Cashing warrants from the State of Minnesota

In government finance, a warrant is similar to a check but is issued by a state and payable on the state’s treasury instead of a bank. In general, warrants and checks function the same way. However, occasionally there are difficulties with cashing a warrant.

Warrants look very similar to checks issued by banks.

The top of the check should include the words "Minnesota Management and Budget/Treasury Division".

Similar to checks issued by banks, on the bottom, the first set of numbers is the routing number and the second set is the account number.

• Go to the bank where you have an open account. Speak to the bank staff and tell them you have a warrant issued by the State of Minnesota you need deposited or cashed.
• If you do not have an open bank account, you may need to open one. Speak to a bank representative about the process of opening an account.
• Check-cashing businesses may also cash a warrant but each business may have its own requirements and policies for cashing warrants.

If the bank needs to verify the warrant or confirm it came from the State of Minnesota, they can access the warrant verification website. (Bank staff should not include the "N1" in the 'Warrant Number' field and they should use the previous business day from the date on the warrant in the 'Issue Date' field.) Bank staff can call the Minnesota Management and Budget at 651-259-3769, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can leave a message if necessary.

If you live in Minnesota, you may have an easier time cashing a warrant at a U.S. Bank location.

Yes. Banks can refuse service for a variety of reasons. You may need to try a different bank or, in Minnesota, try going to the Minnesota Management and Budget Cashing Center during their warrant cashing hours.

The Cashing Center is located at 400 Centennial Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

Arrive on the ground floor to check in with the Security Desk.

After you check in, you will receive a temporary badge to access the Center on the 4th floor or a guard will escort you to the Check Cashing window.

Hours for the Check Cashing Center are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number for the Cashing Center is 651-259-3769. * Pay parking is available or you can find public transportation options at www.metrotransit.org

For deposits, banks follow a two-step process. Banks hold the funds until the State of Minnesota clears the warrant. Once cleared, the bank releases the funds to your account.