Getting a certified check: the basic steps
A certified check is a check your bank has verified and may provide. The bank confirms you have enough money in your account to cover it, then sets that money aside and stamps the check as certified. The recipient knows the funds are real because the bank itself is backing it.
To get one, you visit your bank in person with a blank check from your account, tell the teller you want it certified, and the bank does the rest. The teller verifies your balance, freezes the amount, and stamps or signs the check to certify it. You then hand that certified check to whoever needs it — a landlord, a seller, a court, or another party that requires proof the money exists.
The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you're an existing customer with an account at that bank. Some banks charge a small fee, usually $5 to $15 per check, though some waive it for customers with certain account types.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to your bank in person with a blank check from your account; certified checks cannot be ordered online or by phone.
- The bank verifies your account balance, freezes the certified amount, and stamps the check to may provide it will not bounce.
- The process takes 15 to 30 minutes for existing customers, and most banks charge $5 to $15 per certified check.
- You need to know the exact amount before you arrive, because the check is written for that specific sum and cannot be altered after certification.
What you need to bring to the bank
Bring a blank check from your own checkbook — the bank will not certify a check you write on the spot. You also need a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. If you're getting the check certified for someone else (like a spouse or business partner), bring their ID as well.
Know the exact amount you need before you go. The check will be written for that specific dollar amount, and once it's certified, the amount cannot be changed. If you're unsure of the exact sum, call ahead or check with whoever is receiving the check.
If you don't have checks from your account, ask the teller if the bank can print one on the spot. Some banks will do this; others will not. If yours won't, you may need to order checks first, which can take several business days.
The difference between certified checks and cashier's checks
A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, while a certified check is drawn on your account. Both are may provide by the bank, so both are considered safer than a personal check. The main difference is who the money comes from: with a cashier's check, the bank is the payer; with a certified check, you are.
Certified checks are useful when you want to send money but the recipient needs proof it won't bounce. Cashier's checks are often preferred when the recipient doesn't know you or wants to be extra certain — because the bank is directly liable, not you. Some sellers, landlords, and courts accept either one; others specify which they want.
Certified checks typically cost less than cashier's checks, and you can get one faster if you already have checks from your account. Cashier's checks usually require the bank to draw the money from their own funds, which can take longer at some institutions.
When you might need a certified check
Certified checks are commonly used for down payments on homes or cars, security deposits for rental housing, and earnest money in real estate transactions. They're also used to pay court fees, settle legal disputes, or send money to someone who won't accept a personal check.
Some landlords require a certified check for a security deposit because it proves the money is real and won't disappear before they deposit it. Sellers in real estate deals often ask for a certified check as earnest money — a show of good faith that you're serious about the purchase.
If you're paying a government agency, a court, or a business you don't have a relationship with, they may require a certified check or cashier's check instead of a personal check. Always ask what form of payment they want before you go to the bank.
How long a certified check is valid
Most certified checks are valid for six months from the date they are certified. After six months, the bank may refuse to honor it, and the recipient may not be able to deposit it. Some states have different rules, so check with your bank about the specific timeline.
If a certified check expires before it's used, you can go back to the bank and ask for a new one. The bank will release the frozen funds and certify a new check. You may or may not be charged another fee, depending on the bank's policy.
Don't wait too long to hand over a certified check. Give it to the recipient as soon as possible after you receive it, so there's no risk of it expiring before they can deposit it.
What happens if a certified check is lost or stolen
If you lose a certified check before giving it to the recipient, contact your bank immediately. The bank can put a stop on the check, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You'll need to provide the check number, the amount, and the date it was certified.
Once a stop is placed, the bank will release the frozen funds back to your account. You can then request a new certified check for the same amount. There may be an additional fee for the stop and the replacement check, depending on your bank's policy.
If the check is stolen and someone tries to cash it, the bank's certification means they will likely honor it — that's the whole point of certification. This is why it's important to treat a certified check like cash once you have it. Hand it directly to the person or organization it's meant for, or mail it in a secure way.
Banks that offer certified checks
Nearly all banks and credit unions offer certified checks to their account holders. You must have an account at the bank where you want the check certified. If you don't have an account, you'll need to open one first, which can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on the bank.
Some online banks do not offer certified checks because they don't have physical branches. If your bank is online-only, ask whether they partner with another bank's branches where you can get a check certified, or whether they offer an alternative like a bank transfer or wire transfer.
Call your bank ahead of time if you're unsure whether they offer certified checks or what their fee is. This saves you a trip if they don't, or if they have special requirements you need to know about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a certified check if I don't have checks from my account?
Some banks will print a check on the spot and certify it the same day. Others require you to order checks first, which takes several business days. Call your bank to ask what they can do. If they can't help, you may want to consider a cashier's check instead, which the bank can issue from their own account without needing your checks.
What if I don't know the exact amount when I go to the bank?
Call the person or organization receiving the check and confirm the exact amount before you visit the bank. The certified amount cannot be changed after the check is certified. If the amount changes later, you'll need to get a new certified check for the correct amount.
Is a certified check the same as a cashier's check?
No. A certified check is drawn on your account and certified by the bank; a cashier's check is drawn on the bank's account. Both are may provide, but some recipients prefer one over the other. Ask whoever needs the check which type they want.
How much does a certified check cost?
Most banks charge $5 to $15 per certified check. Some banks waive the fee for customers with certain account types or balances. Call your bank to ask about their specific fee, or check your account agreement.
What if the certified check expires before the recipient can deposit it?
Go back to your bank and request a new certified check. The bank will release the frozen funds and certify a new one. You may be charged another fee. Give the new check to the recipient right away so it doesn't expire again.