How Long Does a Check Last Before It Expires?

Checks serve as a common method for financial transactions. Understanding their validity periods is important for both the person writing the check and the person receiving it, as these timeframes can differ. Knowing these details helps avoid complications.

Understanding Standard Check Validity

Most banks are not obligated to honor a check presented more than six months after its date. This guideline is established by the Uniform Commercial Code Section 4-404.

While banks are not required to accept checks older than six months, they may choose to honor them if acting in “good faith,” especially if the issuer intends payment. A check past this period is “stale-dated.”

Even if stale-dated, a check is not automatically invalid. However, banks may refuse to process it. This discretion protects banks from unknowingly paying checks where the account may have insufficient funds or the drawer’s intentions might have changed. Promptly depositing or cashing checks is advisable.

Validity Periods for Different Check Types

Check validity varies by type. Cashier’s and certified checks, backed by the issuing bank’s funds, generally do not expire like personal checks. However, they can become subject to state unclaimed property laws after three to five years of inactivity, known as dormancy. Some may include a “void after X days” disclaimer.

Money orders also have indefinite validity. Like cashier’s and certified checks, they can eventually be turned over to the state as unclaimed property if uncashed for an extended dormancy period, ranging from three to seven years. Some issuers may charge dormant fees after one to three years.

Government-issued checks have specific validity rules, often printed on them. U.S. Treasury checks, including federal tax refunds and Social Security benefits, are valid for one year from issue. If uncashed, the recipient must contact the issuing agency for reissuance. State and local government checks typically range from six months to a year.

Traveler’s checks generally do not expire. Though less common now, they can still be cashed if the issuing institution remains in business. Like other uncashed instruments, they can become subject to unclaimed property laws after a prolonged dormancy period, which can be as long as 15 years.

Navigating Uncashed or Stale-Dated Checks

Recipients should promptly deposit or cash checks to secure funds and reduce issues. If holding an older check, contact the issuer first to confirm funds or request a new check. Even if a bank accepts a stale-dated check, it risks being returned unpaid if the issuer’s account lacks funds or is closed.

Issuers should maintain accurate records of checks. Funds from uncashed checks remain in the issuer’s account but may eventually be considered unclaimed property subject to state escheatment laws.

Escheatment laws require turning over unclaimed funds to the state after a dormancy period, typically one to five years, though longer for some instruments. Issuers may contact payees before escheatment. If a check is lost, stolen, or not expected to be cashed, the issuer can place a stop payment order with their bank. This requires specific check details, incurs a fee (typically $20-$35), and lasts about six months. A new check can be issued if the original is confirmed uncashed or destroyed.