Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C Street, S.W.
Southwest Washington, D.C.
Metro Stop: Smithsonian, Independence Avenue exit

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is the largest producer of security documents in the United States. The BEP produces over 9 billion Federal Reserve notes each year (coins are produced by the U.S. Mint).

The BEP also produces several other specialty printing products, such as postage stamps for the U.S. Postal Service, hand engraved invitations on behalf of the White House, and miscellaneous security documents for other government agencies.

Note: BEP tour policies are subject to change without public notification.  In the event the Department of Homeland Security threat level is elevated to Code Orange, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is closed to the public.

Times of Operation

The BEP is open for tours Mondays through Fridays.  The BEP is closed on weekends, federal holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Years.  Note that strollers are not allowed on the tour.

General public tours are available every 15 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m and 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, except on federal holidays.  Extended Summer Hours (April-August) include additional public tours every 15 minutes from 2:00 to 3:45 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are required during the peak season only (March thru August).  All other times, September through February, visitors line up at the Visitors’ Entrance on 14th Street for the public tour.

For updated information, call the BEP tour office at (202) 874-2330 or toll free at 1-866-874-2330.

Tickets are Required During Peak Season (March thru August) 

Tickets are required for all public tours beginning the first Monday in March through the last Friday in August.  Tickets are free and are for same day use only.  Each individual may get a maximum of 4 tickets and tickets are distributed the day of the tour on a first-come, first-served basis.  The ticket booth is located on Raoul Wallengerg Place.  The ticket booth opens at 8 a.m. (Monday through Friday) and closes when all day and evening tickets have been distributed.  Lines form early and tickets go quickly; most days’ tickets are gone by 8:30 a.m.  Group with over 25 individuals must schedule tours in advance with the tour office - no tickets will be given out at the ticket booth for large groups. 

Congressional Reserved Tours Information

BEP Links

• BEP Website
• BEP Visitor's Guide
• BEP Accessibility Information 

Places of Interest Nearby

• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• Washington Monument
• Smithsonian Museums and Galleries

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