In brief
Criminalises forging seals, marks, stamps and official and private documents, and knowingly using them, with a penalty for each form.
Summary of the law
Penalties
- Forging a document attributed to a public body or official: one to five years' imprisonment and a fine (Article 8).
- Forging a private document such as a contract or IOU: up to three years and SAR 300,000, or either (Article 9).
- A public official forging a document they are competent to issue: one to seven years and up to SAR 700,000.
- Knowingly using a forged item carries the same penalty as the forgery.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Methods of forgery
- Forging seals and stamps
- Forging official and private documents
- Using forged items
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/11 · 18/2/1435H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .