The U.S. Currency Education Program (CEP) is responsible for ensuring that users of U.S. currency around the world have access to education, training, and information about Federal Reserve notes. Managed by the Federal Reserve Board (Board), the CEP works closely with our government partners at the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to raise awareness about how to use the design and security features of U.S. currency.
Issuing Authority
The Federal Reserve Board: As the nation's central bank, the Board has a wide range of responsibilities related to U.S. currency. As the issuing authority for Federal Reserve notes, the Board turns the pieces of paper printed at the BEP into lawful money. Each year, the Board determines the number of new Federal Reserve notes needed to meet public demand and submits a print order to the BEP. Once printed, the Board issues the notes to the Reserve Banks for distribution to financial institutions, ready to meet the public’s demand. In addition, the Board participates in the banknote design process with our government agency partners and manages the communication and education efforts for the banknotes in circulation. Board staff works closely with the Reserve Banks to maintain the authenticity and quality of notes in circulation. All of these efforts are focused on ensuring that the public has access to a safe and flexible supply of paper currency.
High-Security Printer
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing: As a bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department, the BEP is the government’s high-security printer, responsible for meeting the Board’s annual new currency order by producing high-quality, secure Federal Reserve notes. The BEP develops the look, layout, artistic details, and integration of security features into the overall design for Federal Reserve notes. To learn more about the BEP’s role in currency production, visit moneyfactory.gov.
Law Enforcement
The U.S. Secret Service: The USSS was established in 1865 to protect the nation’s currency and continues to investigate counterfeiting crimes, forensically examine suspect currency, and evaluate threats to the security of the banknotes. To learn more about how the USSS helps keep notes secure, visit www.secretservice.gov.
What We Do
The CEP educates businesses and consumers around the world about the security and design features in Federal Reserve notes.
Explore our site to
- Learn about security and design features
- Download and order training and educational resources
- Understand the history and life cycle of U.S. currency
Contact Us
Questions? Email the Federal Reserve Board's U.S. Currency Education Program office at uscurrency@frb.gov.
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