# 36 CFR § 1254.40: How does NARA prevent removal of documents?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.40

## Section

- **Citation:** 36 CFR § 1254.40
- **Heading:** How does NARA prevent removal of documents?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 36—Parks, Forests, and Public Property > CHAPTER XII—NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION > SUBCHAPTER C—PUBLIC AVAILABILITY AND USE > PART 1254—USING RECORDS AND DONATED HISTORICAL MATERIALS > Subpart B—Research Room Rules > Rules Relating to Using Original Documents

## Text

(a) You must not remove documents from a research room. Removing, mutilating, or revising or otherwise altering documents is forbidden by law and is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both (18 U.S.C. 2071).
(b) Upon leaving the research room or facility, you must present for examination any article that could contain documents or microfilm, as well as presenting copies or notes to ensure that no original records are mixed in with them.
(c) To ensure that no one unlawfully removes or mutilates documents, NARA may post at the entrance to research rooms instructions supplementing the rules in this part. These instructions are specific to the kinds of records you use or to the facility where the records are stored.

## Nearby sections

- [36 CFR § 1254.20 § 1254.20 What general policies apply in all NARA facilities where archival materials are available for research?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.20.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.22 § 1254.22 Do I need to register when I visit a NARA facility for research?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.22.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.24 § 1254.24 Whom does NARA allow in research rooms?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.24.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.26 § 1254.26 What can I take into a research room with me?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.26.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.28 § 1254.28 What items are not allowed in research rooms?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.28.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.30 § 1254.30 Does NARA provide any supplies?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.30.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.32 § 1254.32 What rules apply to public access use of the Internet on NARA-supplied computers?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.32.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.34 § 1254.34 What are my responsibilities when using documents?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.34.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.36 § 1254.36 What care must I take when handling documents?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.36.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.38 § 1254.38 How do I keep documents in order?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.38.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.40 § 1254.40 How does NARA prevent removal of documents?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.40.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.42 § 1254.42 What are the rules that apply to using self-service microfilm?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.42.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.44 § 1254.44 How long may I use a microfilm reader?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.44.md)
- [36 CFR § 1254.46 § 1254.46 Are there other rules of conduct that I must follow?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.46.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1254.40. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.