How to Visit Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is a vital federal agency responsible for designing and producing U.S. currency, including paper bills and security features that protect against counterfeiting. While many are familiar with the BEP’s flagship facility in Washington, D.C., fewer know that a second major production site operates in Fort Worth, Texas. This facility, opened in 1990, plays a critical role in meeting the nation’s currency demands and offers a unique, free public tour experience that combines education, history, and cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is not just a tourist activity—it’s an opportunity to witness the precision, security, and scale behind the money we use every day. For educators, families, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into American economic infrastructure. Understanding how to plan and execute a visit ensures you maximize your experience, avoid common pitfalls, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the art and science of currency production.

Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth requires attention to detail, advance preparation, and awareness of operational protocols. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience.

Step 1: Confirm Tour Availability and Schedule

Before making travel plans, verify that public tours are currently being offered. While the Fort Worth facility typically provides daily tours, schedules may change due to federal holidays, security upgrades, or staffing adjustments. Visit the official Bureau of Engraving and Printing website at www.moneyfactory.gov and navigate to the Fort Worth location page. Here, you’ll find the most current tour times, which generally run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the last tour departing at 2:30 p.m. No tours are offered on weekends or federal holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, or Thanksgiving.

It’s important to note that tour availability is subject to change without notice. Always check the website within 48 hours of your planned visit for real-time updates.

Step 2: Reserve Your Tour Slot

Unlike many public attractions, the BEP Fort Worth tour does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. All visitors must reserve a tour slot in advance through the official reservation system. Reservations open 30 days prior to the desired tour date and are released at 8:00 a.m. Central Time. Due to high demand, slots often fill within minutes, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays.

To reserve, go to the BEP’s online reservation portal at www.moneyfactory.gov/tourreservations. You will need to provide:

• Your full legal name (as it appears on government-issued ID)
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Preferred tour date and time
• Number of guests in your party

Each reservation is limited to a maximum of 10 people per group. If your party exceeds this number, you must make multiple reservations under different names. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number and a QR code. Print this confirmation or have it accessible on your mobile device—this is your ticket to enter the facility.

Step 3: Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is located at 1700 E. Lamar Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76102. The facility is situated on the western edge of the city, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and Lamar Boulevard. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most practical method of arrival. If you’re flying in, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is approximately 20 miles northeast and takes about 25 minutes to reach under normal traffic conditions.

Free, on-site parking is available in a large, well-lit lot directly adjacent to the visitor entrance. No parking fees or permits are required. For those arriving by ride-share services (Uber, Lyft, etc.), the designated drop-off zone is clearly marked at the front of the building.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Security screening is mandatory and similar to airport procedures. All visitors must pass through a metal detector and have their bags inspected. No weapons, large bags, tripods, or professional photography equipment are permitted inside the production areas.

Step 4: Complete Security Screening

Security is a top priority at the BEP due to the sensitive nature of currency production. Upon arrival, proceed to the Visitor Entrance located at the front of the building. Present your reservation confirmation (digital or printed) and a valid government-issued photo ID for each person in your party. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• U.S. driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• U.S. passport
• Permanent resident card

Children under 18 may enter with a parent or guardian’s ID, but their names must be listed on the reservation. International visitors must present a valid passport. No exceptions are made for expired or photocopy IDs.

Once your identity is verified, proceed through the security checkpoint. All personal items—including purses, backpacks, and camera phones—must be placed in a bin for X-ray screening. Large items such as suitcases, strollers, and coolers are not permitted and cannot be stored on-site. Lockers are not available. If you’re traveling with a stroller or mobility device, notify security personnel upon arrival; accommodations can be made for accessibility needs.

Step 5: Begin Your Guided Tour

After clearing security, follow signs to the Visitor Center, where you’ll wait briefly before your tour begins. A trained BEP guide will greet your group and provide an introductory overview of the facility’s history and mission. The tour lasts approximately 60 to 75 minutes and covers three main areas:

1. Exhibit Hall: Learn about the evolution of U.S. currency, from colonial notes to modern bills. Interactive displays highlight security features like color-shifting ink, watermarks, and security threads.
2. Production Floor Viewing Gallery: This is the highlight of the tour. From a raised, glass-enclosed walkway, you’ll observe the high-speed printing presses in action. Watch as stacks of uncut currency sheets are fed into machines, printed with intricate designs, and cut into individual bills. The noise level is moderate, but ear protection is not required.
3. Final Product Display: See finished $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills being counted, bundled, and prepared for shipment to Federal Reserve Banks.

