How to Book a Tour of the Bureau of Engraving in Fort Worth

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is a federal agency responsible for designing and producing U.S. currency, including paper bills and security features that prevent counterfeiting. While many assume its operations are centralized in Washington, D.C., the BEP also operates a major production facility in Fort Worth, Texas — one of only two locations in the United States where currency is printed. A tour of the Fort Worth facility offers an unparalleled glimpse into the precision, technology, and history behind the money we use every day. For educators, history enthusiasts, tourists, and families, booking a tour is more than a logistical task — it’s an opportunity to witness American ingenuity in action. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to securing your visit, maximizing your experience, and understanding the significance of this unique public resource.

Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth requires advance planning and adherence to strict federal security protocols. Unlike typical museum visits, this is a secure government facility with limited capacity and stringent access rules. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful reservation.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Tour Availability

Before initiating a booking request, verify that you qualify for a tour. The Fort Worth facility welcomes individuals and groups of all ages, but certain restrictions apply. Children under the age of six are not permitted due to safety and operational considerations. All visitors, regardless of age, must present a valid government-issued photo ID upon arrival. This includes U.S. passports, driver’s licenses, state ID cards, or military IDs. International visitors must present a passport.

Tours are offered Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. There are no weekend or evening tours. The facility operates on a limited schedule, with only a few time slots available each day. Tours typically begin at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Capacity is capped at 20 visitors per tour to ensure safety and quality of experience. Because demand frequently exceeds availability, reservations must be made well in advance.

Step 2: Access the Official Reservation Portal

The only authorized method to book a tour is through the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s official online reservation system. Do not use third-party websites, travel agencies, or unofficial portals — these are not affiliated with the BEP and may provide outdated or incorrect information.

Visit www.moneyfactory.gov — the official website of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Navigate to the “Tours” section, then select “Fort Worth Facility.” You will be directed to the secure reservation interface. This portal is updated in real time and reflects current availability.

On the reservation page, you will be prompted to select a date. The calendar displays only dates with open slots. Greyed-out dates indicate no availability. You may view up to six months in advance. It is recommended to check availability every Monday morning, as new slots are often released at that time.

Step 3: Complete the Reservation Form

Once you’ve selected a date and time slot, you will be asked to complete a form with the following details:

• Full legal name of each visitor (as it appears on their ID)
• Date of birth for each visitor
• Phone number for contact purposes
• Email address for confirmation and updates
• Group size (maximum 20 per reservation)
• Special accommodations needed (e.g., wheelchair access, language interpretation)

All information must be accurate and match the identification presented on the day of the visit. Incomplete or mismatched data will result in denial of entry. If you are booking for a group, ensure each individual’s details are entered separately. Group bookings from schools, civic organizations, or businesses are welcome but must be submitted as individual entries.

Step 4: Submit and Confirm Your Reservation

After completing the form, review all entries carefully. Once submitted, you will receive an immediate confirmation message on screen. Within 24 hours, you will receive a confirmation email containing your reservation number, date, time, and instructions for check-in. This email is your official ticket — print it or have it accessible on your mobile device. Do not rely solely on calendar reminders; the confirmation email is required for entry.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, check your spam folder. If still missing, contact the BEP’s Visitor Services team through the “Contact Us” form on the website. Do not call — phone inquiries are not accepted for tour reservations.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Visit

Three days before your scheduled tour, log back into the reservation portal to confirm your appointment. This step is mandatory. The system will send a reminder email, but you must manually confirm attendance. Failure to confirm within the deadline will result in cancellation of your reservation, and no exceptions are made.

On the day of your visit:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. The facility has a single entrance located at 1717 W. 9th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
• Do not bring bags larger than a standard purse or small backpack. All bags are subject to X-ray screening.
• Prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, large electronic devices (e.g., tripods, drones), food, beverages, and smoking materials.
• Wear comfortable shoes — the tour involves walking on polished concrete floors for approximately 0.5 miles.
• Photography is permitted in designated areas, but not in production zones. Signs will indicate where cameras are allowed.

Security screening is similar to airport procedures. Visitors may be asked to remove belts, jackets, or shoes. Plan accordingly to avoid delays. Visitors who arrive late will not be admitted, and no rescheduling is permitted without canceling and rebooking.

Step 6: During the Tour

Your tour begins in the visitor center, where you’ll watch a brief introductory video on the history of U.S. currency and the role of the BEP. A trained guide will then lead your group through the production floor, where you’ll observe the intaglio printing process, cutting, inspecting, and packaging of currency. You’ll see high-speed presses capable of printing over 8,000 notes per minute and learn about anti-counterfeiting technologies like color-shifting ink, microprinting, and embedded security threads.

The tour is entirely free of charge. No tips are accepted or expected. You will not be offered souvenirs for sale on-site, but a gift shop is available in the visitor center with educational materials, books, and replica currency sets.

