Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73
§482 Foreign bank notes
Title 18 › Part PART I— - CRIMES › Chapter CHAPTER 25— - COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY › § 482
Summary
Inside the United States, it is illegal to, with the intent to defraud, make, alter, forge, or counterfeit bank notes or bills issued by a foreign bank or corporation that is authorized by its country to circulate as money. A person convicted can be fined, imprisoned for up to 20 years, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §482
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever, within the United States, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any bank note or bill issued by a bank or corporation of any foreign country, and intended by the law or usage of such foreign country to circulate as money, such bank or corporation being authorized by the laws of such country, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 272 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 158, 35 Stat. 1118). Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding and assisting was omitted as unnecessary as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title. Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative. Changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2001—Pub. L. 107–56 inserted “20 years” for “two years”. 1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $2,000”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 482
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73