How to Submit Damaged Money for Reimbursement

Money might not grow on trees, but it can be replaced if it gets damaged. Even if your dollar bill is torn in half, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the process of filing a request to get your damaged currency replaced, so you don’t suffer any loss of hard-earned cash.

How to Replace Damaged Money

If your money has minor damage like tears, stains, or soilage, you can take it to your local bank for replacement. For bills with extensive damage, such as burns or chemical stains, send them to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing with a letter explaining the damage.

Part 1: Checking if Your Money Qualifies for Replacement

1. Assess the Damage
   • If your money has minor damage but is still legible and usable, you can use it as is. However, if you prefer not to use it, you can exchange it at your local bank. Each bank has its policies on accepting damaged currency.
   • Mutilated currency is defined as money damaged to the extent that less than half remains, or its value is questionable. Such money should be submitted to the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) or the U.S. Mint.
2. Measure What’s Left of Your Paper Note
   • Submit more than 50% of the paper bill intact. If less than 50% remains, you must provide evidence (e.g., burn marks) that the rest has been destroyed. Include remnants of the bill’s security features like the security ribbon, thread, watermarks, or color-shifting ink. The value of the banknote must be identifiable.
3. Evaluate Any Coins for Extensive Damage
   • The BEP does not replace damaged coins. Severely damaged coins can be sent to the U.S. Mint for evaluation.

Part 2: Packaging Damaged Currency

1. Preserve the Money
   • Handle the damaged money carefully to prevent further damage. Do not straighten, roll, fold, tape, or glue it together.
2. Package Currency Carefully
   • Pack brittle or fragile money in a plastic sandwich bag with cotton to keep it in place. Do not ship coins and paper currency together.
3. Compose a Letter to Explain the Damage
   • Include a letter with the original value of the currency, your name, contact information, a thorough explanation of how the money was damaged, your bank account and routing number (if applicable), and your mailing address.

Part 3: Submitting Your Currency & Receiving Payment

1. Deliver Currency in Person
   • If you live near Washington, D.C., hand-deliver the damaged currency to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing during business hours.
2. Mail Your Currency
   • If you can’t deliver in person, mail the currency through the US Postal Service using Registered Mail. Address it to the US Bureau of Engraving & Printing, MCD/OFM Room 344A, P.O. Box 37048, Washington, DC 20013. For courier services like FedEx or UPS, use the address MCD/OFM, Room 344A, 14th and C Streets SW, Washington, DC 20228. Damaged coins should be sent to the U.S. Mint at the address provided above.
3. Wait for Your Claim to Be Processed
   • Claims can take from 6 to 36 months to process. The Director of the BEP makes the final decision on all claims. To check the status, call the BEP toll-free at (866) 575-2361 or email [email protected].

Tips

• Contact the BEP Mutilated Currency Division at (866) 575-2361 if you have questions about your shipment.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your damaged money is properly assessed and replaced without incurring a financial loss.