Do Checks Expire After 90 Days?

Checks are a common payment method, but their validity often raises questions. A frequent query concerns whether checks expire after a specific period, such as 90 days. While there isn’t a universal 90-day expiration rule for all checks, understanding the typical validity periods and specific exceptions is important for managing financial transactions effectively.

Standard Check Validity Period

Most personal and business checks generally maintain a validity period of six months from the date they are written. This timeframe is outlined in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Under the UCC, banks are not obligated to honor a check presented more than six months after its issue date, at which point it is often referred to as “stale-dated.”

This six-month guideline protects banks and account holders from issues arising from old, uncashed transactions, as account balances may change or issuers may forget about payments. While some people might mistakenly believe a 90-day rule applies, the standard period is 180 days (six months). Banks retain discretion to pay stale-dated checks in good faith, but they are not required to do so.

Special Cases and Exceptions

While a six-month validity period applies to many checks, certain types have different rules or specific conditions that alter their expiration. Some checks explicitly include language like “Void after 90 days” or “Valid for 60 days” printed on them. This explicit instruction can override the general six-month rule, indicating the issuer’s intent for a shorter lifespan.

Cashier’s checks and certified checks, which represent guaranteed funds by the issuing bank, typically do not expire or have significantly longer validity periods. While some may have “void after X days” printed, they are generally valid as long as the issuing bank remains in operation. However, very old cashier’s checks might fall under state unclaimed property laws, where funds could be transferred to the state if left uncashed for an extended dormancy period.

Checks issued by government entities, such as federal tax refunds or Social Security payments, often have extended validity. U.S. Treasury checks, for instance, are legally valid for one year from their issue date. Checks from state or local government agencies can also have longer validity, typically ranging from six months to a year, depending on specific state regulations. Additionally, post-dated checks, which are written with a future date, cannot be cashed or deposited before that specified date; once the date arrives, they usually follow the standard validity rules for their type.

Handling Expired Checks

When a check is past its typical validity period, it is considered stale-dated, and attempting to deposit it without prior communication can lead to complications. For the check recipient, if a check is stale-dated, the bank is not obligated to honor it. The best course of action is to contact the check issuer to confirm if funds are still available and to request a new check. Depositing a very old check without such communication might result in the check being returned and potentially incurring fees from your bank.

For the check issuer, monitoring outstanding checks is an important practice. If a check has become stale-dated and remains uncashed, the issuer should consider placing a stop payment on the original check to prevent it from being cashed unexpectedly, especially if a new one is issued. Reconciling accounts regularly helps identify uncashed checks, and contacting the payee to arrange for a new check ensures the payment is eventually completed. Even if a check is stale-dated, the underlying obligation to pay remains, and the funds may eventually be subject to state unclaimed property laws if not claimed by the payee.