720 ILCS 5/24-5 – Defacing Identification Marks Of Firearms
This law makes it illegal to change or remove a gun’s serial number.
This law says you can’t scratch off, change, or remove a gun’s serial number or own a gun with the serial number removed. It also explains that fixing or replacing parts of a gun is okay if it doesn’t remove the serial number, and that people can be charged up to 6 years after doing this crime.
(a) Anyone who knowingly or purposely changes, removes, or covers up the importer’s or maker’s serial number on a firearm commits a Class 2 felony.
(b) Anyone who has a gun where the serial number has been changed, removed, or covered up commits a Class 3 felony.
(c) It is okay to fix or change parts of a gun if the work only removes the maker’s name, model, or other marks, as long as the serial number on the frame or receiver stays visible.
(d) Prosecutors have up to 6 years after the crime happens to bring charges under this law.
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