Stale Dated. When a check is returned Stale Dated or Expired, it means the check is too old to clear. Typically, an expiration date is written on the face of the check, such as, "Void After 90 Days", or "Void If Not Presented Within 90 Days of Issue Date of Check".



Some checks can be stale dated for longer or shorter times. A check attached to an offer that requires and acceptance may be stale dated in 7 days, or even as specifically as, Void if Not Presented by 5 PM on Check Issue Date".

Watch for this wording under the amount, or sometimes under the SIGNATURE LINE onthe check.

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When a check is returned Expired or if the check is returned Stale Dated, the item cannot be re-deposited and will usually be stamped DO NOT REDEPOSIT. 



You must get a new check from the maker when you check is returned Stale Dated by your bank.

If you deposited an item that was returned for Stale Dated, also know as an EXPIRED check, you will be charged a fee by your bank, usually ranging between $5 and $39 depending on your bank and the state where you opened your account.