How to Void a Check (Step by Step, With Examples)

Your employer, landlord or insurance company asked for a voided check, and you want to get it right the first time. Voiding a check takes about a minute — but a few small mistakes, like covering the numbers at the bottom or signing the check, can make it useless.

Quick answer: to void a check, take a blank check and write "VOID" in large letters across the front with a blue or black pen. Don't cover the routing and account numbers at the bottom, don't sign it, and write "void" next to the check number in your check register.

Below you'll find the full steps, an example of the right and wrong way, and what to do if you need to cancel a check you've already written.

What does it mean to void a check?

Voiding a check means marking it so it can never be cashed or used for a payment. Once a check says "VOID" across the front, a bank won't accept it — but your banking details stay visible. That makes a voided check a safe way to share your routing and account numbers, which is why it's often requested to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.

How to void a check in 5 steps

1. Take a blank check from your checkbook. Use the next check in the sequence, so your records stay in order. The check must be from the account you want payments to go to.
2. Use a blue or black pen. Permanent ink only — not a pencil, an erasable pen or a marker that bleeds through the paper.
3. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front. Make it big enough to cover the date, payee, amount and signature lines. If you prefer, you can instead write "VOID" on each of those lines separately.
4. Keep the bottom line readable. The routing number, account number and check number printed along the bottom must not be covered — that's the information the company needs.
5. Record it in your check register. Write the check number with "VOID" next to it, so you know the check wasn't lost or stolen.

That's it. Take a clear photo or scan if the company accepts digital copies, or hand over the paper check.

The right and the wrong way to void a check

The most common mistakes when voiding a check:

• Writing "VOID" over the numbers. If the routing or account number is hard to read, the check can't be used to set up direct deposit.
• Signing the check. A voided check never needs a signature. Leaving the signature line empty makes it even safer.
• Filling in an amount or payee. Leave everything blank — the company only needs the printed details.
• Writing too small. A small "void" in the corner can be missed. Make it obvious.
• Using pencil. Anything that can be erased defeats the purpose.

How to void a check for direct deposit

Voiding a check for direct deposit works exactly the same way — the steps above are all you need. A few extra tips:

• Check which account it is. If you have several accounts, use a check from the one where you want your paycheck to land.
• Follow your employer's instructions. Some want the paper check stapled to a direct deposit form, others accept a photo or PDF uploaded to an HR or payroll portal.
• Double-check the numbers. Compare the routing and account numbers on the check with your banking app. Some banks use a different routing number for direct deposit than for wire transfers.
• Keep a copy. A photo of the voided check helps if you change jobs or need to set up another payment later.

Not sure which routing number your bank uses? Look it up on our list of US banks and credit unions, for example PNC Bank, U.S. Bank or TD Bank.

How to write a voided check: what to fill in

When people search for how to write a voided check, they usually want to know what goes on the check besides the word VOID. The answer: nothing.

• Date: leave it blank.
• Payee ("Pay to the order of"): leave it blank.
• Amount: leave both the number box and the line blank.
• Memo: leave it blank, or write "direct deposit" if you like — it doesn't matter.
• Signature: never sign a voided check.

Can you void a check after you've written or sent it?

It depends on where the check is now:

• You still have it: write "VOID" across it, record it as void in your register, and shred it if you don't need it.
• You already mailed or handed it over: writing "VOID" on your own copy doesn't cancel it. Contact your bank and ask for a stop payment — most banks let you do this in online banking or by phone, often for a fee.
• It has already been cashed: it can't be voided anymore. If you didn't authorize the payment, contact your bank right away.

What to do with a voided check afterwards

Once the company has the information, you don't need to keep the paper check. Shred it rather than throwing it away whole — even voided, it shows your routing and account numbers. Keep a note in your check register, and keep a scan if you might need it again.

Don't have any checks to void?

Plenty of people bank online and never ordered a checkbook. You can still get a voided check: ask your bank for a counter check or a direct deposit letter, download a direct deposit form from your online banking, or generate a voided check online with VoidFast from your routing and account numbers. All four options are explained in our guide on how to get a voided check.

Frequently asked questions

How do I void a check?

Write "VOID" in large letters across the front of a blank check with a blue or black pen. Don't cover the routing and account numbers at the bottom, don't sign it, and record the check as void in your check register.

Do you have to sign a voided check?

No. You should never sign a voided check. The company only needs the routing and account numbers printed on it.

What color pen should I use to void a check?

Blue or black permanent ink. Avoid pencil, erasable pens and light colors that are hard to read on a scan.

Where do you write "VOID" on a check?

Across the front of the check, covering the date, payee, amount and signature lines. Leave the numbers along the bottom edge uncovered.

Can I void a check online?

You can't void a paper check online, but you can stop payment on a check you already sent through your bank's online banking. If you need a voided check for direct deposit and have no checkbook, you can generate one online instead.

Can you use the same voided check twice?

Yes. A voided check is just proof of your account details, so you can send a copy or scan of the same voided check to more than one company — as long as the account is still open.

How do I record a voided check in my check register?

Write the check number, "VOID" in the description, and an amount of $0. That way your check numbers stay in sequence and you know the check wasn't lost.