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

Finding an uncashed check tucked away in a drawer or folder happens to many people. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, roughly $15 million in unclaimed checks from retirement plans alone remain undeposited each year. When you factor in paychecks, refunds, and other check types, the total value of outstanding checks likely reaches hundreds of millions. If you discover such a check—sometimes called a stale or outdated check—you might wonder if it’s still worth cashing. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of check and how much time has passed since issuance.

How Long Does a Check Remain Valid?

Technically speaking, checks don’t have true expiration dates. However, banks treat them as “stale” after a certain period, which creates a practical deadline even if no official one exists. The reason behind this practice is straightforward: when someone writes a check, they typically account for their current account balance and expect funds to be withdrawn promptly. Over months, circumstances change—accounts may be closed, balances may shift, or stop orders may be placed. Banks therefore set their own policies about whether to honor aged checks, using discretion to decide on a case-by-case basis. This approach primarily protects account holders from unexpected withdrawals long after the check was written.

Types of Checks and Their Validity Periods

The question “How long is a check good for?” has different answers depending on what type of check you’re holding.

Personal Checks

Personal checks typically remain valid for up to six months under federal law. After this point, a bank has no legal obligation to process the check. If you find a personal check that’s a few months old, consider contacting the person or business that issued it before depositing. This courtesy call allows them to verify their account has sufficient funds, preventing the check from bouncing.

Business Checks

Business checks often display “Void after 90 days” on the face, signaling the recipient to cash them promptly. However, this marking is more of a courtesy reminder than a hard deadline. Like personal checks, business checks are generally accepted for six months, unless stated otherwise on the check itself. Some business checks may extend validity to one year. Beyond the applicable period, businesses must report and transfer unclaimed funds to the state under escheat laws—the process by which dormant funds are turned over to state agencies as unclaimed property.

Cashier’s Checks

Cashier’s checks represent a different category. These “official checks” are backed directly by the issuing bank, meaning funds are guaranteed upfront. They don’t carry specific expiration dates, but extended holding periods can trigger escheating. When this occurs, the bank transfers funds to state authorities, and you must request a replacement check from the original issuing bank rather than cashing the original.

Special Cases: Money Orders and Voided Checks

Money Orders

Money orders function similarly to checks but with an important distinction: the issuer provides funds upfront, guaranteeing the payment. Domestic money orders lack expiration dates, though terms vary by state. Check the fine print on your money order for specific rules. Keep in mind that some states impose service fees if you don’t cash a money order within one to three years, potentially reducing the amount you ultimately receive.

Voided Checks

A check marked “void” cannot be cashed or deposited under any circumstances. Checks also become void if they’re missing essential information or have gone through the escheat process. Once voided, retrieving your money requires contacting the issuer for a replacement.

Practical Steps for Handling an Outdated Check

Don’t assume an old check is worthless. Here are actionable steps to recover your funds:

• Try depositing it. Your bank might accept an aged check if the issuer’s account appears to have adequate funds. However, the bank cannot help if the issuer closed the account, issued a stop payment, or lacks sufficient funds.

• Reach out to the issuer. Contact the person or organization directly. Employers, businesses, and individuals you know are often willing to issue a replacement check, making deposit straightforward and hassle-free.

• Visit the issuing bank directly. Identify the financial institution on the check and visit a local branch. A banker can verify the issuer’s account status and potentially cash the check for you on the spot.

Final Thoughts

Deposit checks as soon as you receive them to avoid complications. Should you discover an older, uncashed check, don’t delay—contact the issuer or the originating financial institution right away. Remember that every bank maintains its own policy and uses independent judgment when resolving such matters. If you suspect you have unclaimed funds that may have been transferred to state custody through escheat, search the official government database for unclaimed money in your state.