HB 40 / SB 323
Signed June 16, 2026. Part in force now, part from January 2027.
Last reviewed 2026-08-01
Virginia passed and enacted its ghost gun and 3D-printed firearm legislation during the 2026 session. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed HB 40 into law on June 16, 2026. The chief patron was Delegate Marcus B. Simon.
The law arrives in two stages. The plastic and undetectable firearm prohibitions took effect on July 1, 2026. The provisions covering possession and transfer of unserialised 3D-printed frames and receivers carry a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027, to give people time to comply.
Class 5 felony to knowingly manufacture, assemble, import, purchase, sell, transfer or possess any plastic or undetectable firearm that cannot trigger X-ray or metal detection screening.
Prohibits manufacturing or assembling firearms, frames or unfinished receivers using additive processes unless done by or through a federal licensee who imprints a valid serial number.
Class 1 misdemeanour, rising to a Class 4 felony for repeat offences, for possessing, buying, selling or transferring any completed or unfinished 3D-printed frame, receiver or firearm without a valid serial number.
Virginia General Assembly Session
Introduce repeal or amendment bills to roll back penalties or create specific exemptions for hobbyists, educational institutions, and non-firearm 3D printing.
Appellate Court Rulings
Full merit hearings on the constitutionality of HB 40. High likelihood of eventual appeals reaching the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve state-level splits on 3D printing regulations.