Money orders don't expire in the way a driver's license does, but they do become harder to cash after a certain point

A money order remains valid indefinitely — there is no date after which it straightforward stops working. However, most money order issuers impose a validity period, usually one to three years from the date of issue, after which you cannot cash it through normal channels. If you try to cash an expired money order, the issuer will refuse it, and you'll need to request a refund instead.

The exact timeframe depends on who issued the money order. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) money orders are valid for two years from the date of issue. Western Union money orders are typically valid for one year. MoneyGram money orders are valid for one year as well. Some state-specific or bank-issued money orders may have different periods, so checking your receipt or the money order itself is the only way to know for certain.

The validity period is printed on the money order itself, usually near the issue date or in the terms section. If you've lost the money order or can't locate this information, contact the issuer directly with your receipt number — you'll need this to track the money order and request a refund if it has expired.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS money orders remain valid for two years from the issue date, while Western Union and MoneyGram money orders are valid for one year.
  • An expired money order cannot be cashed through normal channels, but you can request a refund from the issuer if you have your receipt.
  • The validity period is printed on the money order itself, so check this date before attempting to cash it.
  • If you lose a money order before cashing it, contact the issuer with your receipt number to place a stop payment or request a refund.

What happens when you try to cash an expired money order

When you present an expired money order at a bank, post office, or check-cashing location, the teller will refuse to cash it. The institution cannot process it because the issuer's system will reject it. This is a hard stop — there is no override or exception process at the point of sale.

Your next step is to contact the issuer directly. If it's a USPS money order, go to any post office with your receipt and the expired money order itself. If it's Western Union or MoneyGram, you can contact them by phone or through their website. You'll need to provide your receipt number, the amount, the issue date, and the payee name. The issuer will then either reissue the money order at no charge or refund the original amount to you.

The refund process typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the issuer and how you originally purchased the money order. If you paid cash, you may receive a check. If you paid by card or bank account, the refund may go back to that original payment method.

How to avoid losing track of a money order's expiration date

The simplest way to avoid expiration issues is to cash or deposit the money order as soon as you receive it. Money orders are meant to be used quickly, not stored. If you must hold onto one, write the expiration date on the back of the money order in permanent marker so you can see it at a glance.

Keep your receipt in a safe place separate from the money order itself. Your receipt is your proof of purchase and contains the serial number you'll need if the money order is lost, stolen, or expires. Some people photograph their receipt and store the image in their phone or email it to themselves.

If you're sending a money order through the mail, include a note with the recipient telling them the expiration date and asking them to cash it promptly. This reduces the chance that it will sit in a drawer and expire before the recipient gets around to using it.

Refunding a money order before it expires

You can request a refund for an unexpired money order at any time. This is useful if you change your mind about sending it, if the recipient never cashed it, or if you need the money back for another reason. The process is the same as requesting a refund for an expired one: contact the issuer with your receipt number.

USPS charges a flat fee (currently $1.25) to refund a money order. Western Union and MoneyGram may charge a fee as well, though the amount varies. Some issuers waive the fee if the money order was never cashed. Ask about the fee before you request the refund.

The refund will be issued in the same form as the original purchase. If you bought the money order with cash, you'll receive a check. If you used a debit or credit card, the refund goes back to that card. Processing time is typically two to four weeks.

What to do if a money order was lost or stolen

If you purchased a money order but lost it before sending it, or if it was stolen, contact the issuer when ready with your receipt number. The issuer can place a stop payment on the money order, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You can then request a refund or a replacement money order.

If someone else cashed the money order without your permission, report this to the issuer as well. Provide them with the receipt number, the amount, and the date you discovered it was missing. The issuer will investigate and may be able to recover the funds, though this is not may provide. You may also want to file a report with local police if a significant amount was involved.

The key to protecting yourself is keeping your receipt safe. Without it, you cannot prove you purchased the money order or request a stop payment. Some issuers will work with you if you can provide other identifying information, but having the receipt makes the process much faster.

Money orders issued by banks versus postal services

Banks often issue their own money orders for customers, and these may have different validity periods than USPS, Western Union, or MoneyGram money orders. Some bank money orders are valid for five years or longer. Check with your bank about the specific terms of any money order you purchase from them.

The refund process for bank-issued money orders is also different. You would go to the bank branch where you purchased it, bring your receipt, and request a refund or replacement. This is often faster than going through a third-party issuer because the bank has when ready access to its records.

If you're unsure whether a money order was issued by a bank or a third party, look at the top of the money order. It will say "USPS Money Order," "Western Union," "MoneyGram," or the name of the bank. This tells you who to contact for a refund or to place a stop payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a money order after it expires?

No, most financial institutions and check-cashing locations will refuse to cash an expired money order. However, you can contact the issuer with your receipt to request a refund or a replacement money order at no charge.

How do I know when my money order expires?

The expiration date is printed on the money order itself, usually near the issue date. USPS money orders are valid for two years, while Western Union and MoneyGram are typically valid for one year. Check the money order or your receipt to confirm the exact date.

What if I lost my receipt for a money order?

Contact the issuer with as much information as you can provide: the amount, the approximate issue date, and the payee name. The issuer may be able to locate the money order in their system, though having the receipt number makes this much faster.

Do I get charged a fee to refund a money order?

Most issuers charge a small fee to refund a money order, typically $1 to $2. Some waive the fee if the money order was never cashed. Ask the issuer about their fee before you request the refund.

What happens if someone cashes my money order without permission?

Contact the issuer when ready and report the unauthorized use. Provide your receipt number and the details of the money order. The issuer will investigate, and you may be able to recover the funds, though this is not may provide. You can also file a police report if needed.