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CHAPTER 53— MACHINE GUNS, DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES, AND CERTAIN OTHER FIREARMS›Subchapter B— General Provisions and Exemptions›PART I— GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 5842. Identification of firearms

26 U.S.C. Subtitle E — Alcohol, Tobacco, and Certain Other Excise Taxes (Internal Revenue Code) · 2026 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · United States

(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.)

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▸Contents — 26 U.S.C. Subtitle E — Alcohol, Tobacco, and Certain Other Excise Taxes (Internal Revenue Code)

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