The MICR line at the bottom of the check (the row of numbers printed in magnetic toner that contains your routing number and account number) remains intact after voiding. This is intentional. The MICR line is not used to authorize payments , it identifies the account. Keeping it readable is why voided checks are useful for setting up direct deposit, ACH payments, and payroll software, where the other party needs your account details but not a payment authorization.
Voiding a check is a permanent, irreversible physical action. Once you write VOID on a paper check, that check cannot be un-voided. There is no voiding process to reverse. If you need the payment to go through after voiding in error, write a new check with the next sequential check number.
How to Void a Check Step by Step
The process for voiding a check is the same for personal and business checks. Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Get a Dark Permanent Marker
Use a black or dark blue permanent marker with a medium or broad tip. A fine-tip marker works but requires more passes to make the VOID marking clear and unremovable. Do not use pencil, ballpoint pen, or erasable pen. Permanent marker ink cannot be removed, altered, or lightened without visibly damaging the paper, which is exactly the protection you need.
Step 2: Write VOID in Large Capital Letters
Write the word VOID in large capital letters across the entire front face of the check. The letters should be large enough to cover most of the check face. Write across the payee line (Pay to the Order of), the dollar amount box, and the signature line at the bottom right. The VOID marking should be immediately visible to anyone handling the check.
Step 3: Do Not Cover the MICR Line
The MICR line is the row of numbers and symbols printed in magnetic toner along the very bottom edge of the check. It contains your routing number on the left, your account number in the middle, and the check number on the right. Do not write over this line when voiding. If you are voiding the check for direct deposit or account verification purposes, the other party needs to read this line. Even if you are voiding a spoiled check, leaving the MICR line intact makes it easier to identify and record in your check register.
Step 4: Record It in Your Check Register
Open your check register and enter the voided check number with the word VOID in the description column. Leave the amount column blank or enter zero. This step preserves your sequential check number record. A gap in check numbers looks like a missing or unaccounted transaction to a bank, accountant, or auditor. Recording VOID confirms the gap was intentional. For guidance on maintaining an accurate check register, see our complete guide on the check register.
Step 5: Dispose of the Check Safely
After recording, either file the voided check in a secure location (your check binder or a locked drawer) or shred it immediately using a cross-cut shredder. Strip shredders create strips that can be taped back together. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small fragments that cannot be reconstructed. The MICR line on a voided check still contains your full routing number and account number. These details alone are enough for someone to attempt an unauthorized ACH debit from your account. Treat every voided check as sensitive financial data.
How to Void a Check for Direct Deposit
Voiding a check for direct deposit is one of the most common reasons people void a check. Employers, payroll platforms, and payment services use a voided check to verify your checking account details before setting up recurring deposits or payments.
What the Other Party Needs
When you provide a voided check for direct deposit, the recipient reads the MICR line at the bottom. They capture your routing number and account number from that line. They do not need or use anything else on the check. The VOID marking confirms that the check cannot be submitted for payment, making it safe to hand over.
How to Void a Check for Direct Deposit
- Take a blank check from your personal or business checkbook.
- Do not fill in any information (no date, no payee, no amount).
- Write VOID in large capital letters across the front with a permanent marker.
- Cover the payee line, amount box, and signature line.
- Do not cover the MICR line at the bottom.
- Hand the voided check to your employer, upload a scan, or photograph it as directed.
If You Don't Have Checks Yet
If you are a new account holder and your checks have not yet arrived, your bank can provide a counter check or a bank letter that confirms your routing and account numbers. Both serve the same purpose for direct deposit setup. Once your check order arrives, a voided check from your personal or business checkbook is the standard verification method. Browse personal checks at Checkomatic to order a starter supply quickly.
How to Void a Business Check
Voiding a business check follows the same physical process as voiding a personal check, but business check voiding has additional bookkeeping implications that matter for accurate financial records.
Void the Physical Check
Write VOID across the face of the business check in permanent marker, covering the payee line, amount box, and signature line. Leave the MICR line intact. If the check is a voucher format (check on top with stubs below), write VOID on the check portion only. The stubs are a separate record.
Record in Your Accounting System
In addition to your check register, record the void in your accounting software. If the check was generated by QuickBooks, the correct procedure is to void it inside QuickBooks as well to keep your books and physical check stock synchronized. For the complete QuickBooks Online voiding process, see the dedicated guide on how to void a check in QuickBooks Online.
File or Shred the Voided Business Check
Business check stock contains your company name, business address, and banking details. Voided business checks are sensitive financial documents. File them in a locked cabinet or shred them with a cross-cut shredder. Many businesses with an accounts payable cycle establish a simple policy: void checks are filed for the current fiscal year, then shredded after year-end close when records are archived digitally.
Voucher Check Format Consideration
If your business uses voucher checks (check on top with two payment stubs), the stub portion typically carries payment detail from your accounting software. When voiding a voucher check, some businesses mark VOID on both the check portion and the stub to prevent any confusion about whether the entire document was cancelled. This is a best practice, not a legal requirement. For all business check formats including voucher checks and 3-on-page formats, see business checks at Checkomatic.
How to Void a Check That Was Already Written
A check that has already been filled in (payee written, amount filled in) but has not yet been given to anyone can still be voided using the same process.
If the Check Is Still in Your Hands
Write VOID in large capital letters across the entire face using a permanent marker. The existing writing underneath the VOID marking does not matter. The VOID supersedes everything else written on the check. A teller who sees VOID written clearly across a check will not process it regardless of what the payee line or amount box say. Record the void in your check register and dispose of the check safely.
