What is the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)?

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing creates and produces U.S. paper currency. It does not produce coins -- that's the job of the United States Mint.

How Does the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) Work?

Founded in 1862, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing has several primary responsibilities:

  • Physically produce U.S. currency notes (formally called Federal Reserve notes) for delivery to the Federal Reserve. Production includes creating the templates and materials necessary to print currency.
  • Advise federal agencies about document security matters.
  • Process claims for redemption of mutilated currency.
  • Produce military commissions and awards certificates, invitations and admissions cards, certain identification cards, certain forms and certain security documents for government agencies.
  • Detect and deter counterfeit currency (in conjunction with the U.S. Secret Service) and security documents.

Why Does the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) Matter?

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the United States' only source of paper currency printing and protection. It has production facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and Washington, D.C., and it is also the largest producer of government security documents in the United States.