Damaged Bank of Japan notes (banknotes) and Japanese yen coins can be exchanged for new cash at the counter of the Bank's Head Office in Tokyo and branches across Japan, subject to the criteria set out in the laws.  Please note that the Bank does not exchange cash sent by post.

Please inform the Bank in advance if you plan to bring in damaged cash, regardless of the amount or severity of damage.  If you are visiting the Bank, please bring your photo ID (e.g., a passport or driver's license) with you and present it at the Bank's reception area and at the counter.

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. JST (excluding national holidays, year-end, and New Year holidays).

Criteria for Exchange of Damaged Banknotes

The Bank replaces damaged banknotes, including those torn or burnt, with new banknotes, according to the proportion of the part of the original banknote remaining, provided that both front and reverse sides of the banknote are maintained.  The criteria for exchanging banknotes are as follows:

(1) A banknote with two-thirds or more of the original remaining:

Exchanged at full face value.

(2) A banknote with two-fifths or more, but less than two-thirds, of the original remaining:

Exchanged at half face value.

(3) A banknote with less than two-fifths of the original remaining:

Deemed to have no value as a banknote and is not exchangeable.

Examples of Damaged Cash and How to Arrange It before Bringing It to the Bank

(1) A torn banknote

If you have a torn or shredded banknote, please place each piece together as much as possible.  Please check features of each piece carefully, such as the serial number, printed pattern, and color, to avoid sticking pieces of different banknotes together.  The Bank may judge banknotes torn into shreds as having no value if they cannot be identified as pieces of the same banknote.

(2) A burnt banknote

The authenticity of a burnt banknote can be verified to some extent, by examining the quality of paper and ink.  However, it will be difficult for the Bank to verify the authenticity if its ashes fall apart.  Should you have a burnt banknote, please gather small fragments, including its ashes, and put them in an appropriate, secure container to protect them from further damage.

(3) A melted coin

A melted coin is also exchangeable for a new one if it meets certain criteria; for example, when its inscription is recognizable.  If you have a coin stuck on an object, you may bring in the coin without removing it from the object.

Related Information

• Location (Guide Map to Head Office) / Visiting the Bank
• Head Office, Branches, and Overseas Offices (The location of the Bank's Head Office and branches in Japan, together with contact information for its overseas representative offices.  If you wish to bring in banknotes for exchange to the Head Office or one of the branches of the Bank, please contact the following e-mail address in advance: prdmail@boj.or.jp)
• Criteria for Exchange of Damaged Banknotes