lawfully possess one of those items, you will have been through the registration process prior to receiving it.

No law in Georgia allows or requires for the registration of firearms. In fact, Georgia law specifically prohibits such during a time of emergency. The Official Code of Georgia § 38-3-37 specifically prohibits not only the seizing of firearms or ammunition by any state authorities in a time of emergency, but subsection 4 specifically prohibits any requirements for registration of firearms.

Section 38.3.37 Reads:

No official or employee of the state (or any political subdivision thereof), member of the National Guard in the service of the state, or any person operating pursuant to or under color of state law, while acting during or pursuant to a declared state of emergency, shall:

“Require the registration of any firearm.”

There is no law in Georgia requiring registration during any time when a state of emergency has not been declared. And Georgia goes further to assure its citizens that even in a time of emergency, your right to keep your firearms and possess them for the protection of you and your family shall not be infringed.

If you have any more firearm-related questions, please call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.

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