Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73not60
§703 Uniform of Friendly Nation
Title 18 › Part I— CRIMES › Chapter 33— EMBLEMS, INSIGNIA, AND NAMES › § 703
Summary
If someone in the United States puts on a foreign country's naval, military, police, or other official uniform, medal, or similar item — or something that looks almost the same — intending to trick or mislead people, it is illegal. They can be fined, jailed for up to six months, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §703
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever, within the jurisdiction of the United States, with intent to deceive or mislead, wears any naval, military, police, or other official uniform, decoration, or regalia of any foreign state, nation, or government with which the United States is at peace, or anything so nearly resembling the same as to be calculated to deceive, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on section 246 of title 22, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Foreign Relations and Intercourse (July 8, 1918, ch. 138, 40 Stat. 821). Words “upon conviction” were deleted as surplusage, since punishment cannot be imposed until a conviction is secured. Reference to territories or places subject to jurisdiction of the United States was omitted in view of section 5 of this title defining the term “United States.” Fine of “$250” was substituted for “$300” as being more consonant with the penalties provided for similar offenses in this chapter. Words “unless such wearing thereof be authorized by such state, nation, or government” were deleted as unnecessary and undesirable since it is unthinkable that a friendly power would authorize such deceit. Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $250”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 703
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60