Forging or altering a private document that is capable of harming the public or another person can violate Criminal Code Article 210 even without actual loss. Article 211 sets a higher range for official documents. Article 214 separately addresses knowingly causing a public official to record false information, with a maximum of three years. Article 216 punishes use of the documents covered by Articles 210–215 under the applicable forgery or false-entry provision, without an automatic additional penalty merely for use. Certain electronic records count as documents under Article 220.
What is forgery of a private document?
Under Article 210, forging or altering a private document in a way capable of harming the public or another person is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment. Actual financial loss is not required. An unauthorized signature on a contract, promissory note or authorization may raise this issue, depending on what the document represents and the surrounding facts.
偽造、變造私文書，足以生損害於公眾或他人者，處五年以下有期徒刑。（刑法第210條）
Unofficial English summary (not an official translation): Criminal Code Article 210 punishes forgery or alteration of a private document capable of harming the public or another person with up to five years' imprisonment.
How does an official document differ?
Under Article 211, forging or altering an official document in a way capable of causing harm carries one to seven years' imprisonment. An official record or certificate commands public trust, which explains the different statutory range. Whether a particular item is an official document depends on its legal character.
What is causing a public official to record a false entry?
Article 214 applies when a person knows a matter is false and causes a public official to enter it in an official document under that official's control, where the entry is capable of causing harm. The penalty is up to three years' imprisonment, short-term detention or a fine of up to NT$15,000. This is distinct from Article 213, which addresses an official who knowingly enters false information themselves. Examples may include a false report of lost property or a false registration request that causes an official to record the inaccurate fact. The statutory elements still need to be established.
明知為不實之事項，而使公務員登載於職務上所掌之公文書，足以生損害於公眾或他人者，處三年以下有期徒刑、拘役或一萬五千元以下罰金。（刑法第214條）
Unofficial English summary (not an official translation): Criminal Code Article 214 punishes knowingly causing a public official to enter false information in an official document capable of causing harm with up to three years' imprisonment, short-term detention or a fine up to NT$15,000.
Example: signing another person's name on a contract
Suppose A signs B's name on a contract without authority so it appears to express B's agreement. If the document can harm B or someone else, Article 210 may apply. If A then presents the document to assert a right, Article 216 on using a forged document may also be relevant. The legal treatment of making and using it must be assessed together, rather than assuming two separate punishments for the same sequence.
How is using a forged document treated?
Article 216 says that using a document covered by Articles 210–215 is punished under the provision governing its forgery, alteration or false entry. Where the same person makes and then uses a forged document, the relationship between those acts is evaluated under these provisions; the act of use does not automatically add a second, cumulative statutory penalty.
Can electronic files or chat records count as documents?
Article 220 treats writing, symbols, images or photographs on paper or objects as documents if convention or agreement makes them adequate evidence of meaning. It also covers sounds, images or symbols displayed through a machine or computer from audio, video or electromagnetic records when they adequately evidence meaning. An electronic contract, email or chat record may therefore qualify, depending on its contents and use.
Is actual loss required?
No. The statutory wording is “capable of causing harm to the public or another person.” A risk of harm can suffice; it need not already have produced a financial loss. Harm can concern property or non-property interests, such as identity or reputation; the capacity for harm must be assessed from the particular document and facts. If you have received a prosecutor's summons, review the allegations before responding.
When should I consult an attorney?
Consider advice if you suspect a document was forged, have been accused of making or using one, or have received a police or prosecutor's notice. Identifying the document and the alleged conduct is the first step. This page is general information, not advice for an individual case.