How Long a Check Stays Valid and When It Expires

Expiration Times Can Vary by Check Type

• Expiration times can change: How long a check stays good for depends on its type and where it is from.
• Personal and business checks expire soon: These are good for about six months, or 180 days, but every bank can have its own rules.
• Government checks last longer: A check from the U.S. Treasury or a state or local government often stays good for a year or even more.
• Cashier’s checks and money orders have special rules: These may not run out, but you might need to pay fees if you wait too long to use them. It also depends on who gave you the check.
• Expired money isn’t always gone: You can ask the bank or the person who sent it to give you a new check if the old one was not used.

Introduction

How long is a check good for? It is good to know about check expiration if you want to handle your money well. There are different kinds of checks. You might have a personal check, a business check, or one from the government. Every type has its own time limit before you cannot use it. Some checks last a long time. Others will not work if you wait too long to put them in the bank. This will tell you how much time you have and what you should do. It will help you not have problems with your money or lose it.

Check Expiration Rules in the U.S.

There is no set time for when a check will no longer be good. A few things can show how long the check can be used. The rules in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) say that banks do not have to take checks older than six months. But some banks might use their own rules, so there may be some exceptions.

Personal and business checks are good to use for 180 days. After this time, they are no longer good. A government check can last longer than that. A check has a time limit so that there are not too many unclaimed checks. This also helps avoid mistakes and matches what the company or person sending it wants.

Why Banks Place Expiration Dates on Checks

Checks expire because banks want to keep clear records and manage risk. If you do not use the check for a long time, there can be a problem. The person’s bank might not have enough money in their account when you try to use it.

Banks think old checks are more risky. These checks can get lost or be used in fraud. When banks give checks an end date, they help cut down worry for people. This helps keep money safe for all.

Having an expiration date makes it easier to do accounting and banking. If a check is left without being cashed, it will be voided or replaced. This helps make sure that every transaction is finished or closed the right way.

What Happens If You Try to Cash an Expired Check

If you try to cash an old check, the bank will most likely say no. Most banks do not take checks that are over six months old. This is true for you and for your business. This is even more true if the person who wrote the check does not have enough money in their bank.

If a bank gets an old check, it might take out some fees or put a stop to the payment. This helps keep the bank and the person who wrote the check safe.

To stay away from any problems, you should talk to the person or bank that gave you the old check before you put it in. You can ask for a new check. Or, you can find out if the check can still be used. This way, you will not have to wait too long, and you will not lose your money.

Expiration Periods by Check Type

Here is a look at the common types of checks and how long you can use them:

Personal Checks vs. Bank-Issued Checks

Checks written by a person or a business usually expire after six months. Some banks may still take them, but the bank does not have to do this under UCC rules.

Cashier’s checks are not like personal checks. A bank gives you a cashier’s check and stands behind it. You can use them when you need to pay a big amount of money. They are safer than other checks. But when you can use them and for how long depends on the bank you use. Some have a date that says “void after,” which means you cannot use the check after that time. Others do not have this date, so you can use the check for a long time. Always check with your bank for their rules.

Knowing the type of check and the rules about when it will end can help things go well. This helps all the payments to be on time.

Expiration Timelines for Government-Issued Checks

Checks that come from government offices have a set time to use them. For example, you can use federal tax refund checks for one year. State and local checks may stop working after six months or one year. This depends on the place that gave you the check.

Even though there is a federal law that gives some basic timelines, the agencies can have their own rules too. You should cash or put in government-issued checks as soon as you get them. This will help you not get your check turned down or slow things down.

How to Handle and Cash Checks Before They Expire

To make sure you do not lose your money, you should be careful with your checks. Do not wait to take care of them. If you deposit or cash your checks as soon as you get them, you will have a better chance to get your money from the bank that gave you the check.

If you get an old check, check with the bank to make sure it is still okay to use. Knowing how to write and handle checks the right way can help you have a good time at the bank.

What You’ll Need Before Depositing a Check

To use or add a check, you need to have these things with you:

• A checking account: You will need this to put in money or do any kind of money activity.
• Good identification: This helps to show that you are the one the money is for.
• Issuing bank details: You should look at these for banker’s checks or government checks.
• Check details: Be sure to look at when it was given out and how much it is for before you keep going.

If you are set, the checks will get done faster and be easy.

How to Deposit or Cash a Check the Right Way

Here are the steps you need to take to complete this process fast and in an easy way:

1. Check the expiration date: Look at the date and see if you can still use the check.
2. Gather required documents: Bring your ID and any bank papers or issuer documents with you.
3. Visit your bank: Go to your bank, or use mobile deposit on your phone if you want to.
4. Ask for help if needed: Do this if your check is almost out of time.
5. Sign the back of the check the right way: Write your name on the back as needed so it can be processed.

Each step you take lowers the chance that you will be turned away. This helps you get your money when you need it.

Step 1: Check the Date and Check Type

Start by looking at the issue date and the kind of check you have. A check from a person or business will most times not be good after six months. But checks from the government and official places can last for a longer time. Some of these checks may not have an end date at all.

Be sure to read any words printed on the checks. Look for phrases like “void after” and check the dates. Even if you have traveler’s or certified checks, you need to check if they are still okay to use before you try to use them.

Step 2: Ask the Bank if the Check Is Still Valid

Always be sure to check old checks at your bank. The bank will let you know if the check can go through. They can also tell you if the person who gave you the check has enough money in their account.

If you can not use a check anymore, there may be a stop payment, or the bank might charge a fee. Some government and official checks should be checked with the person or group who gave them to you. It is always good to ask first. This can help you avoid problems with the transaction.

Step 3: Endorse and Cash or Deposit the Check

To finish the transaction, you need to sign your name on the back of the check. If the check is for a lot of money, or if it is from the government, the bank may need to see your identification. Sometimes, they may want to give their approval before you can use it.

Think about if you want to put the money from the check into your bank or if you need it in cash right away. Putting the money in your bank is usually safer for you. Getting cash means you have the money at once. You should know your bank’s rules and find out how long it will take for the money to be in your account.

Final Thoughts

Knowing when a check expires is a big part of handling your money well. Each kind of check can have a different time for when it will stop being good. If you forget about the end date, you could wait longer for your money or even lose it. This happens with work checks, checks from the government, or checks from people you know. It helps to know the steps to take and how much time you have. That way, you can get your money without trouble. Be sure to look at old checks, sign them the right way, and use them soon. This will help you stop problems before they begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check after six months?

You may be able to cash the check, but it depends on your bank. Most banks say a check that is over six months old is not fresh. Some banks will still let you cash the check, but not all do. It is best to talk to your bank about this, so you know what they will say.

What should I do if I find an old check?

Get in touch with the person or the company who gave you the check, or you can call the bank. They will tell you if the check can still be used. Most of the time, they will stop the old check and give you a new one. Do this soon so you do not lose your money.

Are bank rules different for old checks?

Yes, banks can have their own ways to handle checks that are out of date. Some banks will not take these checks at all. Other banks may take them, but they can add extra fees. There could also be state laws that affect what the bank can do.

Does the expiration rule apply to business checks?

Yes. Business checks normally follow the same six-month expiration rule under the UCC. But some banks can have their own ways of doing things. It is smart to check the expiration dates. This can help so your deposits do not get turned down.

Written by Christine Benz Updated August 28, 2025 by Albert Fang