Forgery: penalties in each state and country
Making or altering a document, such as a cheque, will or contract, with intent to deceive.
What to look for: The kind of document often decides the grade.
These are statutory ranges for a first offence, from the least to the most the law allows. A court decides the actual sentence in each case. Not legal advice.
34 states covered so far
Alabama
Up to one year (fourth degree) up to 20 years (first degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the fourth degree (falsely making, completing or altering a written instrument with intent to defraud) (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year in the county jail or at hard labour for the county
Forgery in the second degree (Class C felony)
- Least
- 1 year and 1 day
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Up to $15,000, or twice the gain or loss
Forgery in the first degree (stamps, securities or other instruments issued by a government, or stock and bonds of a business) (Class B felony)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 20 years
- Fine
- Up to $30,000, or twice the gain or loss
The third degree of forgery was not read for this table.
Alaska
Up to 1 year (third degree) up to 10 years (first degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the third degree (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
- Fine
- Up to $25,000
Forgery in the second degree (Class C felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- Up to $50,000
Presumptive range for a first felony conviction: 0 to 2 years. The court may adjust it under AS 12.55.155 to 12.55.175.
Forgery in the first degree (Class B felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Up to $100,000
Presumptive range for a first felony conviction: 1 to 3 years (higher in some listed circumstances). The court may adjust it under AS 12.55.155 to 12.55.175.
Arizona
1 to 3.75 years (Class 4), or 2 to 8.75 years (Class 3) in a narrow case
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class 4 felony)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 3.75 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $150,000
A first offence: usual term 2.5 years, between 1.5 and 3 years; 1 year if mitigated and 3.75 years if aggravated (§ 13-702). It is a Class 3 felony if the forged instrument is used in connection with buying, leasing or renting a dwelling used as a drop house.
Forgery used to buy or rent a drop house (Class 3 felony)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 8.75 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $150,000
A first offence: usual term 3.5 years, between 2.5 and 7 years; 2 years if mitigated and 8.75 years if aggravated (§ 13-702).
California
Up to 1 year (small cheque or note) to 16 months to 3 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a cheque, note or similar instrument of small value (Misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000
For a cheque, bond, note or money order not over the statutory small-value limit. A felony term may apply to a person with certain prior convictions.
Forgery (Wobbler: felony or misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 1 year in county jail, or a felony term served under § 1170(h) (16 months, 2 or 3 years)
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000, where the offence sets no fine (§ 672)
Colorado
A class 5 felony
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class 5 felony)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 3 years
- Fine
- $1,000 to $100,000
Connecticut
A class D felony (second degree) up to a class C felony (first degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the second degree (Class D felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- Up to $5,000
Forgery in the first degree (Class C felony)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Up to $10,000
Delaware
Up to 1 year (third degree) up to 3 years (first degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the third degree (all other forgery) (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
- Fine
- A fine of up to $2,300
Forgery in the second degree (Class G felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years
Forgery in the first degree (Class F felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
Florida
Up to 5 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a public record, certificate or similar document (Felony of the third degree)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 5 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $5,000
Forgery of other documents is covered by other sections of chapter 831, with similar penalties.
Idaho
1 to 14 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Offence)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 14 years
Illinois
A Class 3 felony: 2 to 5 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class 3 felony)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- Up to $25,000, or the amount specified in the offence if greater
Forgery of a single Universal Price Code label is a Class 4 felony. Forgery of an academic degree or a coin is a Class A misdemeanor.
