Under New York law, a “forged instrument” is broadly defined. A “written instrument” may include almost any document—such as a contract, deed, credit card, identification, vehicle registration, invoice, or other writing or printed matter that records information or represents a right or privilege.
A document is “forged” when someone “falsely makes, completes, or alters” it—for example, by changing dates, names, amounts, or other material information—without authorization, so it appears to be genuine.
This means that not only elaborate counterfeits (like bogus money or fake passports), but also altered IDs, modified vehicle documents, forged signatures, or falsified business records, can trigger “forged instrument” charges under the law.
