Damaged or mutilated currencyDamaged Currency Even though United States currency is strong and durable, it does wear out with constant handling. The Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, redeems partially destroyed, shredded, or badly damaged currency as a free public service. Requests for approval should be submitted in writing to: Chief, Office of Compliance You may also contact the BEP Damaged & Mutilated Currency Division at 1-866-575-2361 (toll-free). Mutilated Currency Mutilated currency notes are those notes that are not clearly more than one-half of the original note and/or, in such condition that the value is questionable and special examination is required to determine its value. Currency can become mutilated in any number of ways. The most common causes are: fire, water, chemicals, explosives; animal, insect or rodent damage; and petrification or deterioration by burying. Under regulations issued by the Department of the Treasury, mutilated United States currency may be exchanged at face value if: more than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present; or 50% or less of a note identifiable as United States currency is present, and the method of mutilation and supporting evidence demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Treasury that the missing portions have been totally destroyed. The Office of Currency Standards, located in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, uses experts to examine mutilated currency and will approve the issuance of a Treasury check for the value of the currency determined to be redeemable. For requirements and criteria for redemption requests, packing, and mailing, you may visit the official BEP website for information at: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/section.cfm/8/40 Mutilated currency may be mailed or personally delivered to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. When mutilated currency is submitted, a letter should be included stating the estimated value of the currency and an explanation of how the currency became mutilated. Each case is carefully examined by an experienced mutilated currency examiner. The amount of time needed to process each case varies with its complexity and the case workload of the examiner. Requests for approval should be submitted in writing to: Mailing Address
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