How Long Is a Check Valid Before It Becomes Void?
Navigate the lifecycle of checks. Understand the various conditions and timeframes that determine a check's usability and validity.
Navigate the lifecycle of checks. Understand the various conditions and timeframes that determine a check's usability and validity.
Checks are a common payment method, but they do not remain valid indefinitely. This article clarifies the typical lifespan of various check types and outlines actions that can render a check invalid.
Most personal and business checks have a standard validity period of six months from their issue date. After this period, a check is considered “stale-dated.” While not automatically void, banks are not obligated to honor it. This standard is guided by Uniform Commercial Code Section 4-404, which states banks are not required to pay a check presented more than six months after its date.
A bank may, at its discretion, choose to accept a stale-dated check if it has reason to believe the funds are still available and the issuer intends for it to be paid. However, the bank also has the right to refuse payment. It is advisable to deposit or cash checks promptly to avoid issues related to their age.
Some check types have different validity periods. Cashier’s checks and money orders generally have longer or even indefinite validity periods because they are guaranteed by the issuing bank. While they don’t typically expire, some cashier’s checks may have “void after X days” printed on them, after which they may be considered stale by the bank. However, if uncashed for very long periods, funds from cashier’s checks and money orders may become subject to state escheatment laws, turned over to the state as unclaimed property.
Federal government checks, such as tax refunds or Social Security payments, are legally valid for one year from their issue date. If a federal government check expires, the payee is still entitled to the payment and can contact the issuing agency for a replacement. State and local government checks also have specific rules, typically remaining valid for six months to a year, depending on the jurisdiction. Post-dated checks, which have a future date, cannot be cashed or deposited before the specified date.
An issuer can place a stop payment order on a check, instructing their bank not to honor it. The issuer may incur a fee for the stop payment service.
A check will not be honored if the issuer’s account lacks sufficient funds when it is presented for payment. Material alteration, which involves any significant unauthorized change to the check’s details like the amount or payee name, can also void it.
If the issuer’s bank account is closed, any outstanding checks drawn on that account will not be honored. The death of the check issuer can also invalidate a check, though banks often have policies to honor checks for a short period after notification of death. Checks with missing information, such as a signature, or those with discrepancies between the written and numerical amounts, are invalid.
When a check has expired or been voided, the recipient (payee) should take specific steps to resolve the situation. The most direct approach is to contact the check’s issuer and request a new check. Attempting to deposit a check known to be void or expired can lead to bank fees for both the payee and the issuer if the check is returned unpaid.
For the check issuer (payer), maintaining accurate records of voided checks, such as those with stop payment orders, is important. If a new check is issued to replace an expired or voided one, the original should be clearly marked “VOID” and securely stored or destroyed to prevent any accidental or fraudulent attempts to cash it. This helps protect sensitive account and routing information.