Understand whether or not it's illegal to write on Money (2024)

WHEN it comes to writing and stamping US currency, there is a fine line between what is legal and what is not.

You'll want to understand the differences so you do not face any legal issues.

Is it illegal to write on money?

It is not illegal to write on paper currency, however, it is illegal to deface money.

There are three things you CANNOT do to money:

1. Change the denomination, for example, add zeros to make the value larger
2. Burn, shred or destroy money
3. Advertise a business on money

It is legal to write on the edges or stamp money.

What does the law say?

In regards to defacement, there is a specific law.

It states: "[W]hoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, or Federal Reserve bank, or the Federal Reserve System, with intent to render such bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt unfit to be reissued, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both."

Regarding using money to advertise a business, the law states: "[W]hoever . . . writes, prints, or otherwise impresses upon . . . any [coin or currency] of the United States, any business or professional card, notice, or advertisem*nt, or any notice or advertisem*nt whatever, shall be fined under this title."

What happens if you deface money?

If you are caught defacing US bills or coins, you can be at risk of jailtime and/or a fine.

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According to Legal Beagle, the maximum fine for bills is $100 and the maximum jail sentence is six months.

For coins, the jail time could be up to five years.

In order to be convicted, you would have to have had the intent to defraud someone.