Visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in Washington, D.C., offers a fascinating glimpse into the creation of US currency. For years, this unique attraction has captivated visitors, including many school groups I’ve personally guided. After a temporary closure to the public in 2020, the BEP quietly reopened its doors in the fall of last year, once again offering free tours that are, in my opinion, one of the most engaging things to do in DC with kids – especially if you plan your visit strategically. Our thriving 55K+ member Facebook Group, Washington DC Travel Tips, is buzzing with discussions about the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, proving its continued popularity!
Discovering the Bureau of Engraving and Printing: An Overview
It’s important to clarify: the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is distinct from the U.S. Mint. While both deal with US currency, the BEP is one of only two facilities in the nation (the other is in Texas) where paper money is printed. There is no U.S. Mint located in Washington D.C.
The BEP welcomes visitors for guided tours that showcase the intricate processes involved in printing American currency. Witness firsthand how money is brought to life, incorporating advanced security features to combat counterfeiting, and even learn about the destruction of old currency.
Securing tickets for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour is free, making it an accessible attraction. However, especially during peak tourist seasons in Washington, D.C., acquiring these coveted tickets may require some planning and persistence.
What Awaits You on the BEP Tour
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing provides complimentary 40-minute tours that offer an insightful experience.
After passing through security, you’ll encounter small, informative exhibits before the tour officially commences with a brief introductory film. Benches are conveniently available for seating while you watch this overview.
Following the film, a knowledgeable docent will lead your group through the facility. The tour route is designed along elevated galleries that overlook the active factory floor below. As this is a functioning federal building, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe currency being printed, cut, and counted in real-time as you proceed through the tour.
The docent will provide engaging commentary, explaining the various stages of currency production and sharing interesting facts about US money. Some visitors even claim to detect the distinct aroma of fresh currency in the air!
While the tour is packed with information about the money-making process, remember that photography is strictly prohibited during the tour. This ensures the security of the facility and the integrity of the currency production process.
At the conclusion of the tour, the docent will guide you towards the exit, which conveniently leads through the gift shop, offering a chance to purchase unique souvenirs.
Your Guide to Obtaining Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tour Tickets
Operating Hours: Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
Closures: The BEP is closed on Federal Holidays and for a year-end period from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
Currently, as part of the BEP’s reopening phase, tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-up visitors at the entrance on 14th Street. Alternatively, you can explore obtaining advance tickets through your Member of Congress.
While tickets are generally readily available, during particularly busy periods, such as Thanksgiving week or Presidents’ Day Weekend, it’s advisable to arrive early or consider contacting your congressional representative for advance arrangements.
Optimal Visiting Times:
Visitor feedback suggests that it’s best to avoid tour times around lunchtime. During this period, factory floor operations may be reduced as workers take their lunch breaks, potentially lessening the activity you’ll observe.
When to Queue for Tickets:
Same-day tickets become available at the entrance on 14th Street starting at 8:00 a.m. and are distributed until all tour slots for the day are filled. During peak tourist season (March-June, and around major holiday weekends), lines often begin forming as early as 7:30 a.m. for the coveted morning tour tickets.
If you have a specific tour time in mind, arriving closer to the front of the line is recommended. However, if you have flexibility with your tour time, arriving a bit later is still viable.
Even on busy days, tickets may still be available around 10:30 a.m., although these are often for the later tours of the day, possibly around 5:30 p.m.
Pro-Tip for Ticket Acquisition: To streamline the process, only one person from your group needs to stand in line to obtain tickets. A single individual can request up to 4 tickets at a time.
If you find yourself in the vicinity of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it’s always worth checking ticket availability on a whim.
For those seeking guaranteed entry at a specific time, arranging advance reservation tickets through your Member of Congress is an option. A limited number of tours are set aside for congressional requests, offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. ET. Reach out to your local United States Senator or Representative for detailed information on this process and to inquire about “Bureau Of Engraving And Printing Washington Tickets” availability through their office.
Strategizing Your Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visit
This section provides essential details to help you effectively plan your visit, covering directions to the tour entrance, security protocols, guidelines on prohibited items, information about the gift shop, and recommendations for nearby attractions to complement your BEP experience.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tours and Visitor Center entrance is conveniently located on 14th Street near C Street, SW.