Iowa
Up to 2 years (aggravated misdemeanor) to up to 5 years (Class D)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a will, deed, contract, release or commercial instrument (Aggravated misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 2 years
- Fine
- Fine of $855 to $8,540
Forgery of money, securities, stock or other government or investment instruments (Class D felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 5 years
- Fine
- Fine of $1,025 to $10,245
Maine
Less than one year (Class D) up to 10 years (aggravated forgery or over $10,000)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (falsely making, altering, uttering or possessing a written instrument with intent to defraud) (Class D crime)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Less than one year
- Fine
- A fine of up to $2,000
Forgery of an instrument with a face value of more than $1,000 and up to $10,000 (Class C crime)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $5,000
Forgery of an instrument with a face value of more than $10,000 (Class B crime)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $20,000
Aggravated forgery (money, stamps, securities, stocks and bonds, wills, or a public record) (Class B crime)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $20,000
Maryland
Up to 3 years (misdemeanor forms) up to 10 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (misdemeanor forms) (Misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 3 years, and a fine of up to $1,000, or both
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000
Forgery (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 10 years, and a fine of up to $1,000, or both
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000
Massachusetts
Up to 10 years in state prison, or up to 2 years in jail
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a public record, a deed, a will, a bond, a power of attorney, a promissory note or other listed instruments, with intent to injure or defraud (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Or up to 2 years in jail
Michigan
Up to 14 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a record or instrument (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 14 years
Minnesota
Up to 3 years (forgery) up to 10 years (aggravated forgery)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (with intent to injure or defraud) (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $5,000
Up to 5 years where a forged writing is offered in evidence in the trial of a felony.
Aggravated forgery (falsely making or altering a writing that creates, ends or evidences legal rights, and similar) (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $20,000
Missouri
A class D felony: up to 7 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class D felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 7 years
- Fine
- Up to $10,000
Montana
Up to 6 months in the county jail (small); up to 20 years in state prison (over $1,500)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery, where the loss is $1,500 or less (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 6 months in the county jail
- Fine
- Up to $1,500, or both
Forgery, where the loss exceeds $1,500 (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 20 years
- Fine
- Up to $50,000, or both
Nebraska
A Class I misdemeanor up to a Class IIA felony (forgery in the second degree), by the face value
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the second degree, face value of $500 to less than $1,500 (Class I misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
- Fine
- Up to $1,000, or both
Forgery in the second degree, face value of $1,500 to less than $5,000 (Class IV felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years (and 12 months post-release supervision)
- Fine
- Up to $10,000, or both
Forgery in the second degree, face value of $5,000 or more (Class IIA felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 20 years
Nevada
A category D felony: 1 to 4 years and a fine of up to $5,000
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Category D felony)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 4 years
- Fine
- Up to $5,000
New Hampshire
A class B felony (up to 7 years) for the main forms; a class A misdemeanor for a fake certificate of insurance
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a security, a revenue stamp or an instrument issued by a government, and similar writings (Class B felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 7 years
- Fine
- Up to $4,000
Forgery of a fake or counterfeit certificate of insurance (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
- Fine
- Up to $2,000
New York
Up to 364 days (third degree) up to 15 years (first degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the third degree (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000 (§ 80.05)
Forgery in the second degree (Class D felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 7 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to the higher of $5,000 or double the gain from the crime (§ 80.00)
A non-violent felony carries an indeterminate sentence. The court sets the maximum, and the minimum is at least 1 year and no more than one-third of the maximum (§ 70.00).
Forgery in the first degree (Class C felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 15 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to the higher of $5,000 or double the gain from the crime (§ 80.00)
A non-violent felony carries an indeterminate sentence. The court sets the maximum, and the minimum is at least 1 year and no more than one-third of the maximum (§ 70.00).
North Carolina
Class I (19 months maximum) and a Class G felony for five or more counterfeit instruments
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of an instrument (counterfeit instruments, forged checks) (Class I felony)
- Least
- 3 months
- Most
- 19 months (1 year 7 months)
- Fine
- Fine in the court's discretion, in addition to imprisonment
Prior Record Level I: the minimum term runs from 3 to 8 months. The maximum is 19 months where the minimum is 8 (G.S. 15A-1340.17(d)). The chart allows a community punishment at this level, so a prison term is not required.
Transporting or possessing five or more counterfeit instruments with intent to defraud (Class G felony)
- Least
- 8 months
- Most
- 29 months (2 years 5 months)
- Fine
- Fine in the court's discretion, in addition to imprisonment
Prior Record Level I: the minimum term runs from 8 to 16 months. The maximum is 29 months where the minimum is 16 (G.S. 15A-1340.17(d)). The chart allows an intermediate or active punishment at this level.
