
The U.S. is gearing up for a significant change in its currency, with new dollar bills set to roll out over the coming years. While dollar bills have undergone design changes before, this new series of bills is part of a broader effort to make U.S. currency more secure and accessible. From enhanced security features to tactile elements for the visually impaired, these changes are expected to modernize how we think about cash. Here’s everything you need to know about when the new dollar bills will arrive and how they will impact you.
New Dollar Bills Are Coming to the U.S
Feature | Details |
---|---|
First New Bill Release Date | The redesigned $10 bill will be released in 2026. |
Tactile Features | New bills will include raised tactile features to assist the visually impaired. |
Series Name | The new bill series is called “Catalyst.” |
Public Education Campaign | Education campaigns will begin 6-8 months before the bills are introduced. |
Next Releases | $50 bill in 2028, $20 bill in 2030, $5 bill between 2032-2035, and the $100 bill between 2034-2038. |
Legal Tender Status | All old bills will remain legal tender, so no need to exchange them. |
Security Enhancements | Bills will include features such as color-shifting ink, 3-D security ribbons, and more to combat counterfeiting. |
Why Are New Dollar Bills Being Introduced?
The primary reason for introducing new U.S. dollar bills is to combat the ever-evolving techniques of counterfeiters. As technology advances, counterfeit currency becomes more sophisticated. To stay ahead of these threats, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has been working for years on the new design, focusing on adding state-of-the-art security features and improving accessibility for all citizens, including the visually impaired.
The current timeline for introducing these new bills stems from years of planning by the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence (ACD) Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the BEP, U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Reserve, and other key agencies. The goal is to make U.S. currency more secure while ensuring that it can still be processed by millions of machines worldwide.
When Will the New Bills Be Released?
The release of new U.S. dollar bills will be staggered over several years:
- 2026: The first redesigned bill, the $10 note, is set to be released.
- 2028: The $50 note will follow.
- 2030: The highly anticipated $20 bill featuring Harriet Tubman will be introduced.
- 2032-2035: The $5 note will be redesigned and released.
- 2034-2038: The final bill in this redesign cycle, the $100 note, will be issued.
Each bill will be unveiled with new designs and enhanced security features, but the overarching series name for all of them is Catalyst. This series represents a significant leap forward in U.S. currency security and functionality.
Enhanced Features of the New Bills
The new bills will boast several cutting-edge features aimed at improving security and usability. These features include:
1. Tactile Features
For the first time, U.S. bills will include raised tactile features (RTF) to help the visually impaired identify different denominations. This will be achieved using an intaglio printing process, which has been fine-tuned over the years to ensure durability and usability in real-world applications.
2. Security Features
The redesigned bills will include multiple layers of security features aimed at preventing counterfeiting. Some of the key elements include:
- Color-shifting ink: As seen in previous redesigns, this ink will change color when the bill is tilted, making it difficult to reproduce accurately.
- 3-D security ribbon: First introduced on the $100 bill, this ribbon moves as the note is tilted, providing a quick way to verify authenticity.
- Microprinting: Small text that is nearly impossible to replicate without specialized equipment will be included on each bill.
These features are not just designed to make the bills harder to counterfeit but also ensure they remain easy to verify by cash handlers and machines around the world.
Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
One of the standout features of the new series is the addition of tactile elements, making U.S. currency more accessible for people with visual impairments. This is a direct result of a legal case brought by the American Council of the Blind, which led to a mandate that U.S. currency must be accessible to all citizens. The tactile features, combined with the large, high-contrast numerals and varying colours between denominations, will make it significantly easier for visually impaired individuals to handle cash.
Public Education Campaign
To ensure a smooth transition, the BEP will launch a public education campaign roughly six to eight months before each bill is introduced. This campaign will provide information on how to authenticate the new bills and understand their security features. It will target cash handlers, businesses, and the general public to prepare everyone for the changes.
The public education phase is critical because it not only helps in the prevention of counterfeit currency but also ensures confidence in U.S. currency worldwide. These efforts will extend internationally, as U.S. dollars are used globally for trade and as a reserve currency.
What Happens to Old Bills?
One common question is whether people will need to exchange their old bills for new ones. The answer is no. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued. This means that the bills currently in circulation will continue to be accepted alongside the new ones. There is no requirement to trade in old notes for new ones, and they will remain usable indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the new $10 bill be released?
The new $10 bill is expected to be released in 2026, with subsequent denominations following in the years after.
Q2: Will old bills still be accepted once the new ones are introduced?
Yes, all old U.S. bills will remain legal tender, and there is no need to exchange them.
Q3: What security features will the new bills have?
The new bills will include enhanced features like color-shifting ink, 3-D security ribbons, and microprinting to combat counterfeiting.
Q4: Why is the redesign process taking so long?
The redesign process is complex, involving years of research, development, and testing to ensure security and functionality. Each bill undergoes rigorous testing to be compatible with global banknote equipment and to meet security standards.