How long do I have to cash a check?

According to the Uniform Commercial Code, a United States bank is not legally required to deposit or cash a check that is more than six months old. The Code notes that the bank may choose to pay the check after six months in good faith to the account holder.

The Uniform Commercial Code states that certified checks are not subject to the six-month rule. Forbes reports that account holders should check with the bank before assuming an old check is not valid. An account holder can also request a stop payment for a check that has not been cashed or deposited, notes Wells Fargo. The account holder may be charged by the bank for this service.