California · Government Code

GOV §5503: Any person who with intent to defraud uses on a public security or an instrument of payment; (a) A facsimile signature, or any reproduction of it, of any authorized officer, or (b) Any facsimile seal,

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A person who fraudulently uses a fake signature or seal of a government official or agency on a public security or payment instrument commits a felony.

Read the full statutory text

Any person who with intent to defraud uses on a public security or an instrument of payment; (a) A facsimile signature, or any reproduction of it, of any authorized officer, or (b) Any facsimile seal, or any reproduction of it, of this State or any of its departments, agencies, or other instrumentalities, or of any county, city, or public district, is guilty of a felony.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.