How Long Does It Take for a Check to Expire?

Checks serve as a common method for payments. While digital methods are increasingly prevalent, understanding a check’s lifespan is important for both issuers and recipients. A check’s validity is not indefinite, and knowing its expiration period can prevent inconveniences and financial complications, ensuring timely processing and proper management of funds.

Typical Check Validity Periods

Most personal and business checks are generally considered valid for six months, or 180 days, from their issue date. This timeframe is a widely accepted banking industry standard, often aligning with guidance from the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). While banks are not legally obligated by the UCC to honor checks presented after this six-month period, they may choose to do so at their discretion.

A check presented for payment after its typical validity period is commonly referred to as “stale-dated.” Financial institutions are not required to accept these checks, though some might have policies that allow for their processing. This standard six-month validity period applies to most payroll checks as well.

Checks issued by government entities frequently have different validity periods. Federal checks are typically valid for one year from the date of issue. State and local government checks generally remain valid for at least six months, sometimes up to a year. Even if a government check expires, the recipient is usually still entitled to the funds and can request a reissuance.

Factors Affecting Check Validity

Banks maintain discretion to either honor or refuse stale-dated checks, particularly those beyond the standard six-month window. This decision often depends on the bank’s internal policies and whether sufficient funds are still available in the issuer’s account. A bank may choose to process an older check if there is no stop payment order and the account has funds, but they are not compelled to do so.

Specific instructions printed on a check by the issuer can override the general validity periods. Phrases like “Void After 90 Days” or “Valid For 30 Days Only” on a check legally bind the issuer’s bank to those terms. These printed instructions are intended to encourage prompt deposit or cashing.

Certain types of checks operate under different validity rules. Cashier’s checks and certified checks are generally considered valid for an extended period, often indefinitely, because the funds are guaranteed by the issuing bank. While some banks may have internal policies that consider these checks stale after 60 to 180 days, the underlying funds remain available.

Money orders typically do not have an expiration date, but some issuers may apply service fees if they remain uncashed for one to three years, reducing their value. Traveler’s checks also typically do not expire.

Addressing Expired Checks

When a check has passed its typical validity period, or a printed “void after” date, specific actions are advisable for both the recipient and the issuer. For the payee holding an expired check, the most prudent step is to contact the person or entity who issued it to request a new check. Attempting to deposit a stale-dated check without prior communication carries risks, as it may be returned unpaid, potentially incurring fees from your bank. While some financial institutions might still accept older checks, it is never guaranteed, and confirming funds with the issuer beforehand is good practice.

For the check issuer, funds associated with an uncashed, expired check typically remain in their bank account. If a new check is being issued, or if the original transaction is no longer valid, the issuer should consider placing a stop payment order on the old check. Banks usually charge a fee for stop payment orders, which are generally effective for six months. Banks do not automatically void or return funds for expired checks; the issuer generally needs to initiate action to reclaim the funds or issue a replacement.