What to do with mutilated or damaged euro banknotes?
The national central banks of the euro zone will exchange deteriorated or mutilated banknotes in the following cases:
- when more than 50% of the banknote is presented; and
- when 50% or less of the banknote is presented, if the applicant can prove that the missing parts have been destroyed.
To exchange a mutilated or deteriorated banknote, the applicant must provide:
- an identification document in cases of doubt about their legitimate ownership of the banknotes or their authenticity;
- a written explanation of the causes of the deterioration and about the whereabouts of the missing parts of the banknote; and
- a written explanation of the type of stain, contamination or impregnation when stained, contaminated or impregnated banknotes are presented.
Cash transport companies or credit institutions must also provide:
- a written statement about the cause and type of neutralization when stained banknotes (with a red dye, for example) are presented as a result of the activation of anti-theft devices.
