sans-serif · OFL-1.1 · Variable (100-900)
Industry
Regulated
Fonts for Government & Public Sector
Typography for government agencies, public services, civic communications, and federal/state applications. Accessibility compliance is often mandatory.
10 free fonts | 1 source | Updated: Jan 2026
Typography Requirements
Source-backed compliance information for government & public sector applications.
Section 508 Accessibility Requirements
- • Sans-serif fonts are recommended for better readability
- • Minimum 16pt recommended for primary text on web
- • Color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text
- • Avoid using color alone to convey information
Source: Section508.gov Typography Guidelines (retrieved 2026-01-14)
Note: Requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Consult relevant authorities for your specific context.
Font Selection Checklist
Key questions to consider when choosing fonts for government & public sector applications.
1
Is Section 508 compliance required?
Federal agencies must comply with Section 508. This affects font choices, sizes, and contrast ratios.
2
What is the primary audience for this communication?
Government communications serve diverse populations. Prioritize accessibility and clarity over style.
3
Will this be printed, displayed digitally, or both?
Digital displays have different requirements than print. Consider variable fonts for flexible sizing on screens.
Recommended Fonts
Curated free fonts well-suited for government & public sector applications.
More Options
Additional fonts tagged for government & public sector applications.
Migrating from Premium Fonts?
Common premium fonts used in government & public sector and their free alternatives.
| Premium Font | Free Alternative | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Helvetica | Inter | 88% |
| Univers | Inter | 85% |
| Frutiger | Hind | 82% |
| DIN | Exo | 85% |
| Myriad Pro | Source Sans Pro | 88% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Section 508 font requirements?
Section 508 requires federal digital content to be accessible. For typography, this means using readable fonts (typically sans-serif), maintaining at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio, enabling text resizing up to 200%, and not relying on color alone. The guidelines recommend 16pt as a baseline for web text.
Can government agencies use custom fonts?
Yes, but with considerations. Custom fonts must meet accessibility requirements and load reliably. Many agencies use system fonts or widely-supported web fonts to ensure consistency across devices. The U.S. Web Design System recommends Source Sans Pro and Merriweather.
Related Industries
Sources
- Section508.gov Typography Guidelines — Retrieved 2026-01-14