How Long Are Checks Valid? Explaining the Expiration Period

A check is a written order directing a bank to pay a specific amount of money from a designated account to the person or entity named on the check. Checks do not maintain their validity indefinitely. Understanding how long a check remains valid is important for both the individual or business writing the check and the recipient.

General Validity Period for Checks

Most personal and business checks are valid for six months (180 days) from their issue date. This timeframe is largely guided by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). While the UCC states that banks are not obligated to honor a check presented more than six months after its date, this does not automatically invalidate the check.

A check presented for payment after this typical six-month period is often referred to as “stale-dated.” Banks have discretion regarding whether to pay a stale-dated check. They may choose to honor it, especially if the account has sufficient funds and no stop payment order has been placed. However, the bank is not legally required to do so.

Specific Check Types and Their Validity

The validity period for checks can vary significantly depending on their type. Government checks, such as those issued by the U.S. Treasury for tax refunds or benefits, are typically valid for one year from their issue date. State and local government checks also often have extended validity, generally ranging from six months to a year, though this can depend on specific jurisdictional laws.

Certified checks and cashier’s checks, which are backed by the issuing bank’s funds, generally do not expire, or they possess a much longer validity period. While they may be considered “stale” after a certain period, such as 90 to 180 days, the funds remain guaranteed by the bank and often become subject to state unclaimed property laws if uncashed for an extended time, typically three to five years. Money orders technically do not expire, but some issuers might impose service fees if they remain uncashed for one to three years, which can reduce their value. Traveler’s checks do not expire as long as the issuing institution remains in operation.

Bank Policies Regarding Old Checks

Banks exercise discretion when handling stale-dated checks. While the UCC provides a guideline, individual banks implement their own internal policies regarding checks older than six months. A bank may honor a stale-dated check, contact the check issuer for confirmation, or refuse payment.

The decision to pay an old check often depends on several factors, including whether a stop payment order is active and if the account holds sufficient funds. If a bank honors a stale-dated check in good faith, it may still charge the issuer’s account. Recipients should deposit or cash checks promptly to avoid complications from varying bank policies.

Handling Old Checks

If you have received an old check, it is best to contact the issuer to confirm its continued validity or to request a new check. Attempting to deposit or cash a stale-dated check carries the risk of rejection by your bank, which could potentially lead to fees.

For individuals who have written a check that has not yet cleared, regularly reconciling bank statements is important to track outstanding payments. If an old check has not been cashed and you no longer intend for it to be paid, you can place a stop payment order through your bank. This typically involves a fee, often ranging from $20 to $35, and the order is usually effective for six months, though it can often be renewed. If the original check is too old or lost, issuing a new check and advising the recipient to destroy the old one is a common practice to ensure proper payment.