---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 1423"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "1423"
heading: "Misuse of evidence of citizenship or naturalization"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/1423"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 69 — Nationality and Citizenship"
---

# §1423. Misuse of evidence of citizenship or naturalization


[Whoever](/usc/18/921.md?p=a-1) knowingly uses for any purpose any order, certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, judgment, decree, or exemplification, unlawfully issued or made, or copies or duplicates thereof, showing any [person](/usc/18/229F.md?p=5) to be naturalized or admitted to be a citizen, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.


## Source credit

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 766; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on subsections (a)(14), (b), (d) of section 746 of title 8, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Aliens and Nationality (Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, § 346(a)(14), (b), (d), 54 Stat. 1165, 1167).

Section consolidates subsections (a) paragraph (14), (b), (d), and the general punishment provision of section 746 of title 8, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Aliens and Nationality.

The reference “for the purpose of voting” was omitted as surplusage being embraced in the all-inclusive phrase “for any purpose.”

Changes in phraseology were made.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

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