Interesting DC tours: U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Did you know you can take a tour of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing during your visit to Washington, D.C. and see how money is made? Perhaps one of the lesser-known tours, it’s a really cool one if you get the chance to do it. 

How to get tickets

During the busy spring and summer months, you’ll need to get to get tickets ahead of time (same day distribution). They are on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be obtained at the ticket booth located at Raoul Wallenburg Place, just outside of the Bureau. The booth opens at 8 a.m. and closes after the day’s tickets have been distributed. The first tour is at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

In the fall and winter months, which is September to February, tours are offered between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and tickets are not required and you can head to the 14th St SW entrance for entry (check the Bureau’s website for exact dates/hours). In the event of inclement weather, delayed opening or early closure by the federal government, this does affect the facility’s tours.

Additionally, if you contact your Senator or Representative, you can also reserve tickets through their office. Contact your local Congressperson for details.

What to do

The entrance to the visitor’s center is located at 301 14th St SW. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. You’ll need to line up when your tour time is called. When your time slot is called, you’ll go through security. The usual items are prohibited like you’d find at the airport or other secured area. No food or drink is allowed inside. 

Gift shop

You are allowed to bring your camera and are free to use it in the visitor’s center and gift shop, but taking photos or videos of any kind are strictly prohibited during the tour itself. Don’t be tempted to take a quick photo with your cell, you will be escorted out of the facility. Also, if you have little ones, you can bring your stroller with you but not on the tour.

After you are finished going through security, you’ll be inside the Visitor’s Center. There are some exhibits to look at and some displays on the wall to read which highlight the history of U.S. currency. You’ll have a few minutes to take a look around before you head into the next section to watch a short video.

What you’ll see

The tour takes place above the production floor and you'll go through the different sections, seeing how the denominations of U.S. money are made each step of the way. 

• See literally millions of dollars at once
• Hear the whirring of the machines and watch the currency go through each process of the printing
• Learn about the measures added into money to prevent counterfeiting 

The tour itself is about 45 minutes, so give yourself approximately an hour for the experience. After the tour, there is a gift shop you can peruse before you exit. You'll exit on Raoul Wallenburg Place facing the Tidal Basin.

Other things you should know

Tours are not offered on weekends, federal holidays, and is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s.  In 2018, some of the process will be altered with construction going on. Check at the ticket booth or the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing website for the most up-to-date information.