<PAGE>   1
   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001

                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-_____

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                             JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
                           Georgia                                               58-0278260
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
</TABLE>


                                2939 MILLER ROAD
                             DECATUR, GEORGIA 30035
   (Address, including zip code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

              JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                 JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY 2000 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                            (Full Title of the Plans)

                                 TIMOTHY C. TUFF
                      CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                             JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY
                                2939 MILLER ROAD
                             DECATUR, GEORGIA 30035
                                 (770) 981-9460
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)

                                   COPIES TO:
JOHN C. WALTERS, ESQ.                                ALAN J. PRINCE, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY        KING & SPALDING
JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY                              191 PEACHTREE STREET
2939 MILLER ROAD                                     ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303
DECATUR, GEORGIA 30035                               404-572-4600
770-981-9460

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Title of Each Class of                                   Proposed Maximum           Proposed Maximum
     Securities to be                                       Offering Price        Aggregate Offering Price          Amount of
        Registered           Amount to be Registered         Per Share (1)                   (1)                 Registration Fee
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                           <C>                    <C>                            <C>
Common Stock, par value             2,750,000                   $18.655                  $51,301,250                 $12,826
$1.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)    Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in
       accordance with Rule 457(h), based upon the average of the high and low
       reported sales price of the Registrant's Common Stock on the New York
       Stock Exchange on September 21, 2001.

<PAGE>   2
         This Registration Statement on Form S-8 relates to (i) an additional
seven hundred fifty thousand (750,000) shares of common stock, par value $1.00
(the "Common Stock"), of John H. Harland Company (the "Company"), to be issued
to employees of the Company and certain subsidiaries pursuant to the John H.
Harland Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and (ii) an additional two million
(2,000,000) shares of Common Stock to be issued to employees other than
directors or officers of the Company and certain subsidiaries pursuant to the
John H. Harland Company 2000 Stock Option Plan.

                                     PART II
         INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

         The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement:

                  1.       The Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the
         fiscal year ended December 31, 2000;

                  2.       All reports filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
         13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
         "Exchange Act"), since December 31, 2000; and

                  3.       The description of the Company's Common Stock
         contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated
         April 28, 1970, filed under the Exchange Act, including any amendment
         or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

         All documents filed by the Company subsequent to the date of this
Registration Statement pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which
indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters
all such securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date
of filing of such documents.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

         Inapplicable.

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         Inapplicable.

ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
complete text of the statute, the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, and the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws referred to below.

PART 5 OF ARTICLE 8 OF THE GEORGIA BUSINESS CORPORATION CODE STATES:

         14-2-850.  PART DEFINITIONS.


<PAGE>   3

         As used in this part, the term:

         (1)      "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign predecessor
                  entity of a corporation in a merger or other transaction in
                  which the predecessor's existence ceased upon consummation of
                  the transaction.

         (2)      "Director" or "officer" means an individual who is or was a
                  director or officer, respectively, of a corporation or who,
                  while a director or officer of the corporation, is or was
                  serving at the corporation's request as a director, officer,
                  partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another domestic or
                  foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
                  employee benefit plan, or other entity. A director or officer
                  is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the
                  corporation's request if his or her duties to the corporation
                  also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, the
                  director or officer to the plan or to participants in or
                  beneficiaries of the plan. Director or officer includes,
                  unless the context otherwise requires, the estate or personal
                  representative of a director or officer.

         (3)      "Disinterested director" means a director who at the time of a
                  vote referred to in subsection (c) of Code Section 14-2-853 or
                  a vote or selection referred to in subsection (b) or (c) of
                  Code Section 14-2-855 or subsection (a) of Code Section
                  14-2-856 is not:

                  (A)      A party to the proceeding; or

                  (B)      An individual who is a party to a proceeding having a
                           familial, financial, professional, or employment
                           relationship with the director whose indemnification
                           or advance for expenses is the subject of the
                           decision being made with respect to the proceeding,
                           which relationship would, in the circumstances,
                           reasonably be expected to exert an influence on the
                           director's judgment when voting on the decision being
                           made.

         (4)      "Expenses" includes counsel fees.

         (5)      "Liability" means the obligation to pay a judgment,
                  settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed
                  with respect to an employee benefit plan), or reasonable
                  expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding.

         (6)      "Official capacity" means:

                  (A)      When used with respect to a director, the office of
                           director in a corporation; and

                  (B)      When used with respect to an officer, as contemplated
                           in Code Section 14-2-857, the office in a corporation
                           held by the officer. Official capacity does not
                           include service for any other domestic or foreign
                           corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust,
                           employee benefit plan, or other entity.

         (7)      "Party" means an individual who was, is, or is threatened to
                  be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.

         (8)      "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or completed
                  action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
                  administrative, arbitrative, or investigative and whether
                  formal or informal.

         14-2-851.  AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY.

         (a)      Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, a
                  corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a
                  proceeding because he or she is or was a director against
                  liability incurred in the proceeding if:


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4
                  (1)      Such individual conducted himself or herself in good
                           faith; and

                  (2)      Such individual reasonably believed:

                           (A)      In the case of conduct in his or her
                                    official capacity, that such conduct was in
                                    the best interests of the corporation;

                           (B)      In all other cases, that such conduct was at
                                    least not opposed to the best interests of
                                    the corporation; and

                           (C)      In the case of any criminal proceeding, that
                                    the individual had no reasonable cause to
                                    believe such conduct was unlawful.

         (b)      A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan
                  for a purpose he or she believed in good faith to be in the
                  interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan
                  is conduct that satisfies the requirement of subparagraph
                  (a)(2)(B) of this Code section.

         (c)      The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order,
                  settlement, or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere
                  or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the
                  director did not meet the standard of conduct described in
                  this Code section.

