Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73
§503 Postmarking stamps
Title 18 › Part PART I— - CRIMES › Chapter CHAPTER 25— - COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY › § 503
Summary
It's a crime to make, sell, use, or have fake postmark stamps, related tools, or impressions to make them look real. Punishment can be a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §503
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever forges or counterfeits any postmarking stamp, or impression thereof with intent to make it appear that such impression is a genuine postmark, or makes or knowingly uses or sells, or possesses with intent to use or sell, any forged or counterfeited postmarking stamp, die, plate, or engraving, or such impression thereof, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 349a (Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 692, 49 Stat. 866). Minor changes in phraseology were made.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 503
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73