North Dakota
A class A misdemeanor up to 20 years (class A)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in all other cases (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 360 days
- Fine
- A fine of up to $3,000
Forgery by a public servant or financial-institution employee, or of property over $1,000 (Class C felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $10,000
Forgery of a government obligation or security, or involving property of high value (up to $50,000) (Class B felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- A fine of up to $20,000
Class A where the value of the property exceeds $50,000.
Ohio
Felony of the fifth degree up to felony of the third degree, by the loss
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery, where the loss is under $7,500 (Felony of the fifth degree)
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 12 months
- Fine
- Up to $2,500
Forgery, where the loss is $7,500 to under $150,000 (Felony of the fourth degree)
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 18 months
- Fine
- Up to $5,000
Forgery, where the loss is $150,000 or more (Felony of the third degree)
- Least
- 9 months
- Most
- 36 months (60 months for some listed offences)
- Fine
- Up to $10,000
Pennsylvania
A misdemeanor of the first degree up to a felony of the second degree
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a writing that is not a government instrument, a security or a legal document (Misdemeanor of the first degree)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
Forgery of a will, deed, contract, release, commercial instrument or other document affecting legal relations (Felony of the third degree)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 7 years
Forgery of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps or other instruments issued by the government, or stock, bonds or other instruments representing interests in property or an enterprise (Felony of the second degree)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
Rhode Island
Up to 10 years, or a fine of up to $1,000, or both
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery or counterfeiting with intent to defraud (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Up to $1,000, or both
South Carolina
Up to 3 years (no dollar amount) up to 10 years ($10,000 or more)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery that does not involve a dollar amount (Misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
- Fine
- A fine in the discretion of the court, or both
Forgery of less than $10,000 (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- A fine in the discretion of the court, or both
Forgery of $10,000 or more (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- A fine in the discretion of the court, or both
South Dakota
Up to 5 years (Class 5)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (with intent to defraud, falsely making, completing or altering a written instrument, or passing a forged instrument) (Class 5 felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- A fine of $10,000 may be added
Texas
Up to 1 year (Class A misdemeanor) up to 2 to 10 years (third degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of an ordinary writing (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $4,000
Forgery of a will, deed, contract, release or other commercial instrument (State jail felony)
- Least
- 180 days in a state jail
- Most
- 2 years in a state jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Forgery of money, securities, government records and similar instruments (Felony of the third degree)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Vermont
Up to 10 years and a fine of up to $1,000, or both
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery and counterfeiting of papers, documents and other instruments (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Up to $1,000, or both
Virginia
1 to 10 years, or up to 12 months in jail
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a writing (Class 5 felony)
- Least
- 1 year in prison, or no prison term if the court chooses jail instead
- Most
- 10 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500
Washington
Up to 5 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class C felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 5 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
West Virginia
1 to 10 years, or up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $500
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery, or uttering a forged writing knowing it to be forged (Offence)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Up to $500 if jail is chosen
The court may instead confine the offender in jail for up to one year.
32 countries covered so far
Country codes name the same acts differently, so each entry says which offence is the closest match. Ranges are from the code’s own text.
Algeria
1 to 5 years (private documents) up to life (by a public official)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery in private or commercial or bank writings (Délit (emprisonnement))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 5 years' imprisonment
Forgery in a public or authentic writing, by a private person (Crime (réclusion))
- Least
- 10 years
- Most
- 20 years' réclusion
Forgery in a public or authentic writing, by a judge, a public official or an officer in the exercise of the post (Crime (réclusion))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Life imprisonment (réclusion criminelle à perpétuité)
Argentina
6 months to 2 years (private document) up to 1 to 6 years (public document)
Show the degrees and the articles
Making a false private document, or altering a true one, in a way that could cause harm (Prisión or reclusión)
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 2 years
Prisión.
