How Long You Have Until a Check Expires

A check functions as a written instruction to a financial institution, directing it to transfer a specific sum of money from one account to another. It serves as a common payment instrument, allowing individuals and businesses to conduct transactions without using physical currency. Like many financial instruments, checks are not indefinitely valid and are subject to expiration periods.

Standard Check Expiration Periods

Most personal and business checks generally have a validity period of six months from the date they are issued. After this period, a check is typically considered “stale-dated.” While banks are not legally obligated to honor a stale-dated check according to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Section 4-404, some may still choose to process it at their discretion.

Certain types of checks have different expiration guidelines. Checks issued by the U.S. Treasury, such as tax refunds or Social Security benefits, remain valid for one year from their issue date. State and local government checks typically have validity periods ranging from six months to one year, varying by jurisdiction.

Cashier’s checks and certified checks, which are backed by the issuing bank, do not have a statutory expiration under the UCC and are considered guaranteed funds. However, some banks may print “void after X days” on cashier’s checks, which can lead to them being treated as stale-dated by internal policies. Certified checks do not expire, but very old ones might become subject to unclaimed property laws. Money orders technically do not expire, but some issuers may apply service fees if they remain uncashed for extended periods, which can reduce their value. U.S. Postal Service (USPS) money orders, however, do not expire.

Implications of Expired Checks

When a check becomes stale-dated, a bank is not required to honor it, though they retain the discretion to do so if funds are available. If a bank does process an expired check, it might catch the issuer off guard, especially if they assumed the funds were no longer needed to cover that specific payment. Conversely, if the bank refuses to honor the check, the payee will be unable to access the funds.

For the payee, attempting to deposit an expired check can lead to complications, including the check being returned and potentially incurring fees from their bank. There is also the risk that the issuer’s account may no longer have sufficient funds or may have been closed, leading to a bounced check and additional fees for the payee. For the issuer, an uncashed check means funds remain tied up in their account longer than anticipated. If a check remains uncashed for a significant period, it may eventually be subject to state unclaimed property laws, requiring the funds to be remitted to the state in a process known as escheatment. Depositing checks promptly is advisable to avoid these issues and ensure smooth transactions.

Handling Expired Checks

If you, as the payee, discover you are holding an expired check or one nearing its expiration, the most effective step is to contact the check’s issuer immediately. It is recommended to request a new check, ensuring it is properly dated and signed. Attempting to deposit a clearly expired check without first communicating with the issuer or your bank is not advised, as it may result in additional fees or complications.

For the check issuer, if an original check has expired and the funds were never debited from your account, be prepared to issue a new one upon request. Checking your bank statement can confirm whether the original check was ever cashed. Before issuing a replacement check, especially for larger amounts, consider placing a stop payment order on the original expired check to prevent it from being cashed unexpectedly. Financial institutions typically charge a fee for stop payment orders.