Legal Definitions - BEP

BEP stands for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a federal agency within the United States Department of the Treasury. Its primary responsibility is to design and produce all paper currency for the United States. Beyond banknotes, the BEP also produces other critical security documents for the U.S. government, such as postage stamps, Treasury securities, military commissions, and various identification cards.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing:

• Example 1: Counterfeit Detection

  When law enforcement agencies seize suspected counterfeit U.S. currency, they often send samples to experts at the BEP for analysis. These experts can definitively determine if the money is fake because they possess the unique knowledge and equipment used to produce genuine currency, allowing them to identify discrepancies in paper, ink, and printing techniques.

• Example 2: Introduction of New Banknotes

  If the U.S. government decides to introduce a new series of banknotes with updated security features or redesigned imagery, the BEP is the agency responsible for the entire production process. This includes finalizing the design, developing the specialized printing plates, and operating the high-security presses that print billions of dollars in new currency each year before it is distributed to the Federal Reserve Banks.

• Example 3: Producing Government Security Documents

  Beyond currency, the BEP also prints other vital government documents. For instance, when the U.S. Postal Service requires new postage stamps, or when the Department of Defense needs official military commission certificates, these items are produced under strict security protocols by the BEP, leveraging their expertise in secure printing to prevent forgery and ensure authenticity.