Does a Check Expire? How Long Are They Good For?

Checks are a common method for making and receiving payments, serving as a written order instructing a bank to pay a specific amount of money from one person’s account to another. While widely used, checks do not remain valid indefinitely. Understanding the typical lifespan of different check types is helpful for managing your finances and ensuring payments are processed smoothly.

Standard Validity Periods for Personal and Business Checks

Most personal and business checks generally have a standard validity period of six months, or 180 days, from the date they are issued. After this timeframe, a check is considered “stale-dated.” The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Section 4-404 states that banks are not obligated to pay a check presented more than six months after its date. This provision helps banks manage fraud risks, ensure funds availability, and maintain current financial records.

Banks have the discretion to honor or refuse a stale-dated check. While not required to process checks older than 180 days, some financial institutions may choose to do so, particularly if the account has sufficient funds and is in good standing. Pre-printed “void after X days” notices on business checks are typically advisory and intended to encourage prompt deposit, with most banks still honoring them for the full 180 days. It is advisable to deposit or cash checks promptly to avoid potential issues.

Validity Rules for Special Check Types

Cashier’s checks and certified checks are generally considered more secure because the funds are guaranteed by the issuing bank. Some may have no explicit expiration date, remaining valid as long as the bank is operational. Others might include a “void after” date, typically ranging from 60 to 180 days, or even up to a year. Even if a cashier’s or certified check becomes stale, the underlying funds are usually still available.

Money orders technically do not expire, but holding onto them for an extended period can lead to service fees that reduce their value. These fees often begin after one to three years of inactivity, depending on the issuer. For instance, while United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders do not incur fees, other issuers like Western Union may apply monthly charges. Government checks, such as U.S. Treasury checks for tax refunds or Social Security benefits, typically have a validity period of one year from their issue date. If a federal government check expires, the funds are still owed, and you can contact the issuing agency to request a replacement.

Consequences of Presenting an Old Check

Banks maintain the discretion to either honor or refuse a stale-dated check. If the bank honors the check, the funds will be debited from the issuer’s account as usual. If the bank refuses to process it, the check will be returned unpaid, which could result in fees for the person attempting to deposit it.

The underlying debt remains valid even if the check is stale-dated; the issuer still owes the money. A bank might refuse a stale check if the issuer’s account has insufficient funds, has been closed, or if a stop payment order was placed. Attempting to deposit a very old check, such as one several years old, will likely result in its rejection by the bank.

Steps to Take with an Old Check

If you possess an old check, the first step is to communicate with the issuer. This allows you to confirm if the funds are still available and to request that a new check be issued. Obtaining a reissued check is often the most straightforward solution.

If reissuing the check is not an option, you could attempt to deposit or cash the original check at your bank, but be prepared for potential rejection due to its age. Your bank may charge a fee if the check is returned unpaid. If the issuer cannot be reached or refuses to reissue, inquire with your state’s unclaimed property division, as funds from uncashed checks can sometimes be turned over to the state after a certain period.