Can You Use Money With Writing on It?
Understand the rules for using U.S. currency with writing or damage. Learn what's valid and how to exchange unusable bills.
United States currency serves as a fundamental medium of exchange. Banknotes can acquire various marks, stains, or minor damage through regular use and circulation. This often leads individuals to question the continued validity and usability of such currency. Understanding how the U.S. government and financial institutions view these marked banknotes is important for consumers.
Acceptance of Currency with Minor Markings
United States currency, including banknotes with minor markings, retains its status as “legal tender,” meaning it is a valid medium for payments and transactions. Minor alterations, such as small pen marks, initials, or non-obstructive stamps that do not obscure key security features or denominations, do not invalidate a banknote.
While such currency remains legal tender, its acceptance can be at the discretion of an individual merchant or business. Most retailers and service providers will accept banknotes with minor writing or wear. Notes that are merely dirty, worn, or have minor tears, but are clearly more than half of the original note, are considered “unfit” for further circulation but are still redeemable at commercial banks. The distinction for usability lies in whether the marking significantly compromises the note’s integrity or readability.
Federal law, Title 18, Section 333, addresses the defacement of currency. This statute prohibits actions that mutilate, cut, disfigure, or otherwise alter currency with the intent to render it unfit for reissue. Minor, unintentional markings or those not made with fraudulent intent do not constitute a criminal offense. A small note or a name written on a bill falls outside the scope of this prohibition.
Criteria for Unusable Currency
Currency becomes unusable when it is deemed “mutilated” or significantly defaced, distinguishing it from merely “unfit” banknotes. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) defines mutilated currency as a note damaged to the extent that one-half or less of the original note remains, or if its condition makes its value questionable, requiring special examination. This severe damage can arise from various incidents, including fire, water, chemicals, explosives, or prolonged deterioration.
Examples of damage that render currency unusable include notes that have been significantly burned, shredded, or torn into multiple pieces where less than half of the original note is identifiable. Currency with extensive defacement, such as large-scale writing that obscures the denomination, portraits, or security features, or notes that appear to be part of an attempt to defraud, fall into this category. Treasury Department regulations stipulate that for a mutilated note to be exchanged at face value, more than 50% of the note identifiable as United States currency must be present.
If less than 50% of the note remains, redemption is possible only if the method of mutilation and supporting evidence satisfy the BEP that the missing portions were completely destroyed. Notes that show a pattern of intentional mutilation or are associated with criminal schemes will not be redeemed and may be retained as evidence. Unlike unfit currency, which can be exchanged at a commercial bank, mutilated currency requires submission to the BEP for examination.
Process for Exchanging Damaged Currency
For currency categorized as mutilated, individuals must submit it directly to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for examination. The BEP provides this as a free public service. Submissions can be made by mail or in person at the BEP’s Washington, D.C. facility.
When submitting mutilated currency, include a detailed letter. This letter should state the estimated value of the currency, provide a clear explanation of how the damage occurred, and include your contact information. For claims of $500 or more, electronic payment is required, so valid banking information, including bank account and routing numbers, must be provided. A completed and signed BEP Form 5283 must accompany all submissions.
Careful packaging of the damaged currency is necessary to prevent further deterioration during transit. If the currency was found in a container, such as a wallet or box, leave it in the container and send the entire item to protect fragile fragments. The BEP’s Mutilated Currency Division examines each case. Processing time can range from six months to three years due to the thorough examination process and high volume of claims.