Shelby County Clerk
Returned Check Collection System
Frequently Asked Questions
  1. I received a letter stating my check was returned, what do I do?
  2. My bank informed me that my check did not clear, what do I do?
  3. How long do I have to pay?
  4. Is there a fee for returned check?
  5. Will I receive my check or a receipt after payment?
  6. Can I make payment arrangements?
  7. Am I allowed to write another check?
  8. I was asked to pay for a returned check that has already been paid, what do I do?
  9. Can I pay in person?
  10. Can I be arrested for passing a bad check?
1. I received a letter stating my check was returned, what do I do?

Payment of a returned check should be made within 10 days of the date the letter is mailed. See payment options below:

  • In Person:
    • Payments are accepted at all Shelby County Clerk branch locations. Cash, Credit Cards(American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA), Cashiers's Check and Money Orders are acceptable forms of payment. NO PERSONAL OR BUSINESS CHECKS. An additional fee of 2.25% is applied to all credit card transactions.
  • By Phone:
    • Credit Card Payments(American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA) are accepted by phone. An additional fee of 2.25% is applied to all credit card transactions.
  • By Mail:
    • Cashier's checks or Money Orders may be mailed to:
      SHELBY COUNTY CLERK
      ATTN: ACCOUNTING
      150 Washington Ave
      Memphis, TN 38103
  • Online:
    • Credit Card Payments(American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA) are accepted online at https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/returned_checks. An additional fee of 2.25% is applied to all credit card transactions. The Reference ID listed on the letter sent is required to pay online.
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2. My bank informed me that my check did not clear, what do I do?

Please await notification from this office that your check was returned. If it has been more than two weeks since your check was written without notice from this office and you are sure the check did not clear, please call 901-222-3051 for further assistance.

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3. How long do I have to pay?

Payment is expected within 10 days of the date the letter is mailed, Not 10 days from the date the letter is picked up from the post office. Failure to pay will result in further collection action through the Shelby County District Attorney's Office which may include arrest warrant issuance.

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4. Is there a fee for returned checks?

Yes, the returned check fee is $29.00.

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5. Will I receive my check or a receipt after payment?

Yes, the official check copy received from your bank and a payment receipt are mailed to the address on the check unless otherwise requested. If payment is made in person a receipt is not mailed, as a receipt is provided at the time of payment.

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6. Can I make a payment arrangements?

Payment arrangements are not accepted for returned checks.

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7. Am I allowed to write another check?

If your returned check is paid within 10 days normally there are no check writing restrictions. Instances of multiple returned checks will result in check writing restrictions even if paid within 10 days. A check returned due to a banking error may receive restriction leniency provided payment in full is made accompanied by a letter from your bank.

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8. I was asked to pay for a returned check that has already been paid, what do I do?

Contact 901-222-3051 for assistance with this issue.

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9. Can I pay in person?

Yes, you can go to any branch of the Shelby County Clerk's Office to make the payment. Make sure you have your reference number.

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10. Can I be arrested for passing a bad check?

Yes, T.C.A 39-14-121 which states "the offense of issuing or passing a worthless check is punishable as theft." The Shelby County Clerk's Office works with the Attorney General's Office to prosecute individuals who do not pay their bad checks.

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