Published: 24.04.2019 Updated: 03.03.2023

Damaged euro and lats banknotes and coins can be replaced at the Cashier's Office of Latvijas Banka free of charge.

Latvijas Banka does not replace banknotes and coins of other countries.

Latvijas Banka ensures immediate replacement of damaged banknotes at the Cashier's Office, where:

  • their security features are discernible;
  • the face value is distinguishable;
  • the authenticity is unambiguous;
  • the submitted part of the damaged banknote exceeds 50% of the original size of the banknote. 

The banknotes torn in more than two pieces are replaced where at least two pieces clearly belong to the same banknote making up more than 50% of the original size of the banknote.

Latvijas Banka ensures immediate replacement of damaged circulation coins at the Cashier's Office, where:

  • the face value is distinguishable;
  • the coat of arms of lats coins is discernible and the national side of euro coins is distinguishable;
  • the authenticity is unambiguous.

Should any doubt arise regarding the authenticity of the banknote or circulation coin submitted for replacement, large numbers of euro banknotes or circulation coins are submitted for replacement, or where a torn banknote consists of several pieces and the size of the remaining part of a torn banknote cannot be established, both numbers of the banknote cannot be identified or should there be any other cause for doubt, e.g. the banknote has been burned, bleached, laundered, or a security feature is missing, the banknote is accepted for an expert examination on the basis of the customer's application, and the Commission for Examination of Banknotes and Coins of Latvijas Banka is to decide on its replacement. An opinion is provided within one month. The face value of a banknote submitted for replacement can be redeemed at the Cashier's Office of Latvijas Banka or via non-cash transfer to the credit institution's account indicated by the customer.

The banknotes and coins submitted for examination are not returned, including those whose replacement has been denied.

Latvijas Banka neither replaces counterfeit banknotes and coins nor reimburses any losses incurred due to such counterfeits. They are not returned to the customer but are transferred to the police.

Upon the respective transaction Latvijas Banka will ask the person to present a passport or personal identification card (ID card). In cases where the customer, for some reason, refuses to present a personal identification document, no transaction will take place.