A device is provided for use in the alignment of sheets transverse to a direction of sheet travel. A sheet retaining device, which conveys the sheets, is displaceably mounted for holding the sheets against a side guide. At least two sheets are situated one above the other in an offset manner in the direction of sheet travel. An effective retaining surface extends in the direction of sheet travel and has a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width. A ratio of the longitudinal length of the effective retaining surface to the width of the transverse width of the effective retaining surface is greater than three.