Forgery in Saudi Arabia is governed by the Penal Law on Forgery Crimes of 1435H. It criminalises altering the truth in documents, seals and signatures in order to use them, and also using a forged document knowing it is forged.
Common forms
- Imitating a person's signature or an entity's seal.
- Changing an amount, date or name in a contract, cheque or deed.
- Fabricating a whole document, such as a certificate, medical report or official letter.
- Entering false data in an official document or government system.
- Using a forged document knowingly, even if you did not forge it.
Official and private documents
| Official document | Private document | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Deeds, IDs, government certificates and letters, official seals | Contracts between individuals, receipts, private instruments |
| Penalty | Heavier, up to long prison terms with fines | Lighter, usually prison and a fine |
The penalty also varies with the offender's status (public official or not) and the harm caused. Terms and fines are set in the current official text.
Elements of the crime
- Altering the truth in a document, seal or signature.
- By one of the methods the law sets, such as fabrication, addition, erasure or imitation.
- Intent to use the document for the purpose it was forged for.
- Possible harm to others or to the public interest.
Proving or defending forgery
The key is expert examination: comparing handwriting and signatures and examining seals and the document. In a civil case, a denied signature is raised through the denial and forgery-challenge procedures of the Law of Evidence; criminal cases are investigated by the Public Prosecution and heard by the Criminal Court.
Frequently asked questions
Is using a fake medical report for leave forgery?
Yes. Using a forged document knowingly is a separate offence, even if the user did not forge it.
Is electronic forgery covered?
Yes, and it may also fall under the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
A forged document against you, or a forgery charge?
Usus Law Firm handles criminal cases and forgery challenges in general court cases, in Riyadh and Tabuk, and advises in English.
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
Request a quick consultation
Leave your name and mobile number, and a lawyer from our Riyadh or Tabuk office will call you during working hours. We advise in English.
