§501 Postage Stamps, Postage Meter Stamps, and Postal Cards

Summary

Making, copying, selling, using, or even keeping fake postage stamps, postage meter stamps, stamped envelopes, postal cards, or the printing tools for them (like dies, plates, or engravings) is illegal. It is also illegal to make or sell paper that copies the watermark used on stamped envelopes or postal cards, to print official-looking stamps or envelopes without special permission from the Post Office/Postal Service, or to give printed stamps to someone who is not allowed 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 does any of these things can be fined, put in prison for up to five years, or both.