Do I have to get new checks if my address changes?
Summary of the Article
Do I need a new check book if I change address
As long as the routing and account numbers on the check are accurate, it’s possible to use a check with an old, incorrect address on it. That said, it’s a good idea to order new checks with the correct address on them to help lessen any confusion the wrong address might cause with check recipients.
How long can you use checks with old address
Yes, using a check with an old address is fine in most cases, just as long as the account number and routing number on the check are still accurate. Cached
What to do with old checks when you move
The easiest and most efficient way to get rid of your checks is to shred them. If you have a motorized shredder at home, you can easily shred many checks at once. Some banks or local businesses also offer shredding services if you don’t have one handy.
Can I still use my old checkbook
So, generally speaking, personal and business checks are good for 6 months; however, some banks will accept older checks. If you found an old check made out to you, you should check with your bank and verify their policy.
Does your name and address have to be on a check
Having your address on a check is technically optional, but many merchants will want or expect to see it. You can always write your current address on the check.
Can I still use checks with my maiden name on them
When presenting a check for cash or deposit, you must sign the back of the check exactly as your name appears on the front and be sure to have a valid ID. If a check is written to your maiden name and you have legally changed your name, you will sign with your maiden name first and then with your married name.
Can I deposit a check with a different address
Correct address is not a requirement of a valid check. You may cross off the address and write the new address under it or in the memo line or put a sticker over the old address. Be sure to change the address in your bank’s record though.
Do unused checks expire
Blank checks, or unused checks, that are truly blank — no names, amounts or dates filled in — generally don’t expire, provided that the associated account is still active.
Will banks take old checks
Banks don’t have to accept checks that are more than 6 months (180 days) old. That’s according to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a set of laws governing commercial exchanges, including checks. Banks are still allowed to process an old check as long as the institution believes the funds are good.
How long is a checkbook valid for
Technically speaking, cheques don’t have an expiry date.
Can I use old checks with my maiden name
When presenting a check for cash or deposit, you must sign the back of the check exactly as your name appears on the front and be sure to have a valid ID. If a check is written to your maiden name and you have legally changed your name, you will sign with your maiden name first and then with your married name.
Do I need a new check book if I change address
As long as the routing and account numbers on the check are accurate, it's possible to use a check with an old, incorrect address on it. That said, it's a good idea to order new checks with the correct address on them to help lessen any confusion the wrong address might cause with check recipients.
How long can you use checks with old address
Yes, using a check with an old address is fine in most cases, just as long as the account number and routing number on the check are still accurate.
Cached
What to do with old checks when you move
The easiest and most efficient way to get rid of your checks is to shred them. If you have a motorized shredder at home, you can easily shred many checks at once. Some banks or local businesses also offer shredding services if you don't have one handy.
Can I still use my old checkbook
So, generally speaking, personal and business checks are good for 6 months; however, some banks will accept older checks. If you found an old check made out to you, you should check with your bank and verify their policy.
Does your name and address have to be on a check
Having your address on a check is technically optional, but many merchants will want or expect to see it. You can always write your current address on the check.
Can I still use checks with my maiden name on them
When presenting a check for cash or deposit, you must sign the back of the check exactly as your name appears on the front and be sure to have a valid ID. If a check is written to your maiden name and you have legally changed your name, you will sign with your maiden name first and then with your married name.
Can I deposit a check with a different address
Correct address is not a requirement of a valid check. You may cross off the address and write the new address under it or in the memo line or put a sticker over the old address. Be sure to change the address in your bank's record though.
Do unused checks expire
Blank checks, or unused checks, that are truly blank — no names, amounts or dates filled in — generally don't expire, provided that the associated account is still active.
Will banks take old checks
Banks don't have to accept checks that are more than 6 months (180 days) old. That's according to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a set of laws governing commercial exchanges, including checks. Banks are still allowed to process an old check as long as the institution believes the funds are good.
How long is a checkbook valid for
Technically speaking, cheques don't have an expiry date.
Can I use old checks with my maiden name
When presenting a check for cash or deposit, you must sign the back of the check exactly as your name appears on the front and be sure to have a valid ID. If a check is written to your maiden name and you have legally changed your name, you will sign with your maiden name first and then with your married name.
Do checks have to match your name exactly
The name in the endorsement must match the payee (“Pay to the Order Of…”) name on the front of the check. If someone gives you a check and they've spelled your name incorrectly, endorse the back of the check with the incorrect spelling, and then sign your name with the correct spelling on the back of the check.
Can I cash a check with my married last name
If the check is issued to two people, such as John and Jane Doe, the bank or credit union generally can require that the check be signed by both of them before it can be cashed or deposited. If the check is issued to John or Jane Doe, generally either person can cash or deposit the check.
What happens if a paycheck is sent to the wrong address
If you're at fault – you wrote the wrong address or stuck the check in the wrong envelope – your employee is entitled to a replacement check. If the employee is wrong, for example because she gave you the wrong mailing address, there's a good chance you're legally off the hook.
What makes a check invalid
The main reason banks refuse to cash checks is due to insufficient funds, but checks can be rejected for other reasons, too, including unreadable or invalid account and routing numbers, improper formatting, a missing or invalid signature, or the elapse of too much time since the printed date.
Can I cash a 2 year old check
Banks don't have to accept checks that are more than 6 months (180 days) old. That's according to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a set of laws governing commercial exchanges, including checks. Banks are still allowed to process an old check as long as the institution believes the funds are good.
What happens to checks never cashed
Checks that remain outstanding for long periods of time cannot be cashed as they become void. Some checks become stale if dated after 60 or 90 days, while others become void after six months. Outstanding checks that remain so for a long period of time are known as stale checks.
Can banks decline checks
The main reason banks refuse to cash checks is due to insufficient funds, but checks can be rejected for other reasons, too, including unreadable or invalid account and routing numbers, improper formatting, a missing or invalid signature, or the elapse of too much time since the printed date.
How long do banks keep old checks
seven years
(In general, banks that do not return original checks to customers are required to keep copies of checks for seven years.) Also, if you keep records electronically, be sure to back up your data.
Do my unused checks expire
Blank checks, or unused checks, that are truly blank — no names, amounts or dates filled in — generally don't expire, provided that the associated account is still active.
How do I know if my checkbook is valid
As long as you don't write anything on the check, the checkbook is still good to use for years. If you find a check that has some writing on it, like a date, an amount, and a signature, this is going to have an expiration. Most banks will not honor a check like this if it is more than six months old.
Does it matter if my checks have old address
You can still use a check with an old address if it has the correct routing and account numbers. Financial institutions use routing and account numbers to identify which bank and account money should come from to pay a check.
Does a check have to match your name
The name in the endorsement must match the payee (“Pay to the Order Of…”) name on the front of the check. If someone gives you a check and they've spelled your name incorrectly, endorse the back of the check with the incorrect spelling, and then sign your name with the correct spelling on the back of the check.
Will the bank accept a check with a different name
If the check is issued to two people, such as John and Jane Doe, the bank or credit union generally can require that the check be signed by both of them before it can be cashed or deposited. If the check is issued to John or Jane Doe, generally either person can cash or deposit the check.
Can I deposit a check with my new last name
Name change does make cashing wedding checks tricky, but if you both set up a joint bank account before your wedding, most banks will allow you to sign the checks and deposit them regardless of what versions of your names appear on the check.