§501 Postage stamps, postage meter stamps, and postal cards

Summary

Making, copying, or forging postage stamps, postage meter stamps, stamped envelopes, postal cards, or the dies, plates, engravings, or watermark paper used to make them is a crime. It is also a crime to knowingly use, sell, or have those fakes with the intent to use or sell them. Printing official-looking stamps, stamped envelopes, or postal cards like those issued by the Post Office Department or the Postal Service is illegal without special permission from them. Giving those printed items to someone not authorized, with the intent to cheat, is also illegal unless there is a written document signed by the Postmaster General and sealed by the Post Office Department or the Postal Service. A person who breaks these rules can be fined, jailed for up to five years, or both.