28 USC § 1691 - Seal and teste of process

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t28/s1691"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "28 USC § 1691 - Seal and teste of process"
title_number: 28
title_name: "JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE"
section_number: "1691"
section_name: "Seal and teste of process"
chapter_number: 113
chapter_name: "PROCESS"
part_number: "V"
part_name: "PROCEDURE"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 945.)"
---


# § 1691. Seal and teste of process

All writs and process issuing from a court of the United States shall be under the seal of the court and signed by the clerk thereof.

---

**Source Credit**: (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 945.)

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 721 (R.S. § 911; , ).

Provisions as to teste of process issuing from the district courts were omitted as superseded by Rule 4 (b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Provision for teste of the Chief Justice of writs and process was omitted as unnecessary.

A provision requiring the United States to bear the expense of providing seals was omitted as unnecessary and obsolete.

Changes were made in phraseology.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Immunity From Seizure Under Judicial Process of Cultural Objects Imported for Temporary Exhibition or Display

Presidential determination of cultural significance of objects and exhibition or display thereof in the national interest, see , Foreign Relations and Intercourse.