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Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.

§ 5842. Identification of firearms

In force Text current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026) release point 119-121

Official text, no changes From the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, release point 119-121 (current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026)). Compare it with the official text at uscode.house.gov (external site).

Cite as 26 U.S.C. § 5842

At a glance

Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.

Status
In force
Added
October 22, 1968 by Pub. L. 90–618
Last amended
October 4, 1976 by Pub. L. 94–455
Amendments
1 dated changes in the source credit
Length
3 subsections · 168 words · about 1 min to read
(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.

(Added Pub. L. 90–618, title II, § 201, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1230; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Amendment history

From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.

  1. Amended by Pub. L. 94–455
  2. Added by Pub. L. 90–618

Where it sits in the Code

  1. Subtitle E Alcohol, Tobacco, and Certain Other Excise Taxes
  2. Chapter 53 MACHINE GUNS, DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES, AND CERTAIN OTHER FIREARMS
  3. Subchapter B General Provisions and Exemptions
  4. Part I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Nearby sections

Official notes

Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5842, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 725, related to books, records, and returns, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 90–618.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5843, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 725, as amended by act Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 203(e), 72 Stat. 1427, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 90–618.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.