---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 1693"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "1693"
heading: "Carriage of mail generally"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/1693"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 83 — Postal Service"
---

# §1693. Carriage of mail generally


[Whoever](/usc/18/921.md?p=a-1), being concerned in carrying the mail, collects, receives, or carries any letter or packet, contrary to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.


## Source credit

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 776; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(A), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2146.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 303 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 180, 35 Stat. 1123).

Reference to persons causing or procuring was omitted as unnecessary in view of definition of “principal” in section 2 of this title.

Minor verbal changes were made.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $50”.