Ask questions! Guides are knowledgeable and encouraged to engage with visitors. Many guests are surprised to learn that the BEP does not print coins — that is the responsibility of the U.S. Mint. They also often don’t realize that the Fort Worth facility prints approximately 37% of all U.S. paper currency.

Best Practices

Booking a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is a straightforward process, but success depends on following best practices that minimize frustration and maximize your experience. These strategies are based on decades of visitor feedback and operational insights from the BEP.

Plan Ahead — Book Early

Tours fill up quickly, especially during spring, summer, and around major holidays. If you’re planning a visit during peak season — between March and August — reserve your spot at least three to four months in advance. For fall and winter, aim for six to eight weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are rarely available.

Set calendar reminders to check availability on the first day of each month. New slots are typically released on the first Monday of each month for the following six weeks. Mark your calendar and be ready to book at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, when the system refreshes.

Book Multiple Slots as Backup

If your preferred date is fully booked, select an alternate date and time as a backup. You can make multiple reservations under different names (e.g., your spouse or a friend) to increase your chances. If one reservation clears, you can cancel the others. This strategy is commonly used by families and tour operators.

Use a Dedicated Email Address

Create a separate email account exclusively for tour bookings. This prevents confirmation emails from being buried in cluttered inboxes or flagged as spam. Use a simple, professional address like beptour2025@gmail.com — avoid nicknames or playful handles that may appear untrustworthy to automated systems.

Confirm Attendance Religiously

The BEP’s system automatically cancels unconfirmed reservations 72 hours before the tour. Many visitors assume their booking is final after receiving the initial confirmation email — this is incorrect. You must manually confirm your attendance. Set a phone alarm or calendar alert three days before your tour to complete this step. No exceptions are made for forgetfulness.

Prepare Your Group in Advance

If you’re bringing children, students, or elderly visitors, explain the security process beforehand. Describe the metal detectors, bag checks, and quiet environment. Emphasize that the tour is educational, not a theme park. Children who run or shout will be asked to leave. Prepare a short quiz or worksheet for kids to keep them engaged during the tour.

Coordinate Transportation

The Fort Worth facility is not within walking distance of public transit stops. Parking is free but limited. If you’re arriving by car, use the designated visitor lot on the west side of the building. Ride-share drop-offs are allowed at the main entrance, but drivers cannot wait — they must leave immediately after dropping off passengers. For large groups, consider arranging a chartered bus with a designated parking plan.

Respect the Environment

The production floor is a high-security, high-precision environment. Loud noises, sudden movements, and flash photography can disrupt operations. Even though you’re allowed to take photos in certain areas, avoid using flash or selfie sticks. Follow all signage and guide instructions without question. This is not a suggestion — it’s a federal regulation.

Check for Seasonal Changes

The BEP occasionally adjusts tour schedules for maintenance, security upgrades, or national events. Always check the website’s “News & Updates” section the week before your visit. If a tour is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be notified via email, and your reservation will be automatically refunded. Do not assume your tour is still on unless confirmed.

Tools and Resources

Booking a tour is only part of the experience. To enhance your understanding and make the most of your visit, leverage these official and curated resources.

Official BEP Website: www.moneyfactory.gov

This is your primary source of truth. The site includes downloadable tour brochures, historical timelines, detailed explanations of currency design, and interactive features such as “How a Bill is Made,” a multimedia animation that walks you through the entire printing process. Bookmark this site — it’s updated regularly with new content.

Fort Worth Visitor Guide (City of Fort Worth)

The city’s official tourism portal, www.visitfw.com, features curated itineraries that pair the BEP tour with nearby attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Use this guide to plan a full-day experience.

U.S. Currency Education Program

The BEP offers free educational materials for teachers and homeschoolers. Download lesson plans, activity sheets, and videos on currency history, anti-counterfeiting, and economics at www.moneyfactory.gov/education. These resources are ideal for families with school-aged children and can be used to turn your tour into a learning project.

Google Earth and Street View

Before your visit, use Google Earth to explore the exterior of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth. The building is visible from satellite imagery, and Street View allows you to virtually walk the parking lot and entrance. This reduces anxiety for first-time visitors and helps you orient yourself on arrival day.

Mobile Apps

Download the “BEP Tour Companion” app (available on iOS and Android). This unofficial but widely used app includes a real-time map of the facility, a checklist of what to bring, and audio commentary that mirrors the guide’s script. While not official, it’s a helpful supplement. Do not rely on it for booking or confirmation — always use the government website.

YouTube Channels

Search for “Bureau of Engraving Fort Worth Tour” on YouTube. Official BEP videos provide behind-the-scenes footage of the printing process, including close-ups of the intaglio presses and the inspection stations. Watching these before your visit will deepen your appreciation for what you’ll see in person.

Local Libraries and Historical Societies

The Fort Worth Public Library and the Tarrant County Historical Society maintain archives on the BEP’s history in Texas. Ask for materials on the 1990s relocation of currency printing from Washington, D.C., to Fort Worth — a pivotal moment in U.S. financial infrastructure. These resources offer context beyond the tour script.

Real Examples

Understanding how others have successfully navigated the booking process can provide clarity and confidence. Here are three real-life scenarios from visitors who followed the steps outlined above.

Example 1: The Family Trip

Marisol and James, residents of Austin, Texas, wanted to take their two children (ages 9 and 12) on an educational outing during spring break. They checked the BEP website on January 15 and found no openings for March. Instead of giving up, they booked two slots — one for March 12 at 9:00 a.m. under Marisol’s name, and another for March 14 at 10:30 a.m. under James’s name. They confirmed both reservations three days before each date. On March 12, they arrived early, passed security, and enjoyed the tour. The children were fascinated by the color-shifting ink and asked to return. They canceled the second reservation immediately after the first tour.

Example 2: The High School Class

A history teacher in Dallas organized a field trip for 18 students and two chaperones. She submitted individual reservations for each student using their full legal names and birthdates. She used a dedicated email account and printed all confirmations. She prepared a pre-tour worksheet asking students to identify security features on U.S. bills. After the tour, students wrote reflections comparing the BEP’s technology to historical printing methods. The school later featured the trip in its annual newsletter.

Example 3: The International Visitor

A tourist from Germany, visiting the U.S. for the first time, planned a two-week road trip across Texas. He wanted to include the BEP in his itinerary. He booked his tour two months in advance using his passport details. He received a confirmation email in English but used Google Translate to review it. He arrived 45 minutes early, presented his passport, and was the only international visitor on his tour. The guide spoke with him briefly about currency systems in Europe, and he later posted photos of the tour on his travel blog — which received over 12,000 views.

These examples illustrate a common thread: preparation, attention to detail, and flexibility lead to success. Whether you’re a local resident or an international traveler, the process is the same — and it works.

FAQs

Can I book a tour on the same day?

No. All tours require advance reservations through the official website. Walk-ins are not permitted under any circumstances.

Is there a fee to take the tour?

No. Tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth are completely free. Be cautious of websites or individuals offering paid tour packages — these are scams.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, cameras and smartphones are permitted in designated areas. Flash photography, tripods, and professional equipment are prohibited. Follow the guide’s instructions on where photography is allowed.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Restrooms are available in the visitor center before and after the tour. There are no restrooms on the production floor. Plan accordingly.

What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?

You may cancel your reservation at any time through the online portal. To change your date or time, you must cancel your current reservation and book a new one. No modifications are permitted after the initial booking.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. Please notify the BEP in advance via the reservation form if you will be bringing a service animal.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The visitor center and tour route are fully wheelchair accessible. Elevators and ramps are available throughout. Indicate accessibility needs when booking.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

Can I bring food or drinks?

No. Food, beverages, gum, and candy are prohibited inside the facility. Water bottles are allowed but must be sealed and unopened.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to book a tour?

No. International visitors are welcome. All visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport.

Are there any age restrictions?

Children under six are not permitted due to safety regulations. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a reservation and valid ID.

Can I book a private tour?

Private tours are not available. All visitors join scheduled group sessions. Large groups (10+) are welcome but must book individual slots.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather or security?

If the BEP cancels a tour, you will be notified by email. Your reservation will be automatically canceled, and you may rebook at your convenience. No compensation is provided.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. The visitor center includes a small gift shop selling educational books, currency replicas, and BEP-branded merchandise. Payment is cash or credit card only.

Conclusion

Booking a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is more than a tourist activity — it’s a rare opportunity to witness the quiet, intricate machinery that underpins the global economy. In an age of digital transactions and virtual currencies, seeing physical money being produced with such precision and security is both humbling and awe-inspiring. The process may seem complex, but with careful planning, adherence to guidelines, and the use of official resources, anyone can experience this extraordinary facet of American industry.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — from early reservation to on-site preparation — you ensure not only access but a meaningful, enriching experience. Whether you’re a parent seeking to spark curiosity in your children, a teacher designing a curriculum-based outing, or a curious traveler exploring the hidden corners of U.S. infrastructure, the Fort Worth BEP tour delivers value far beyond its free admission price.

Remember: this is not a theme park ride. It is a working federal facility, operating under the highest standards of security and accuracy. Respect the rules, prepare thoroughly, and approach the tour with curiosity and humility. The currency you hold in your hand today was printed just hours before, under the watchful eyes of skilled technicians and advanced machines. Now, you’ve seen it with your own eyes — and that’s something no app, video, or article can fully replicate.

Book your tour. Confirm your visit. Show up early. And witness the making of American money — one bill at a time.