If the Check Has Been Given to Someone Else
If the check has already been handed to a payee, mailed, or otherwise left your possession, physically voiding it is not possible. The check is no longer in your control. Contact your bank immediately and place a stop payment on that check number. Most banks charge a stop payment fee (typically $25 to $35) and process the request within one business day. See the section below on void versus stop payment for full guidance.
What to Do After Voiding a Check
Voiding the physical check is only one part of the process. Two more steps protect your records and prevent the voided check from becoming a security risk.
Record the Void in Your Check Register
Every voided check number must appear in your check register as VOID. Write the check number in the check number column, leave the payee blank or write VOID, enter zero in the amount column, and note the void in the description. This preserves your sequential check numbering and creates a clear audit trail. A check number that appears in your register as VOID is fully accounted for. A missing check number with no register entry looks like an unaccounted transaction.
Dispose of the Voided Check Safely
Your two options are filing and shredding. Filing is appropriate when you may need to produce the voided check later , for an audit, an accountant review, or a bank inquiry. Store filed voided checks in a locked drawer or secure filing cabinet, not an open desk tray. Shredding is appropriate when you are certain you will not need the physical document. Use a cross-cut shredder. Strip shredders create strips that can be taped back together by a determined individual. Cross-cut fragments cannot.
Common Mistakes When Voiding a Check
Most voiding errors are avoidable. Here are the mistakes that cause the most problems and how to avoid each one.
Mistake 1: Using an Erasable Pen or Pencil
Pencil and erasable pen can be removed. A voided check marked with erasable ink is not truly voided. Anyone who obtains the check could remove the VOID marking and use the check. Always use a permanent marker that cannot be erased or dissolved by common household chemicals.
Mistake 2: Writing VOID Too Small to Be Visible
A small VOID written in one corner does not clearly void the entire check. Write the word large enough to span most of the check face. A teller or automated system that cannot see VOID clearly may attempt to process the check.
Mistake 3: Covering the MICR Line
If you are voiding a check for direct deposit or ACH setup, covering the MICR line defeats the entire purpose. The recipient needs to read your routing and account numbers from that line. Keep the MICR line clear when voiding for account verification purposes.
Mistake 4: Skipping the Check Register Entry
A voided check with no register entry creates a gap in your sequential check numbers. That gap requires an explanation if anyone reviews your records. Recording VOID takes ten seconds and prevents questions that could take much longer to resolve.
Mistake 5: Throwing the Voided Check in the Trash Without Shredding
As covered above, the MICR line remains readable after voiding. Disposing of a voided check without shredding exposes your banking details to anyone who goes through your trash. Cross-cut shredding takes five seconds and eliminates this risk entirely.
Mistake 6: Trying to Void a Check After It Has Left Your Hands
If a check has been given to a payee, mailed, or otherwise left your possession, you cannot void it by marking the physical paper , you no longer have the paper. Call your bank and request a stop payment immediately.
When to Order Replacement Check Stock After Voiding
Voiding several checks in a row , because of printing errors, spoiled checks, or damaged stock , depletes your check supply faster than normal. The standard reorder rule applies: order replacement checks when you reach 25 remaining in your current supply. This gives you a 5 to 8 day buffer to cover standard production and delivery before you run out.
If you voided a large portion of a batch due to a printing alignment error, order replacement stock immediately and select rush production to avoid running out of checks before the new supply arrives. Rush production ships in 1 to 2 business days. For personal check replacements, see personal checks. For business check replacements including QuickBooks-compatible formats, see computer checks for business and business checks. For complete delivery options including rush and overnight, see shipping and handling.
For a complete guide to choosing the best check supplier for replacement stock, see what is the best place to order checks online.
What Customers Say About Checkomatic
All reviews below are published on checkomatic.com and reproduced verbatim. Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product, 4.5 stars from 166 verified reviews.
"First time ordering and I am super impressed with the quality of the checks. No issues with delivery. I will be ordering again!"
TClinton | ★★★★★ 5/5 | April 9, 2025 | Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product
"Been with them for 15 years. Always reliable, always good quality, good service. What more can you ask for?"
ATV Inc. | ★★★★★ 5/5 | April 5, 2024 | Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product
"I got 500 checks for less than half of what the bank wanted for 200!"
VVA Voucher Checks (Vietnam Veterans of America) | ★★★★★ 5/5 | July 6, 2024 | Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product
"We use CheckoMatic for all of our check needs! They have great prices and we receive our products in a timely manner!"
CG's Tax Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 | September 18, 2024 | Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product
"ASJ Wilson Construction has been a client of checkomatic for some years now and they've never disappointed this company. Thank you checkomatic for all that you do."
ASJ Wilson Construction | ★★★★★ 5/5 | June 6, 2024 | Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product
"Affordable and efficient. My go-to business check printer."
Doe | ★★★★★ 5/5 | January 24, 2025 | Source: checkomatic.com/quickbooks-starter-pack-product
Why Choose Checkomatic for Replacement Business and Personal Checks
In-House Manufacturing Since 1997
All check stock is manufactured at Checkomatic's own facility in Monroe, NY. No third-party print vendors. Standard production ships in 3 to 5 business days. Rush production ships in 1 to 2 business days for urgent situations where voided check stock needs immediate replacement.
All Formats for Business and Personal Use
Personal checkbooks, voucher business checks, 3-on-page computer checks, manual payroll checks, and QuickBooks-compatible formats are all available. Every format ships with ABA-compliant MICR pre-encoded and six built-in security features at the base price. For business users, see QuickBooks checks for software-compatible formats.
50 to 70 Percent Below Bank Pricing
Direct in-house manufacturing eliminates the bank's retail markup. Free black-and-white logo printing on every business check order regardless of quantity. Browse the full check catalog at business checks and personal checks.