Making a false public document, or altering a true one, in a way that could cause harm (Prisión or reclusión)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 6 years
Austria
Up to 1 year (forging a document) up to 2 years (public documents, wills)
Show the degrees and the articles
Urkundenfälschung (making a false document or falsifying a genuine one, or using one, as proof in legal dealings) (Straftat (Freiheitsstrafe))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
- Fine
- A fine in daily rates may be imposed instead of prison
Fälschung besonders geschützter Urkunden (the same, on a domestic or foreign public document, a will or a security not named in § 237) (Straftat (Freiheitsstrafe))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years
Brazil
1 to 5 years (private document) up to 2 to 6 years (public document)
Show the degrees and the articles
Falsificação de documento particular (forgery of a private document) (Reclusão (the more serious kind of prison))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 5 years
Falsificação de documento público (forgery of a public document) (Reclusão (the more serious kind of prison))
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 6 years
Increased by a sixth where done by a public official abusing the office.
Bulgaria
Up to 3 years (forging an official document)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery of an official document (подправка на документ) (Offence (лишаване от свобода))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
Art. 308 punishes making a false official document or altering the content of one, with the aim of using it. Higher ranges apply to certain categories, such as certificates of inheritance, civil status records and notarial deeds (art. 308(2)). Forgery of a private document was not read for this table.
Canada
Up to 10 years
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery (Hybrid offence (indictable or summary))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
On summary conviction the general penalty is a fine of up to $5,000, or imprisonment for up to two years less a day, or both (s. 787(1)).
China
Up to 3 years (forging official documents or seals) up to 3 to 10 years (serious cases)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging, altering, buying or stealing identity papers, passports, social-security cards or driving licences (伪造、变造、买卖身份证件罪) (Crime (fixed-term imprisonment))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years' fixed-term imprisonment, or criminal detention, control or deprivation of political rights
- Fine
- A fine is imposed as well
In serious cases, 3 to 7 years.
Forging, altering, buying or stealing official documents, certificates or seals of State organs (伪造、变造、买卖国家机关公文、证件、印章罪) (Crime (fixed-term imprisonment))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years' fixed-term imprisonment, or criminal detention, control or deprivation of political rights
- Fine
- A fine is imposed as well
In serious cases, 3 to 10 years.
Croatia
Up to 3 years
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery of a document (krivotvorenje isprave): making a false document or altering a true one in order to use it as genuine (Offence (kazna zatvora))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
Czechia
Up to 3 years (forging a public document); 1 to 6 years (aggravated)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging or altering a public document, or using or obtaining such a document or the means of forging it (Offence (imprisonment))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
Or a ban on activity.
Forging a public document in the aggravated forms of s. 348(2) (Offence (imprisonment))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 6 years
The offence read here is forging or altering a public document (veřejná listina). Forging a private document was not read for this table.
England and Wales
Up to 6 months or a fine (magistrates' court) and up to 10 years (Crown Court)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery, copying or using a false instrument, and the related offences of Part I of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 (Indictable or either-way offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years' imprisonment (on conviction on indictment); on summary conviction, 6 months and a fine up to the statutory maximum
Finland
A fine or up to 2 years (forgery); 4 months to 4 years (aggravated)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery (väärennys) (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years
- Fine
- Or a fine (day-fines)
Aggravated forgery (törkeä väärennys) (Offence)
- Least
- 4 months
- Most
- 4 years
France
Up to 3 years (private documents) up to 15 years (public document, by an official)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery and use of forgery (Délit (emprisonnement))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years' imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine of up to €45,000
Forgery of a document issued by a public authority (identity, permits and the like) (Délit (emprisonnement))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years' imprisonment (7 in listed cases)
- Fine
- Fine of up to €75,000 (€100,000 in listed cases)
Forgery in a public or authentic document (Délit (emprisonnement))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years' imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine of up to €150,000
The same, by a person holding public authority or a public service mission in the exercise of the post (Crime (réclusion criminelle))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 15 years' criminal imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine of up to €225,000
Germany
Up to 5 years, or 6 months to 10 years in especially serious cases
Show the degrees and the articles
Urkundenfälschung (forgery of documents: producing a counterfeit, falsifying or using one to deceive) (Vergehen (less serious offence: lower minimum, or a fine))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- A fine may be imposed instead of prison
Urkundenfälschung in an especially serious case (commercial basis, as a gang member, major financial loss, abuse of public office) (Vergehen (less serious offence: lower minimum, or a fine))
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 10 years
Hungary
Up to 3 years (forgery of a public document); 1 to 5 years (official abuse)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery of a public document, or use of a forged one (Offence (deprivation of liberty))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
Forgery of a public document by an official abusing their authority (Offence (deprivation of liberty))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 5 years
The offence read here is the forgery of a public document (közokirat-hamisítás). Forgery of a private document was not read for this table.
Iceland
Up to 8 years (using a forged document to deceive)
Show the degrees and the articles
Using a forged document to deceive (notkun falsaðs skjals) (Offence (fangelsi))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 8 years
General Penal Code of Iceland (Almenn hegningarlög), art. 155
Art. 155 punishes using a forged document to deceive in legal dealings, with up to 8 years' imprisonment, with an increased penalty if it is used as an official document, a commercial instrument or a will. The offence of making a forged document is in art. 154, which was not read for this table.
India
Up to 2 years (forgery) up to 7 years (forgery to cheat)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery (making a false document or electronic record with intent to cause damage, or to support a claim, or to commit fraud) (Offence (imprisonment of either description))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years' imprisonment of either description, or a fine, or both
Forgery intending the document or electronic record to be used for cheating (Offence (imprisonment of either description))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 7 years' imprisonment of either description
- Fine
- A fine may also be imposed
Ireland
Up to 10 years, or a fine, or both
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery: making a false instrument intending it to be accepted as genuine (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- A fine, with or without imprisonment
Italy
6 months to 3 years up to 3 to 10 years (forged public acts by an official)
Show the degrees and the articles
Falsità materiale commessa dal pubblico ufficiale in certificati o autorizzazioni amministrative (forged certificates or permits, by an official) (Delitto (reclusione))
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 3 years
Falsità materiale commessa dal pubblico ufficiale in atti pubblici (a false public act, by an official) (Delitto (reclusione))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 6 years
The same, where the act is proof until it is shown to be forged (an act with special evidential force) (Delitto (reclusione))
- Least
- 3 years
- Most
- 10 years
Italy punishes forgery by a public official in public acts heavily. Forgery of a private writing (art. 485) was repealed in 2016 and is no longer a crime. A private person who commits the forgeries of arts. 476, 477 and 478 receives those penalties reduced by one third (art. 482).
Japan
Up to 1 year or a fine (private documents) up to 1 to 10 years (public documents)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging or altering a private document of other kinds (私文書偽造等, other documents) (Crime (detention, 拘禁刑))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
- Fine
- Or a fine of up to 100,000 yen
Forging a private document proving rights, duties or facts, with a seal or signature of another (私文書偽造) (Crime (detention, 拘禁刑))
- Least
- 3 months
- Most
- 5 years
Forging an official document using an official seal or signature (公文書偽造) (Crime (detention, 拘禁刑))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 10 years
Latvia
Up to 1 year; up to 4 years in aggravated forms
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging a document that grants rights or releases from obligations (dokumenta viltošana) (Offence (brīvības atņemšana))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 1 year
Or a lighter sanction such as probation, community service or a fine, in the lower tiers
The same, done for gain or in other listed circumstances (Offence (brīvības atņemšana))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 4 years
Or a lighter sanction such as probation, community service or a fine, in the lower tiers
Section 275 covers making, forging or using a document that grants rights or releases from duties. The aggravated form applies where it is done for gain, among other circumstances.
Morocco
6 months to 3 years (administrative papers) up to life (by an official or notary)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging or altering passports, permits, certificates and similar documents issued by public bodies (Délit (emprisonnement))
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 3 years' imprisonment
Forgery in private, commercial or bank writings (Délit (emprisonnement))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 5 years' imprisonment
Forgery in a public or authentic writing, by a private person (Crime (réclusion))
- Least
- 10 years
- Most
- 20 years' réclusion
Forgery by a judge, a public official, a notary or an adoul in the exercise of the post (Crime (réclusion))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Life imprisonment (réclusion perpétuelle)
Netherlands
Up to 6 years
Show the degrees and the articles
Valsheid in geschrift (forging or falsifying a document that is intended to prove a fact, and using it) (Misdrijf (crime))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 6 years' prison
New Zealand
Up to 3 years (making a false document knowing it to be false) up to 10 years (to obtain property or an advantage)
Show the degrees and the articles
Making a false document knowing it to be false, intending it to be used or acted upon as genuine (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
Making a false document intending to use it to obtain property, privilege, service, pecuniary advantage, benefit or valuable consideration (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
Norway
A fine or up to 2 years
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery of a document (dokumentfalsk) (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years
- Fine
- Or a fine (bot)
A 'minor forgery' offence (mindre dokumentfalsk, s. 362) applies where the culpability is small. Its penalty was not read for this table.