         (d)      A corporation may not indemnify a director under this Code
                  section:

                  (1)      In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of
                           the corporation, except for reasonable expenses
                           incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is
                           determined that the director has met the relevant
                           standard of conduct under this Code section; or

                  (2)      In connection with any proceeding with respect to
                           conduct for which he or she was adjudged liable on
                           the basis that personal benefit was improperly
                           received by him or her, whether or not involving
                           action in his or her official capacity.

         14-2-852.  MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION.

         A corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on
the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was
a party because he or she was a director of the corporation against reasonable
expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.

         14-2-853.  ADVANCE FOR EXPENSES.

         (a)      A corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding,
                  advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses
                  incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding because
                  he or she is a director if he or she delivers to the
                  corporation:

                  (1)      A written affirmation of his or her good faith belief
                           that he or she has met the relevant standard of
                           conduct described in Code Section 14-2-851 or that
                           the proceeding involves conduct for which liability
                           has been eliminated under a provision of the articles
                           of incorporation as authorized by paragraph (4) of
                           subsection (b) of Code Section 14-2-202; and

                  (2)      His or her written undertaking to repay any funds
                           advanced if it is ultimately determined that the
                           director is not entitled to indemnification under
                           this part.

         (b)      The undertaking required by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of
                  this Code Section must be an unlimited general obligation of
                  the director but need not be secured and may be accepted
                  without reference to the financial ability of the director to
                  make repayment.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5
         (c)      Authorizations under this Code Section shall be made:

                  (1)      By the board of directors:

                           (A)      When there are two or more disinterested
                                    directors, by a majority vote of all the
                                    disinterested directors (a majority of whom
                                    shall for such purpose constitute a quorum)
                                    or by a majority of the members of a
                                    committee of two or more disinterested
                                    directors appointed by such a vote; or

                           (B)      When there are fewer than two disinterested
                                    directors, by the vote necessary for action
                                    by the board in accordance with subsection
                                    (c) of Code Section 14-2-824, in which
                                    authorization directors who do not qualify
                                    as disinterested directors may participate;
                                    or

                  (2)      By the shareholders, but shares owned or voted under
                           the control of a director who at the time does not
                           qualify as a disinterested director with respect to
                           the proceeding may not be voted on the authorization.

         14-2-854.  COURT-ORDERED INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCES FOR EXPENSES.

         (a)      A director who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is
                  a director may apply for indemnification or advance for
                  expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or to another
                  court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt of an
                  application and after giving any notice it considers
                  necessary, the court shall:

                  (1)      Order indemnification or advance for expenses if it
                           determines that the director is entitled to
                           indemnification under this part; or

                  (2)      Order indemnification or advance for expenses if it
                           determines, in view of all the relevant
                           circumstances, that it is fair and reasonable to
                           indemnify the director or to advance expenses to the
                           director, even if the director has not met the
                           relevant standard of conduct set forth in subsections
                           (a) and (b) of Code Section 14-2-851, failed to
                           comply with Code Section 14-2-853, or was adjudged
                           liable in a proceeding referred to in paragraph (1)
                           or (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section 14-2-851,
                           but if the director was adjudged so liable, the
                           indemnification shall be limited to reasonable
                           expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.

         (b)      If the court determines that the director is entitled to
                  indemnification or advance for expenses under this part, it
                  may also order the corporation to pay the director's
                  reasonable expenses to obtain court-ordered indemnification or
                  advance for expenses.

         14-2-855.  DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a)      A corporation may not indemnify a director under Code Section
                  14-2-851 unless authorized thereunder and a determination has
                  been made for a specific proceeding that indemnification of
                  the director is permissible in the circumstances because he or
                  she has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in Code
                  Section 14-2-851.

         (b)      The determination shall be made:

                  (1)      If there are two or more disinterested directors, by
                           the board of directors by a majority vote of all the
                           disinterested directors (a majority of whom shall for
                           such purpose constitute a quorum) or by a majority of
                           the members of a committee of two or more
                           disinterested directors appointed by such a vote;


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6
                  (2)      By special legal counsel:

                           (A)      Selected in the manner prescribed in
                                    paragraph (1) of this subsection; or

                           (B)      If there are fewer than two disinterested
                                    directors, selected by the board of
                                    directors (in which selection directors who
                                    do not qualify as disinterested directors
                                    may participate); or

                  (3)      By the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted
                           under the control of a director who at the time does
                           not qualify as a disinterested director may not be
                           voted on the determination.

         (c)      Authorization of indemnification or an obligation to indemnify
                  and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made
                  in the same manner as the determination that indemnification
                  is permissible, except that if there are fewer than two
                  disinterested directors or if the determination is made by
                  special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and
                  evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made by
                  those entitled under subparagraph (b)(2)(B) of this Code
                  Section to select special legal counsel.

         14-2-856.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVED INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a)      If authorized by the articles of incorporation or a bylaw,
                  contract, or resolution approved or ratified by the
                  shareholders by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast, a
                  corporation may indemnify or obligate itself to indemnify a
                  director made a party to a proceeding including a proceeding
                  brought by or in the right of the corporation, without regard
                  to the limitations in other Code Sections of this part, but
                  shares owned or voted under the control of a director who at
                  the time does not qualify as a disinterested director with
                  respect to any existing or threatened proceeding that would be
                  covered by the authorization may not be voted on the
                  authorization.

         (b)      The corporation shall not indemnify a director under this Code
                  Section for any liability incurred in a proceeding in which
                  the director is adjudged liable to the corporation or is
                  subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the corporation:

                  (1)      For any appropriation, in violation of the director's
                           duties, of any business opportunity of the
                           corporation;

                  (2)      For acts or omissions which involve intentional
                           misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

                  (3)      For the types of liability set forth in Code Section
                           14-2-832; or

                  (4)      For any transaction from which he or she received an
                           improper personal benefit.

         (c)      Where approved or authorized in the manner described in
                  subsection (a) of this Code section, a corporation may advance
                  or reimburse expenses incurred in advance of final disposition
                  of the proceeding only if:

                  (1)      The director furnishes the corporation a written
                           affirmation of his or her good faith belief that his
                           or her conduct does not constitute behavior of the
                           kind described in subsection (b) of this Code
                           section; and

                  (2)      The director furnishes the corporation a written
                           undertaking, executed personally or on his or her
                           behalf, to repay any advances if it is ultimately
                           determined that the director is not entitled to
                           indemnification under this Code section.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7
         14-2-857.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.

         (a)      A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under this
                  part to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a
                  proceeding because he or she is an officer of the corporation:

                  (1)      To the same extent as a director; and

                  (2)      If he or she is not a director, to such further
                           extent as may be provided by the articles of
                           incorporation, the bylaws, a resolution of the board
                           of directors, or contract except for liability
                           arising out of conduct that constitutes:

                           (A)      Appropriation, in violation of his or her
                                    duties, of any business opportunity of the
                                    corporation;

                           (B)      Acts or omissions which involve intentional
                                    misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

                           (C)      The types of liability set forth in Code
                                    Section 14-2-832; or

                           (D)      Receipt of an improper personal benefit.

         (b)      The provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code
                  Section shall apply to an officer who is also a director if
                  the sole basis on which he or she is made a party to the
                  proceeding is an act or omission solely as an officer.

         (c)      An officer of a corporation who is not a director is entitled
                  to mandatory indemnification under Code Section 14-2-852, and
                  may apply to a court under Code Section 14-2-854 for
                  indemnification or advances for expenses, in each case to the
                  same extent to which a director may be entitled to
                  indemnification or advances for expenses under those
                  provisions.

         (d)      A corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an
                  employee or agent who is not a director to the extent,
                  consistent with public policy, that may be provided by its
                  articles of incorporation, bylaws, general or specific action
                  of its board of directors, or contract.

         14-2-858.  INSURANCE.

         A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an
individual who is a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or
who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, serves at
the corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or
agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity against liability asserted against
or incurred by him or her in that capacity or arising from his or her status as
a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the corporation would
have power to indemnify or advance expenses to him or her against the same
liability under this part.

         14-2-859.  APPLICATION OF PART.

         (a)      A corporation may, by a provision in its articles of
                  incorporation or bylaws or in a resolution adopted or a
                  contract approved by its board of directors or shareholders,
                  obligate itself in advance of the act or omission giving rise
                  to a proceeding to provide indemnification or advance funds to
                  pay for or reimburse expenses consistent with this part. Any
                  such obligatory provision shall be deemed to satisfy the
                  requirements for authorization referred to in subsection (c)
                  of Code Section 14-2-853 or subsection (c) of Code Section
                  14-2-855. Any such provision that obligates the corporation to
                  provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law
                  shall be deemed to obligate the corporation to advance funds
                  to pay for or reimburse expenses in accordance with


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8
                  Code Section 14-2-853 to the fullest extent permitted by law,
                  unless the provision specifically provides otherwise.

         (b)      Any provision pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code Section
                  shall not obligate the corporation to indemnify or advance
                  expenses to a director of a predecessor of the corporation,
                  pertaining to conduct with respect to the predecessor, unless
                  otherwise specifically provided. Any provision for
                  indemnification or advance for expenses in the articles of
                  incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of
                  directors or shareholders, partners, or, in the case of
                  limited liability companies, members or managers of a
                  predecessor of the corporation or other entity in a merger or
                  in a contract to which the predecessor is a party, existing at
                  the time the merger takes effect, shall be governed by
                  paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 14-2-1106.

         (c)      A corporation may, by a provision in its articles of
                  incorporation, limit any of the rights to indemnification or
                  advance for expenses created by or pursuant to this part.

         (d)      This part does not limit a corporation's power to pay or
                  reimburse expenses incurred by a director or an officer in
                  connection with his or her appearance as a witness in a
                  proceeding at a time when he or she is not a party.

         (e)      Except as expressly provided in Code Section 14-2-857, this
                  part does not limit a corporation's power to indemnify,
                  advance expenses to, or provide or maintain insurance on
                  behalf of an employee or agent.

ARTICLE X OF THE COMPANY'S RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED,
PROVIDES:

         No Director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the
corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of duty of care
or other duty as a Director, except for liability (i) for any appropriation, in
violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the corporation, (ii)
for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) for the types of liabilities set forth in Section
14-2-832 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, or (iv) for any transaction
from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Georgia
Business Corporation Code is amended to authorize corporate action further
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of Directors, then the liability
of a Director of the corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest
extent permitted by the Georgia Business Corporation Code, as amended. Neither
the amendment nor repeal of this Article X nor the adoption of any provision of
these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation inconsistent with this
Article shall eliminate or adversely effect any right or protection of a
Director of the corporation existing immediately prior to such amendment, repeal
or adoption.

ARTICLE VI OF THE COMPANY'S AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS PROVIDES:

         Section 1. Mandatory Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify to
the fullest extent permitted by the Georgia Business Corporation Code, and to
the extent that applicable law from time to time in effect shall permit
indemnification that is broader than is provided in these Bylaws, then to the
maximum extent authorized by law, any individual made a party to a proceeding
(as defined in the Georgia Business Corporation Code) because he or she is or
was a Director or an executive or corporate officer, against liability (as
defined in the Georgia Business Corporation Code), incurred in the proceeding,
if he or she conducted himself or herself in good faith and reasonably believed
such conduct was in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in
the case of any criminal proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful.

         Section 2. Advance for Expenses. The Company shall pay for or reimburse
the reasonable expenses incurred by a Director or any such officer who is a
party to a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding if:

         (a)      Such person furnishes the Company a written affirmation of his
                  or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard
                  of conduct set forth in Section 1 above; and


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9

         (b)      Such person furnishes the Company a written undertaking,
                  executed personally on his or her behalf to repay any advances
                  if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled
                  to indemnification.

         The written undertaking required by paragraph (b) above must be an
unlimited general obligation of such person but need not be secured and may be
accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.

         Section 3.        Indemnification Not Exclusive. The right to
indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding
in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article VI shall not be
exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire
under any statute, provision of the articles of incorporation, provision of
these Bylaws, agreement, vote of shareholder or disinterested Directors or
otherwise.

         Section 4.        Amendment or Repeal.  Any repeal or modification of
the foregoing provisions of this Article VI shall not adversely affect any right
or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission
occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Inapplicable.

ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               EXHIBIT        DESCRIPTION
               -------        -----------
               <S>            <C>
                 5.1          Opinion of King & Spalding.
                23.1          Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
                23.2          Consent of King & Spalding (included in Exhibit 5.1).
                24.1          Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
                99.1          John H. Harland Company 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended April 27, 2001.
                99.2          John H. Harland Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended December 14, 2000
                              (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form
                              10-K filed on April 2, 2001).
</TABLE>

ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

         (a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

                  (1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales
                           are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
                           Registration Statement:

                           (i)      To include any prospectus required by
                                    Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
                                    1933;

                           (ii)     To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
                                    events arising after the effective date of
                                    the Registration Statement (or the most
                                    recent post-effective amendment thereof)
                                    which, individually or in the aggregate,
                                    represent a fundamental change in the
                                    information set forth in the Registration
                                    Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                                    any increase or decrease in volume of
                                    securities offered (if the total dollar
                                    value of securities offered would not exceed
                                    that which was registered) and any deviation
                                    from the low or high end of the estimated
                                    maximum offering range may be reflected in
                                    the form of prospectus filed with the
                                    Commission


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10

                                    pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
                                    aggregate, the changes in volume and price
                                    represent no more than a 20 percent change
                                    in the maximum aggregate offering price set
                                    forth in the "Calculation of Registration
                                    Fee" table in the effective registration
                                    statement; and

                           (iii)    To include any material information with
                                    respect to the plan of distribution not
                                    previously disclosed in the Registration
                                    Statement or any material change to such
                                    information in the Registration Statement;

                           provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and
                           (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required
                           to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
                           paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by
                           the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
                           15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
                           incorporated by reference in the Registration
                           Statement.

                  (2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability
                           under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
                           post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
                           Registration Statement relating to the securities
                           offered therein, and the offering of such securities
                           at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
                           fide offering thereof.

                  (3)      To remove from registration by means of a
                           post-effective amendment any of the securities being
                           registered which remain unsold at the termination of
                           the offering.

         (b)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for
                  purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
                  of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's Annual Report
                  pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
                  Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
                  benefit plan's Annual Report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by
                  reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be
                  a new Registration Statement relating to the securities
                  offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
                  time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
                  thereof.

         (c)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
                  Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers
                  and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
                  foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
                  advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
                  expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
                  event that a claim for indemnification against such
                  liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of
                  expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
                  controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense
                  of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
                  director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
                  securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
                  the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
                  controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
                  jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it
                  is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
                  governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                     EXPERTS

         The financial statements and the related financial statement schedules
of the Company incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report which is incorporated by reference herein and has been so incorporated in
reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Decatur, State of Georgia on the 27th day of
September, 2001.

                                       JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY


                                       By:/s/ Timothy C. Tuff
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           TIMOTHY C. TUFF
                                           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Timothy C. Tuff and John C. Walters and
each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for such persons and in his or her
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
to this Registration Statement, and to file the same with all Exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and to perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and any of them, or their
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.



<PAGE>   12
         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacity indicated on the 27th day of September, 2001.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                                   Title
---------                                                   -----
<S>                                                         <C>
/s/ Timothy C. Tuff                                         Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
--------------------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
Timothy C. Tuff

/s/ Charles B. Carden                                       Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
--------------------------------------------                (Principal Financial Officer)
Charles B. Carden

/s/ J. Michael Riley                                        Vice President and Controller
--------------------------------------------                (Principal Accounting Officer)
J. Michael Riley

/s/ William S. Antle III                                    Director
--------------------------------------------
William S. Antle III

/s/ John D. Johns                                           Director
--------------------------------------------
John D. Johns

/s/ Richard K. Lochridge                                    Director
--------------------------------------------
Richard K. Lochridge

/s/ John J. McMahon, Jr.                                    Director
--------------------------------------------
John J. McMahon, Jr.

/s/ G. Harold Northrop                                      Director
--------------------------------------------
G. Harold Northrop

/s/ Larry L. Prince                                         Director
--------------------------------------------
Larry L. Prince

/s/ Eileen M. Rudden                                        Director
--------------------------------------------
Eileen M. Rudden

/s/ Jesse J. Spikes                                         Director
--------------------------------------------
Jesse J. Spikes
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   13


                    EXHIBIT INDEX


 EXHIBIT        DESCRIPTION
 -------        -----------
   5.1          Opinion of King & Spalding.
  23.1          Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  23.2          Consent of King & Spalding (included in Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1          Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
  99.1          John H. Harland Company 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended
                April 27, 2001.
  99.2          John H. Harland Company Employee Stock Purchase
                Plan, as amended December 14, 2000 (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report
                on Form 10-K filed on April 2, 2001).
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "g71897s-8.txt", "description": "JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY", "secsgml_size_bytes": 46755}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "HARLAND JOHN H CO", "cik": "0000045599", "assigned-sic": "2780", "irs-number": "580278260", "state-of-incorporation": "GA", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-70386", "film-number": "1747238"}, "business-address": {"street1": "2939 MILLER RD", "city": "DECATUR", "state": "GA", "zip": "30035", "phone": "7709819460"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "2939 MILLER RD", "city": "DECATUR", "state": "GA", "zip": "30039"}}
1
   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001

                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-_____

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                             JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Georgia                                               58-0278260
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
2939 MILLER ROAD
                             DECATUR, GEORGIA 30035
   (Address, including zip code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

              JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                 JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY 2000 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                            (Full Title of the Plans)

                                 TIMOTHY C. TUFF
                      CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                             JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY
                                2939 MILLER ROAD
                             DECATUR, GEORGIA 30035
                                 (770) 981-9460
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)

                                   COPIES TO:
JOHN C. WALTERS, ESQ.                                ALAN J. PRINCE, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY        KING & SPALDING
JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY                              191 PEACHTREE STREET
2939 MILLER ROAD                                     ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303
DECATUR, GEORGIA 30035                               404-572-4600
770-981-9460
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Title of Each Class of                                   Proposed Maximum           Proposed Maximum
     Securities to be                                       Offering Price        Aggregate Offering Price          Amount of
        Registered           Amount to be Registered         Per Share (1)                   (1)                 Registration Fee
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value             2,750,000                   $18.655                  $51,301,250                 $12,826
$1.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)    Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in
       accordance with Rule 457(h), based upon the average of the high and low
       reported sales price of the Registrant's Common Stock on the New York
       Stock Exchange on September 21, 2001.
2
         This Registration Statement on Form S-8 relates to (i) an additional
seven hundred fifty thousand (750,000) shares of common stock, par value $1.00
(the "Common Stock"), of John H. Harland Company (the "Company"), to be issued
to employees of the Company and certain subsidiaries pursuant to the John H.
Harland Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and (ii) an additional two million
(2,000,000) shares of Common Stock to be issued to employees other than
directors or officers of the Company and certain subsidiaries pursuant to the
John H. Harland Company 2000 Stock Option Plan.

                                     PART II
         INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

         The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement:

                  1.       The Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the
         fiscal year ended December 31, 2000;

                  2.       All reports filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
         13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
         "Exchange Act"), since December 31, 2000; and

                  3.       The description of the Company's Common Stock
         contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated
         April 28, 1970, filed under the Exchange Act, including any amendment
         or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

         All documents filed by the Company subsequent to the date of this
Registration Statement pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which
indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters
all such securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date
of filing of such documents.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

         Inapplicable.

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         Inapplicable.

ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
complete text of the statute, the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, and the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws referred to below.

PART 5 OF ARTICLE 8 OF THE GEORGIA BUSINESS CORPORATION CODE STATES:

         14-2-850.  PART DEFINITIONS.
3

         As used in this part, the term:

         (1)      "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign predecessor
                  entity of a corporation in a merger or other transaction in
                  which the predecessor's existence ceased upon consummation of
                  the transaction.

         (2)      "Director" or "officer" means an individual who is or was a
                  director or officer, respectively, of a corporation or who,
                  while a director or officer of the corporation, is or was
                  serving at the corporation's request as a director, officer,
                  partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another domestic or
                  foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
                  employee benefit plan, or other entity. A director or officer
                  is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the
                  corporation's request if his or her duties to the corporation
                  also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, the
                  director or officer to the plan or to participants in or
                  beneficiaries of the plan. Director or officer includes,
                  unless the context otherwise requires, the estate or personal
                  representative of a director or officer.

         (3)      "Disinterested director" means a director who at the time of a
                  vote referred to in subsection (c) of Code Section 14-2-853 or
                  a vote or selection referred to in subsection (b) or (c) of
                  Code Section 14-2-855 or subsection (a) of Code Section
                  14-2-856 is not:

                  (A)      A party to the proceeding; or

                  (B)      An individual who is a party to a proceeding having a
                           familial, financial, professional, or employment
                           relationship with the director whose indemnification
                           or advance for expenses is the subject of the
                           decision being made with respect to the proceeding,
                           which relationship would, in the circumstances,
                           reasonably be expected to exert an influence on the
                           director's judgment when voting on the decision being
                           made.

         (4)      "Expenses" includes counsel fees.

         (5)      "Liability" means the obligation to pay a judgment,
                  settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed
                  with respect to an employee benefit plan), or reasonable
                  expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding.

         (6)      "Official capacity" means:

                  (A)      When used with respect to a director, the office of
                           director in a corporation; and

                  (B)      When used with respect to an officer, as contemplated
                           in Code Section 14-2-857, the office in a corporation
                           held by the officer. Official capacity does not
                           include service for any other domestic or foreign
                           corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust,
                           employee benefit plan, or other entity.

         (7)      "Party" means an individual who was, is, or is threatened to
                  be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.

         (8)      "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or completed
                  action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
                  administrative, arbitrative, or investigative and whether
                  formal or informal.

         14-2-851.  AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY.

         (a)      Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, a
                  corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a
                  proceeding because he or she is or was a director against
                  liability incurred in the proceeding if:

                                      -2-
4
                  (1)      Such individual conducted himself or herself in good
                           faith; and

                  (2)      Such individual reasonably believed:

                           (A)      In the case of conduct in his or her
                                    official capacity, that such conduct was in
                                    the best interests of the corporation;

                           (B)      In all other cases, that such conduct was at
                                    least not opposed to the best interests of
                                    the corporation; and

                           (C)      In the case of any criminal proceeding, that
                                    the individual had no reasonable cause to
                                    believe such conduct was unlawful.

         (b)      A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan
                  for a purpose he or she believed in good faith to be in the
                  interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan
                  is conduct that satisfies the requirement of subparagraph
                  (a)(2)(B) of this Code section.

         (c)      The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order,
                  settlement, or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere
                  or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the
                  director did not meet the standard of conduct described in
                  this Code section.

         (d)      A corporation may not indemnify a director under this Code
                  section:

                  (1)      In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of
                           the corporation, except for reasonable expenses
                           incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is
                           determined that the director has met the relevant
                           standard of conduct under this Code section; or

                  (2)      In connection with any proceeding with respect to
                           conduct for which he or she was adjudged liable on
                           the basis that personal benefit was improperly
                           received by him or her, whether or not involving
                           action in his or her official capacity.

         14-2-852.  MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION.

         A corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on
the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was
a party because he or she was a director of the corporation against reasonable
expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.

         14-2-853.  ADVANCE FOR EXPENSES.

         (a)      A corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding,
                  advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses
                  incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding because
                  he or she is a director if he or she delivers to the
                  corporation:

                  (1)      A written affirmation of his or her good faith belief
                           that he or she has met the relevant standard of
                           conduct described in Code Section 14-2-851 or that
                           the proceeding involves conduct for which liability
                           has been eliminated under a provision of the articles
                           of incorporation as authorized by paragraph (4) of
                           subsection (b) of Code Section 14-2-202; and

                  (2)      His or her written undertaking to repay any funds
                           advanced if it is ultimately determined that the
                           director is not entitled to indemnification under
                           this part.

         (b)      The undertaking required by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of
                  this Code Section must be an unlimited general obligation of
                  the director but need not be secured and may be accepted
                  without reference to the financial ability of the director to
                  make repayment.

                                      -3-
5
         (c)      Authorizations under this Code Section shall be made:

                  (1)      By the board of directors:

                           (A)      When there are two or more disinterested
                                    directors, by a majority vote of all the
                                    disinterested directors (a majority of whom
                                    shall for such purpose constitute a quorum)
                                    or by a majority of the members of a
                                    committee of two or more disinterested
                                    directors appointed by such a vote; or

                           (B)      When there are fewer than two disinterested
                                    directors, by the vote necessary for action
                                    by the board in accordance with subsection
                                    (c) of Code Section 14-2-824, in which
                                    authorization directors who do not qualify
                                    as disinterested directors may participate;
                                    or

                  (2)      By the shareholders, but shares owned or voted under
                           the control of a director who at the time does not
                           qualify as a disinterested director with respect to
                           the proceeding may not be voted on the authorization.

         14-2-854.  COURT-ORDERED INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCES FOR EXPENSES.

         (a)      A director who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is
                  a director may apply for indemnification or advance for
                  expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or to another
                  court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt of an
                  application and after giving any notice it considers
                  necessary, the court shall:

                  (1)      Order indemnification or advance for expenses if it
                           determines that the director is entitled to
                           indemnification under this part; or

                  (2)      Order indemnification or advance for expenses if it
                           determines, in view of all the relevant
                           circumstances, that it is fair and reasonable to
                           indemnify the director or to advance expenses to the
                           director, even if the director has not met the
                           relevant standard of conduct set forth in subsections
                           (a) and (b) of Code Section 14-2-851, failed to
                           comply with Code Section 14-2-853, or was adjudged
                           liable in a proceeding referred to in paragraph (1)
                           or (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section 14-2-851,
                           but if the director was adjudged so liable, the
                           indemnification shall be limited to reasonable
                           expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.

         (b)      If the court determines that the director is entitled to
                  indemnification or advance for expenses under this part, it
                  may also order the corporation to pay the director's
                  reasonable expenses to obtain court-ordered indemnification or
                  advance for expenses.

         14-2-855.  DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a)      A corporation may not indemnify a director under Code Section
                  14-2-851 unless authorized thereunder and a determination has
                  been made for a specific proceeding that indemnification of
                  the director is permissible in the circumstances because he or
                  she has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in Code
                  Section 14-2-851.

         (b)      The determination shall be made:

                  (1)      If there are two or more disinterested directors, by
                           the board of directors by a majority vote of all the
                           disinterested directors (a majority of whom shall for
                           such purpose constitute a quorum) or by a majority of
                           the members of a committee of two or more
                           disinterested directors appointed by such a vote;

                                      -4-
6
                  (2)      By special legal counsel:

                           (A)      Selected in the manner prescribed in
                                    paragraph (1) of this subsection; or

                           (B)      If there are fewer than two disinterested
                                    directors, selected by the board of
                                    directors (in which selection directors who
                                    do not qualify as disinterested directors
                                    may participate); or

                  (3)      By the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted
                           under the control of a director who at the time does
                           not qualify as a disinterested director may not be
                           voted on the determination.

         (c)      Authorization of indemnification or an obligation to indemnify
                  and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made
                  in the same manner as the determination that indemnification
                  is permissible, except that if there are fewer than two
                  disinterested directors or if the determination is made by
                  special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and
                  evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made by
                  those entitled under subparagraph (b)(2)(B) of this Code
                  Section to select special legal counsel.

         14-2-856.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVED INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a)      If authorized by the articles of incorporation or a bylaw,
                  contract, or resolution approved or ratified by the
                  shareholders by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast, a
                  corporation may indemnify or obligate itself to indemnify a
                  director made a party to a proceeding including a proceeding
                  brought by or in the right of the corporation, without regard
                  to the limitations in other Code Sections of this part, but
                  shares owned or voted under the control of a director who at
                  the time does not qualify as a disinterested director with
                  respect to any existing or threatened proceeding that would be
                  covered by the authorization may not be voted on the
                  authorization.

         (b)      The corporation shall not indemnify a director under this Code
                  Section for any liability incurred in a proceeding in which
                  the director is adjudged liable to the corporation or is
                  subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the corporation:

                  (1)      For any appropriation, in violation of the director's
                           duties, of any business opportunity of the
                           corporation;

                  (2)      For acts or omissions which involve intentional
                           misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

                  (3)      For the types of liability set forth in Code Section
                           14-2-832; or

                  (4)      For any transaction from which he or she received an
                           improper personal benefit.

         (c)      Where approved or authorized in the manner described in
                  subsection (a) of this Code section, a corporation may advance
                  or reimburse expenses incurred in advance of final disposition
                  of the proceeding only if:

                  (1)      The director furnishes the corporation a written
                           affirmation of his or her good faith belief that his
                           or her conduct does not constitute behavior of the
                           kind described in subsection (b) of this Code
                           section; and

                  (2)      The director furnishes the corporation a written
                           undertaking, executed personally or on his or her
                           behalf, to repay any advances if it is ultimately
                           determined that the director is not entitled to
                           indemnification under this Code section.

                                      -5-
7
         14-2-857.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.

         (a)      A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under this
                  part to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a
                  proceeding because he or she is an officer of the corporation:

                  (1)      To the same extent as a director; and

                  (2)      If he or she is not a director, to such further
                           extent as may be provided by the articles of
                           incorporation, the bylaws, a resolution of the board
                           of directors, or contract except for liability
                           arising out of conduct that constitutes:

                           (A)      Appropriation, in violation of his or her
                                    duties, of any business opportunity of the
                                    corporation;

                           (B)      Acts or omissions which involve intentional
                                    misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

                           (C)      The types of liability set forth in Code
                                    Section 14-2-832; or

                           (D)      Receipt of an improper personal benefit.

         (b)      The provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code
                  Section shall apply to an officer who is also a director if
                  the sole basis on which he or she is made a party to the
                  proceeding is an act or omission solely as an officer.

         (c)      An officer of a corporation who is not a director is entitled
                  to mandatory indemnification under Code Section 14-2-852, and
                  may apply to a court under Code Section 14-2-854 for
                  indemnification or advances for expenses, in each case to the
                  same extent to which a director may be entitled to
                  indemnification or advances for expenses under those
                  provisions.

         (d)      A corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an
                  employee or agent who is not a director to the extent,
                  consistent with public policy, that may be provided by its
                  articles of incorporation, bylaws, general or specific action
                  of its board of directors, or contract.

         14-2-858.  INSURANCE.

         A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an
individual who is a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or
who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, serves at
the corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or
agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity against liability asserted against
or incurred by him or her in that capacity or arising from his or her status as
a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the corporation would
have power to indemnify or advance expenses to him or her against the same
liability under this part.

         14-2-859.  APPLICATION OF PART.

         (a)      A corporation may, by a provision in its articles of
                  incorporation or bylaws or in a resolution adopted or a
                  contract approved by its board of directors or shareholders,
                  obligate itself in advance of the act or omission giving rise
                  to a proceeding to provide indemnification or advance funds to
                  pay for or reimburse expenses consistent with this part. Any
                  such obligatory provision shall be deemed to satisfy the
                  requirements for authorization referred to in subsection (c)
                  of Code Section 14-2-853 or subsection (c) of Code Section
                  14-2-855. Any such provision that obligates the corporation to
                  provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law
                  shall be deemed to obligate the corporation to advance funds
                  to pay for or reimburse expenses in accordance with

                                      -6-
8
                  Code Section 14-2-853 to the fullest extent permitted by law,
                  unless the provision specifically provides otherwise.

         (b)      Any provision pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code Section
                  shall not obligate the corporation to indemnify or advance
                  expenses to a director of a predecessor of the corporation,
                  pertaining to conduct with respect to the predecessor, unless
                  otherwise specifically provided. Any provision for
                  indemnification or advance for expenses in the articles of
                  incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of
                  directors or shareholders, partners, or, in the case of
                  limited liability companies, members or managers of a
                  predecessor of the corporation or other entity in a merger or
                  in a contract to which the predecessor is a party, existing at
                  the time the merger takes effect, shall be governed by
                  paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 14-2-1106.

         (c)      A corporation may, by a provision in its articles of
                  incorporation, limit any of the rights to indemnification or
                  advance for expenses created by or pursuant to this part.

         (d)      This part does not limit a corporation's power to pay or
                  reimburse expenses incurred by a director or an officer in
                  connection with his or her appearance as a witness in a
                  proceeding at a time when he or she is not a party.

         (e)      Except as expressly provided in Code Section 14-2-857, this
                  part does not limit a corporation's power to indemnify,
                  advance expenses to, or provide or maintain insurance on
                  behalf of an employee or agent.

ARTICLE X OF THE COMPANY'S RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED,
PROVIDES:

         No Director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the
corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of duty of care
or other duty as a Director, except for liability (i) for any appropriation, in
violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the corporation, (ii)
for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) for the types of liabilities set forth in Section
14-2-832 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, or (iv) for any transaction
from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Georgia
Business Corporation Code is amended to authorize corporate action further
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of Directors, then the liability
of a Director of the corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest
extent permitted by the Georgia Business Corporation Code, as amended. Neither
the amendment nor repeal of this Article X nor the adoption of any provision of
these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation inconsistent with this
Article shall eliminate or adversely effect any right or protection of a
Director of the corporation existing immediately prior to such amendment, repeal
or adoption.

ARTICLE VI OF THE COMPANY'S AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS PROVIDES:

         Section 1. Mandatory Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify to
the fullest extent permitted by the Georgia Business Corporation Code, and to
the extent that applicable law from time to time in effect shall permit
indemnification that is broader than is provided in these Bylaws, then to the
maximum extent authorized by law, any individual made a party to a proceeding
(as defined in the Georgia Business Corporation Code) because he or she is or
was a Director or an executive or corporate officer, against liability (as
defined in the Georgia Business Corporation Code), incurred in the proceeding,
if he or she conducted himself or herself in good faith and reasonably believed
such conduct was in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in
the case of any criminal proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful.

         Section 2. Advance for Expenses. The Company shall pay for or reimburse
the reasonable expenses incurred by a Director or any such officer who is a
party to a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding if:

         (a)      Such person furnishes the Company a written affirmation of his
                  or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard
                  of conduct set forth in Section 1 above; and

                                      -7-
9

         (b)      Such person furnishes the Company a written undertaking,
                  executed personally on his or her behalf to repay any advances
                  if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled
                  to indemnification.

         The written undertaking required by paragraph (b) above must be an
unlimited general obligation of such person but need not be secured and may be
accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.

         Section 3.        Indemnification Not Exclusive. The right to
indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding
in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article VI shall not be
exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire
under any statute, provision of the articles of incorporation, provision of
these Bylaws, agreement, vote of shareholder or disinterested Directors or
otherwise.

         Section 4.        Amendment or Repeal.  Any repeal or modification of
the foregoing provisions of this Article VI shall not adversely affect any right
or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission
occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Inapplicable.

ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.
EXHIBIT        DESCRIPTION
               -------        -----------
5.1          Opinion of King & Spalding.
                23.1          Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
                23.2          Consent of King & Spalding (included in Exhibit 5.1).
                24.1          Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
                99.1          John H. Harland Company 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended April 27, 2001.
                99.2          John H. Harland Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended December 14, 2000
                              (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form
                              10-K filed on April 2, 2001).
ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

         (a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

                  (1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales
                           are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
                           Registration Statement:

                           (i)      To include any prospectus required by
                                    Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
                                    1933;

                           (ii)     To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
                                    events arising after the effective date of
                                    the Registration Statement (or the most
                                    recent post-effective amendment thereof)
                                    which, individually or in the aggregate,
                                    represent a fundamental change in the
                                    information set forth in the Registration
                                    Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                                    any increase or decrease in volume of
                                    securities offered (if the total dollar
                                    value of securities offered would not exceed
                                    that which was registered) and any deviation
                                    from the low or high end of the estimated
                                    maximum offering range may be reflected in
                                    the form of prospectus filed with the
                                    Commission

                                      -8-
10

                                    pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
                                    aggregate, the changes in volume and price
                                    represent no more than a 20 percent change
                                    in the maximum aggregate offering price set
                                    forth in the "Calculation of Registration
                                    Fee" table in the effective registration
                                    statement; and

                           (iii)    To include any material information with
                                    respect to the plan of distribution not
                                    previously disclosed in the Registration
                                    Statement or any material change to such
                                    information in the Registration Statement;

                           provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and
                           (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required
                           to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
                           paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by
                           the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
                           15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
                           incorporated by reference in the Registration
                           Statement.

                  (2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability
                           under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
                           post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
                           Registration Statement relating to the securities
                           offered therein, and the offering of such securities
                           at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
                           fide offering thereof.

                  (3)      To remove from registration by means of a
                           post-effective amendment any of the securities being
                           registered which remain unsold at the termination of
                           the offering.

         (b)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for
                  purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
                  of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's Annual Report
                  pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
                  Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
                  benefit plan's Annual Report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by
                  reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be
                  a new Registration Statement relating to the securities
                  offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
                  time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
                  thereof.

         (c)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
                  Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers
                  and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
                  foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
                  advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
                  expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
                  event that a claim for indemnification against such
                  liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of
                  expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
                  controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense
                  of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
                  director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
                  securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
                  the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
                  controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
                  jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it
                  is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
                  governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                     EXPERTS

         The financial statements and the related financial statement schedules
of the Company incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report which is incorporated by reference herein and has been so incorporated in
reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.

                                      -9-
11
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Decatur, State of Georgia on the 27th day of
September, 2001.

                                       JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY

                                       By:/s/ Timothy C. Tuff
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           TIMOTHY C. TUFF
                                           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Timothy C. Tuff and John C. Walters and
each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for such persons and in his or her
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
to this Registration Statement, and to file the same with all Exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and to perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and any of them, or their
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
12
         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacity indicated on the 27th day of September, 2001.
Signature                                                   Title
---------                                                   -----
/s/ Timothy C. Tuff                                         Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
--------------------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
Timothy C. Tuff

/s/ Charles B. Carden                                       Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
--------------------------------------------                (Principal Financial Officer)
Charles B. Carden

/s/ J. Michael Riley                                        Vice President and Controller
--------------------------------------------                (Principal Accounting Officer)
J. Michael Riley

/s/ William S. Antle III                                    Director
--------------------------------------------
William S. Antle III

/s/ John D. Johns                                           Director
--------------------------------------------
John D. Johns

/s/ Richard K. Lochridge                                    Director
--------------------------------------------
Richard K. Lochridge

/s/ John J. McMahon, Jr.                                    Director
--------------------------------------------
John J. McMahon, Jr.

/s/ G. Harold Northrop                                      Director
--------------------------------------------
G. Harold Northrop

/s/ Larry L. Prince                                         Director
--------------------------------------------
Larry L. Prince

/s/ Eileen M. Rudden                                        Director
--------------------------------------------
Eileen M. Rudden

/s/ Jesse J. Spikes                                         Director
--------------------------------------------
Jesse J. Spikes
13

                    EXHIBIT INDEX

 EXHIBIT        DESCRIPTION
 -------        -----------
   5.1          Opinion of King & Spalding.
  23.1          Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  23.2          Consent of King & Spalding (included in Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1          Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
  99.1          John H. Harland Company 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended
                April 27, 2001.
  99.2          John H. Harland Company Employee Stock Purchase
                Plan, as amended December 14, 2000 (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report
                on Form 10-K filed on April 2, 2001).