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The Department of War and military seals are protected by law and reserved for official use only. Under U.S. Code Title 18, Section 506, unauthorized use of the seals may include, but is not limited to commercial, marketing, advertising or promotion use by any nongovernment entity and is punishable.

Military services have provided alternatives to their seals for commercial purposes. They include logos or coats of arms. Permission to use any of these emblems must be granted by the respective services. There is no substitute for the Department of War seal.

Most DOW and Military Service seals contain the words “DEPARTMENT OF.” For example, “DEPARTMENT OF WAR,” “DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY,” etc. The U.S. Coast Guard Seal is distinguished by the gold rope surrounding the anchors instead of the words “DEPARTMENT OF.” Other DOW Components and agency insignia may have a similar appearance. Emblems are often mistaken for seals because they are similar in shape. Please see this graphic for more information.

Using the DOW Seal
The DOW Seal may only be used in an official capacity by DOW or DOW Components.  Similarly, DOW logos or emblems containing the words "Department of" are generally restricted for internal, departmental use only.

Official use
Official use is considered when the DOW seal or logo are used on internal DOW presentations, letterhead, publications, or governmental websites where the content is produced by DOW personnel.  Contact the Military Service POC or OATSW(PA) if you are unsure whether or not you may use an official seal or logo.

Incorporating Military Service trademarks (word or graphic mark) into another logo or design is generally prohibited.  Consult the appropriate Military Service Trademark Licensing Office for more information.

For more information about use of military insignia by a military support group or social club as part of its branding, name, clothing, and outreach, consult the appropriate Military Service Trademark Licensing Office. 

Challenge coins
Consult the appropriate Military Service Trademark Licensing Program Office to inquire about use of military marks on challenge coins. 

Insignia use for a scouting project
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts must consult the appropriate Military Service Trademark Licensing Program Office and submit a proposed mockup of any project that contains the use of military insignia.

Permission for insignia use on unit morale items such as t-shirt, mugs, hats
Contact the appropriate Military Service Trademark Licensing Office for a list of approved vendors/licensees to produce unit morale items.