Watch real money being printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C.! This is a fun tour for all ages. You will see how U.S. paper currency is printed, stacked, cut, and examined for defects.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing also prints White House invitations, Treasury securities, identification cards, naturalization certificates, and other special security documents.
It is important to note that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing does not produce coins. Coins are produced by the United States Mint. (Although the headquarters to the Mint are in Washington, D.C., the production facilities are located in Philadelphia and Denver. Tours of the Mint are offered in those cities.)
Established in 1862, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began with just six people who separated and sealed notes by hand in the basement of the Treasury building. The Bureau moved to its current location just off of the National Mall in 1914. Consequently, to keep up with the increasing demand for printed currency, a second production location was set up in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1991.
Address
301 14th Street SW (corner of 14th and C Streets) Washington, D.C. (202) 874-2330 and (866) 874-2330 (toll-free)
The closest Metro stop is the Smithsonian Station, Independence Avenue exit (12th & Independence, SW) on the Blue and Orange line trains. Parking is very limited in the area, and therefore, public transportation is highly recommended.
Tours and Hours
Tours last about 30 minutes and are offered every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The facility is closed on weekends, federal holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. From April through August, hours are extended from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Due to heightened security, tour policies are subject to change. If the Department of Homeland Security level is elevated to Code Orange, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is closed to the public.
Admission
From March through August, free tickets are required for all tours during the peak season. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). Tickets are not available in advance.
The ticket booth opens at 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. This is a very popular attraction, and lines form early. All tickets are usually gone by 9:00 a.m., so if you plan to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, preparation is key.
From September through February, no tickets are required. Visitors may line up at the Visitors’ Entrance on 14th Street.
