Understanding Check Validity: How Long Is a Check Good For?

Discovering an old check tucked away in a drawer is more common than you might think. The issue of uncashed checks represents a significant financial phenomenon—the U.S. Department of Labor once tracked $15 million in retirement plan checks alone that go undeposited annually. When you factor in paychecks, tax refunds, insurance settlements, and countless other payment types, the total value of outstanding checks likely exceeds hundreds of millions. But here’s the critical question: once you find that forgotten check, can you still use it? Understanding how long checks remain valid is essential to answering that question.

Why Check Validity Matters: The Basics of Check Shelf Life

Many people assume checks have explicit expiration dates stamped on them, but that’s not quite accurate. Technically, checks don’t truly expire in the way that credit cards or medicine might. Instead, they become “stale” or “outdated” after a certain period, which is a different legal status entirely. This distinction matters because it affects whether a bank will process your check and whether you can recover the funds.

Banks establish validity periods as a protective mechanism for account holders. When someone writes a check, they typically have their current account balance in mind and expect the recipient to deposit it within a reasonable timeframe. However, financial situations change dramatically. Account balances fluctuate, funds get allocated elsewhere, and unforeseen circumstances arise. That’s why after some time passes, financial institutions can’t guarantee the funds will still be available. If a recipient waits too long, the check may bounce, leaving both parties in an uncomfortable situation.

Understanding how long you have to cash a check is therefore about protecting yourself and managing expectations with the check writer.

Validity Rules by Check Type: Personal, Business, and Cashier’s Checks

The amount of time a check remains valid for cashing or depositing depends largely on what type of check it is. Different categories come with different rules and timelines.

Personal Checks

Personal checks—those written from individual bank accounts—typically remain valid for six months from the date of issue. This aligns with federal law, which states that banks are not obligated to process a personal check beyond the 180-day window. If you’re sitting on a personal check that’s a few months old, it’s wise to contact the check writer first. Let them know about your intention to deposit it soon so they can verify their account contains sufficient funds. This courtesy call prevents the embarrassment (and financial consequence) of a bounced check.

Cashier’s Checks

Cashier’s checks carry official bank backing, which makes them quite different from personal checks. These instruments don’t have specific printed expiration dates. However, they’re subject to a process called “escheating” if held beyond a certain period. When escheating occurs, the issuing bank transfers the funds to the state as unclaimed property. To recover your money, you’ll need to request a replacement check directly from the bank that issued it. This process adds an extra step and potential delay to getting paid.

Business Checks

Business checks frequently display the notation “Void after 90 days”—a prominent reminder to recipients to process them quickly. While this 90-day warning is common, it’s not legally binding like a true expiration date. In practice, business checks function much like personal checks: they’re generally valid for six months, unless the check specifically indicates a different validity period of up to one year. After the applicable period expires, the issuing business must report and escheat those funds to the state as unclaimed property. Each state maintains its own requirements regarding dormancy periods and minimum dollar amounts.

Money Orders and Their Unique Validity Rules

Money orders operate under different rules than traditional checks because they’re prepaid instruments—the issuer has already provided the funds upfront, so payment is guaranteed. Domestic money orders don’t technically expire, but state laws vary considerably. Always check the fine print on the back of your money order for the specific terms that apply in your state.

One important caveat: most states allow banks to deduct a nonrefundable service fee from money order principal if you don’t cash it within one to three years, depending on your state of purchase. This gradual fee erosion means money orders can lose value the longer you hold them, even though they don’t have hard expiration dates.

Dealing with Voided and Stale Checks

A check marked with “void” written across it cannot be cashed or deposited under any circumstances—it’s legally invalid. Additionally, checks can become void if they’re missing essential information (like a proper signature or amount), or if they’ve gone through the escheat process after extended dormancy.

Action Steps: What to Do With an Outdated Check

If you uncover an old check, don’t assume all is lost. You have several options for potentially recovering that money.

Attempt deposit through your bank. Your financial institution may process an outdated check if they determine the issuer maintains adequate funds to cover it. However, banks cannot help if the issuer has closed their account, placed a stop payment on the check, or has insufficient funds available.

Reach out to the check issuer. Contact the person or company who issued the check whenever possible. Employers, business contacts, and individuals you know are often willing to issue a replacement check that you can deposit without complications or delays.

Visit the issuing institution directly. If you know which bank issued the check, visit a local branch. A banker can examine the check, verify the issuer’s current account status, and potentially process payment on your behalf.

The Bottom Line

The key takeaway is straightforward: deposit checks as soon as you receive them. This avoids confusion about validity, protects both parties, and ensures smooth fund transfers. If you do discover an outdated check, contact the issuer or the issuing financial institution without delay. Keep in mind that every bank operates under its own policies and maintains discretion when handling older checks. If you believe you have unclaimed funds that may have been transferred to your state as unclaimed property, check the official government unclaimed money database and search by your state.