Check Acceptance Guidelines

Accepting checks is not required by law, but is a courtesy to our customers. Temporary checks are not accepted. TPWD has the following requirements to be followed when accepting a check:

• The check writer’s name and address should be pre-printed on the check.
• The written and numerical amounts must correspond to the amount due to TPWD. Blank checks should not be accepted.
• The check should be written within the recent three months. If the telephone number is not pre-printed, please record it on the check.
• The magnetic character ink recognition (MCIR) code at the bottom of the check should be intact.
• Write what the check is for (e.g., civil restitution, boat motor or reservation number) on the note line.
• Write a driver’s license number if not printed on the check.
• We compare the signatures, photo and physical description of the ID with that of the check writer. No check can be unsigned.
• The ID must be valid. The address on the check should be current.
• All checks, except government checks, should have a perforation along one side of the check.