What Is the Punishment for Document Forgery and Use of Forged Documents in Iran?

Introduction

One of the most serious and complex offenses under Iranian criminal law is document forgery and the use of forged documents. In many cases, individuals attempt to obtain legal, financial, or administrative advantages by creating, altering, or falsifying official or private documents — which is considered a criminal offense punishable by law.

In this article, we explain:

What document forgery means

What actions constitute the use of forged documents

The difference between forgery and fraud

The punishments under Iranian law

And how such crimes are proven in court

Legal Definition of Forgery in Iran

Article 523 of the Islamic Penal Code (Ta'zirat section):

“Forgery and falsification consist of creating a document or altering it in a way that causes harm to another person, such as forging a signature or stamp, changing the text, or making unauthorized additions or deletions.”

A document can be official (like a title deed or government certificate) or private (like a handwritten contract or sales receipt).

What Actions Are Considered Forgery?

Common examples of forgery include:

Creating a fake document from scratch

Changing dates, amounts, or names

Altering official stamps or letterheads

Signing someone else's name without permission

Adding or removing text from an existing document

Using official forms without legal authorization

What Does “Use of a Forged Document” Mean?

Article 536 of the Islamic Penal Code:

“Anyone who knowingly uses a forged document shall be punished with the same penalty as the person who committed the forgery.”

Use includes presenting the document in:

Court

Banks

Government offices

Notaries

Civil registries