Portugal
Up to 3 years or a fine; up to 5 years in aggravated forms
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery or counterfeiting of a document (falsificação ou contrafação de documento) (Offence (pena de prisão))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years
- Fine
- Or a fine
Forgery of a document in the aggravated forms of art. 256 (Offence (pena de prisão))
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- Or a fine of 60 to 600 days in one form
Russia
Up to 2 years up to 6 years
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging an official document that grants rights or releases from duties, to use or sell it (Crime of small gravity)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years' imprisonment (the court may choose restriction of freedom, forced labour or arrest instead)
Forging a passport or an identity document that grants rights or releases from duties (Crime of small gravity)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 3 years' imprisonment (or restriction of freedom or forced labour for up to 3 years)
Forgery of the kinds above, by a group or an organised group, or by a person using their official position (Grave crime)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 6 years' imprisonment
South Korea
Up to 5 years or a fine of up to 10 million won (private document); up to 10 years (official document)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forgery or alteration of a private document (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- Or a fine of up to 10 million won
Forgery or alteration of an official document (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 10 years
Spain
6 months to 2 years (private document) up to 3 to 6 years (public official)
Show the degrees and the articles
Falsedad en documento privado (forgery in a private document) (Pena menos grave (prison of 3 months to 5 years))
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 2 years
Falsedad en documento público, oficial o mercantil by a private person (Pena menos grave (prison of 3 months to 5 years))
- Least
- 6 months
- Most
- 3 years
- Fine
- Fine of 6 to 12 months
Falsedad documental by a public authority or official in the exercise of their functions (Pena grave (prison of more than 5 years))
- Least
- 3 years
- Most
- 6 years
- Fine
- Fine of 6 to 24 months, and special disqualification for 2 to 6 years
Sweden
Up to 6 months (a petty case) up to 1 to 6 years (grov urkundsförfalskning)
Show the degrees and the articles
Förvanskning av urkund (distorting a document, a petty case) (Brott (fängelse))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 6 months
Or fines.
Urkundsförfalskning (forgery of a document, where it creates a danger as proof) (Brott (fängelse))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 2 years
Grov urkundsförfalskning (gross forgery: an important official archive document, or one of special importance in general commerce) (Brott (fängelse))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 6 years
Switzerland
Up to 5 years or a fine
Show the degrees and the articles
Urkundenfälschung (forging or falsifying a document, using a genuine signature to make a false one, or falsely recording a legally relevant fact) (Vergehen (misdemeanour: up to 3 years or a fine))
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
- Fine
- A fine (Geldstrafe) may be imposed instead of prison
Taiwan
Up to 5 years (private document); 1 to 7 years (official document)
Show the degrees and the articles
Forging or altering a private document, capable of harming the public or others (Offence)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 5 years
Forging or altering an official document, capable of harming the public or others (Offence)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 7 years
Turkey
1 to 3 years (private document) up to 2 to 8 years (official document)
Show the degrees and the articles
Özel belgede sahtecilik (forging or altering a private document) (Crime (hapis, prison))
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 3 years
Resmî belgede sahtecilik (forging or altering an official document, or using a forged one) (Crime (hapis, prison))
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 5 years
Resmî belgede sahtecilik by a public official who is authorised to issue the document (Crime (hapis, prison))
- Least
- 3 years
- Most
- 8 years
Increased by half where the document is one that is valid until its forgery is proved in court (art. 204(3)).
Other states and countries are being added. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