Utilize this Google map link for precise directions from any location in Washington, D.C., ensuring a smooth arrival for your tour to see “bureau of engraving and printing washington tickets” in action.
The closest Metro Station is Smithsonian (accessible via the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines).
Upon exiting the station from the Independence Ave exit, proceed straight along Independence Ave SW until you reach 14th Street. Cross 14th Street and turn left. The BEP entrance will be shortly on your right, situated just past the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
All Washington D.C. hop-on-hop-off bus tours include stops in close proximity to the Bureau of Engraving tour entrance, offering another convenient transportation option.
Security Procedures at the BEP
Similar to most attractions in Washington, D.C., entry to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing requires passing through a security checkpoint. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time to accommodate security procedures. Late arrivals may not be permitted entry.
Security Regulations:
- Weapons and sharp objects are strictly prohibited.
- Cameras and electronic devices are permitted, but photography is not allowed within the building during the tour.
- Strollers are allowed inside the building but cannot be taken on the tour itself.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing Gift Shop
At the conclusion of the tour, you’ll find yourself in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing gift shop, a treasure trove of unique, money-themed souvenirs.
Interestingly, you can access the gift shop without needing tour tickets or participating in a tour.
The gift shop entrance is situated at the rear of the building on Raoul Wallenberg Place (15th Street NW). Look for the grand staircase and the entrance nestled between the columns. Simply inform the security officer at the entrance that you wish to visit the gift shop.
The gift shop is easily accessible by foot from the Smithsonian Metro Station. Exit towards Independence Ave, walk straight to 15th Street, and turn left.
Attractions Near the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing enjoys a prime location near the National Mall, making it easy to combine your visit with other iconic D.C. attractions.
Consider these nearby activities:
Embark on a Walking Tour:
Our National Mall and National Mall & Tidal Basin Walking tours conveniently commence just a short walk from the BEP exit on 15th Street. We frequently schedule tours to align with BEP tour times. If your BEP tour is in the afternoon, our National Mall and Tidal Basin tour concludes near the Tidal Basin, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the BEP entrance.
Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum:
Located adjacent to the BEP, the USHMM is a powerful and important museum to experience. Refer to our guide on Tickets to the Holocaust Museum for planning your visit.
Dining Options:
A cafe is located outside the USHMM on the 15th Street (Group Entrance) side. This is conveniently on the same side where you exit the BEP. While you’ll need to go through security to enter the cafe, museum tickets or reservations are not required as it’s in a separate building. The cafe serves a variety of hot and cold dishes and is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
For a unique dining experience, consider the Department of Agriculture cafeteria, a hidden gem among D.C. cafeterias. While a federal office cafeteria might not sound appealing, this one stands out for its quality food, reasonable prices, and impressive WWII-era artwork. Entry requires a photo ID to obtain a visitor’s badge. Lunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm, and the entrance is on C Street SW, about a block from the USHMM.
Visitor Reviews of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tour
- Highly recommended for families with children and anyone fascinated by currency.
- Not recommended for visitors with limited time in D.C.
Overall, visitor reviews for the BEP tour are consistently positive. Many describe it as an engaging and worthwhile experience, particularly if you have some extra time in your D.C. itinerary. While it might not be at the very top of everyone’s must-see list, it offers a unique and educational glimpse into a fascinating aspect of American life.
Families with children frequently rate the BEP tour 5 out of 5 stars. Its shorter duration is well-suited to younger attention spans, and the opportunity to witness money being made firsthand is a memorable highlight for kids.
Most negative feedback tends to stem from visitors who experienced long waits for tickets and subsequently felt the tour didn’t justify the wait.
A common piece of advice is to check ticket availability opportunistically if you happen to be in the area. If tickets are readily available, seize the chance to visit rather than making it a central focus of your trip planning.
If you are participating in our National Mall and Tidal Basin tour, your route back to the Metro station will take you past the ticket booth, providing a perfect opportunity to check for ticket availability!
