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18 U.S.C. 497: Letters patentText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 18-CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURECHAPTER 25-COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY

§497. Letters patent

Whoever falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any letters patent granted or purporting to have been granted by the President of the United States; or

Whoever passes, utters, or publishes, or attempts to pass, utter, or publish as genuine, any such letters patent, knowing the same to be forged, counterfeited or falsely altered⁠—

Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

( June 25, 1948, ch. 645 , 62 Stat. 712 ; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(K) , Sept. 13, 1994 , 108 Stat. 2147 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 71 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 27, 35 Stat. 1094).

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

Changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994⁠—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.