706.430 Check Cashing Requirements

All parties cashing Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Transitional Assistance checks, such as banks, credit unions, check cashers, retailers, grocers and other financial and/or commercial entities, must verify that the identity of the person attempting to transact the check is that of the named check payee.

The check cashing party must obtain two forms of identification (such as a driver’s license, Massachusetts ID, Social Security card or MassHealth card) from him or her. One document must include a photo-identification card.

If a photo-ID is not available, the check cashing party must obtain three other forms of ID.

Then, the check cashing party must:

(1) Verify that the photograph on the identification, if any, matches the person attempting to transact the check;

(2) Write the appropriate information (e.g., Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Driver’s License Number, etc.) taken from the three other alternative IDs onto the back of the check;

(3) Write the birth date of the person transacting the check onto the back of the check;

(4) Verify that the signatures on the alternative IDs matches that of the endorsement on the back of the check being cashed; and

(5) If possible, take a picture of the client transacting the check.

Failure to follow the above requirements shall result in the refusal by the Commonwealth to indemnify check cashing parties from any losses incurred by cashing Department checks.

Transitional Cash Assistance Program

Auxiliary Activities | Chapter | 706

Rev. 3/2018 | Page Page | 706.500