Symbols of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
ArmigerFederal Bureau of Investigation
AdoptedJanuary 1, 1941
ShieldSet of scales, five alternating red and white vertical bands
MottoFidelity, Bravery, Integrity
UseTo represent the organization and to authenticate certain documents
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Flag of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
UseOther
Proportion3:5
DesignThe seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation set against a blue background.
Designed byFederal Bureau of Investigation

This article details the official symbols in use by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States.

The Seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the symbol of the FBI. It is used by the FBI to represent the organization and to authenticate certain documents that it issues. The term is used both for the physical seal itself, and more generally for the design impressed upon it. The seal has also been used as part of the flag of the FBI.

The current version of the seal has been in use since 1941. Designed in 1940 by FBI Special Agent Leo Gauthier, it derives its design from the FBI's flag and symbolizes the values, standards and history of the Bureau through the various elements incorporated in the design. It should not be confused with the FBI badge, which is older and has a different design.


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