What Happens to the Money Already in Circulation

Nothing changes about the value or usability of bills already in your wallet or bank account. Any note since 1861 remains valid and can be redeemed at face value. The signatures on a bill have always served as the government’s certification that the note is legal tender — changing whose signature appears on future bills has no effect on any note already printed.

Bills currently in circulation will remain in use and gradually be replaced through normal printing cycles over several years. Most Americans will encounter the redesigned notes in everyday transactions beginning in late 2026. There is no requirement to exchange, return, or replace any existing currency.