How Long Do Cashiers Checks Last & Do They Expire?

Cashier’s checks serve as a secure payment method, offering a guarantee of funds directly from a financial institution. Unlike a personal check, a cashier’s check is issued by the bank itself, with funds drawn from the bank’s reserves after the purchaser has paid the full amount. This makes them a preferred choice for significant transactions, such as down payments on homes or vehicles, where assurance of payment is important. Their reliability often leads to questions regarding their lifespan and whether they can expire.

The Concept of Expiration and Validity

Cashier’s checks do not typically have a hard expiration date in the same way personal checks do. While personal checks generally become “stale-dated” after six months, cashier’s checks are backed by the issuing bank’s funds, meaning the underlying obligation to pay remains. However, this does not mean they retain indefinite immediate usability; many banks may consider a cashier’s check “stale-dated” after a period ranging from 90 days to a year. When a cashier’s check becomes stale-dated, the bank may require additional verification before processing it. This extra step helps prevent fraud and ensures the funds are still properly accounted for. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which provides a framework for commercial transactions across states, generally supports the indefinite obligation of a bank to pay a cashier’s check, as it is a direct obligation of the bank itself; this obligation persists even if a check has a “void after X days” printed on it.

Unclaimed Property Laws and Escheatment

While cashier’s checks do not expire, they can become subject to state unclaimed property laws if they remain uncashed for an extended period. These laws are designed to protect consumers by ensuring that abandoned funds are eventually returned to their rightful owners. Each state has specific dormancy periods after which funds are presumed abandoned and must be reported and transferred to the state’s unclaimed property division, a process known as escheatment. For cashier’s checks, the typical dormancy period often ranges from three to five years. If there’s no activity or contact from the owner during this period, the financial institution is required to make efforts to notify the payee; if these due diligence efforts are unsuccessful, the funds are escheated to the state, but the original owner can still claim them from the state’s unclaimed property program.

Resolving Issues with Uncashed Cashier’s Checks

If you possess an uncashed cashier’s check, especially one that is old or appears stale-dated, the first step is to contact the issuing bank. The bank can verify the check’s status and guide you through cashing it or obtaining a re-issuance, potentially requiring the original check and additional identification to complete the transaction. If a cashier’s check has been lost or stolen, the original purchaser should immediately inform the issuing bank. The bank will likely require a “declaration of loss” statement and may require an indemnity bond, which is essentially an insurance policy for the bank, to prevent double payment. A waiting period, often around 90 days, might also apply before a replacement check is issued, or if funds have been escheated to the state, you can typically search online databases maintained by state unclaimed property divisions to initiate a claim.