Photography is permitted in the exhibit hall and viewing gallery, but flash and tripods are prohibited. You may take as many photos as you like—just be respectful of other guests and avoid blocking walkways.

Step 6: Explore the Gift Shop

After your tour concludes, you’re invited to visit the BEP’s official gift shop. Located just outside the exit, the shop offers a curated selection of currency-related souvenirs, including:

• Uncut currency sheets (available in $16, $32, and $64 denominations)
• Miniature note sets featuring special series or commemorative designs
• Historical reprints and educational booklets
• Apparel, mugs, and novelty items

Prices range from $5 for small souvenirs to $120 for uncut sheets. All proceeds support the BEP’s educational outreach programs. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) and cash are accepted. No checks or foreign currency are accepted.

Step 7: Depart and Provide Feedback

Once you’ve completed your visit, exit through the main doors. If you have time, consider leaving a review on Google or TripAdvisor to help future visitors. You may also email feedback to visitor.services@moneyfactory.gov—your comments help improve the tour experience for others.

Best Practices

Maximizing your visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth involves more than just following the steps—it requires thoughtful preparation and respectful behavior. These best practices ensure a smooth, safe, and enriching experience for you and everyone else on the tour.

Reserve Early and Be Flexible

Tour slots fill quickly, especially during school breaks and holidays. If your preferred date is unavailable, check for openings on adjacent days. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons, and Tuesday through Thursday are generally the most available days. Avoid scheduling your visit on the first or last day of the month, as these dates often coincide with federal payroll cycles and increased security protocols.

Bring Only What You Need

Due to strict security restrictions, limit your belongings to essentials: your reservation confirmation, government-issued ID, phone, wallet, and a small bottle of water. Leave large bags, coats, umbrellas, and food items at home or in your vehicle. Even small backpacks can cause delays at security. If you’re traveling with children, bring only one small snack per child and keep it in a clear plastic bag for inspection.

Dress Appropriately

While there’s no formal dress code, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The tour involves standing and walking for up to an hour on hard surfaces. Avoid wearing flip-flops, high heels, or open-toed sandals. Clothing should be modest and free of offensive slogans or graphics, as the facility is a federal government site.

Prepare Children for the Experience

Children under 12 may find the production floor overwhelming due to noise and movement. Prepare them in advance by watching short videos about money production on the BEP website. Explain that they must stay close to you at all times and that touching equipment or railings is strictly prohibited. The exhibit hall includes interactive elements designed for kids, such as touchscreens and puzzle games, which help maintain their engagement.

Respect the Environment and Staff

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a working federal facility. Do not attempt to record audio, film interviews with staff, or ask for special access to restricted areas. Staff members are not authorized to give out currency, provide tours outside scheduled times, or answer questions about security protocols. Stay with your group and follow all instructions from your guide. If you have a question, wait for the designated Q&A portion of the tour.

Plan for Accessibility Needs

The BEP Fort Worth facility is fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, elevators, and ramps are available throughout the tour route. If you or someone in your party requires a sign language interpreter, notify the BEP Visitor Services team at least five business days in advance by emailing visitor.services@moneyfactory.gov. Service animals are permitted, but pets are not allowed.

Time Your Visit Strategically

Consider visiting during the off-season—late September through early December or mid-January through mid-March—for fewer crowds and more personalized attention from guides. Avoid visiting during major events like the Fort Worth Stock Show, Texas State Fair, or major conventions, as local traffic and parking can be congested.

Tools and Resources

Planning a successful visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is greatly enhanced by leveraging official and third-party tools designed to inform, organize, and enrich your experience. Below is a curated list of essential resources.

Official BEP Website

The primary source for all tour information is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s official site: www.moneyfactory.gov. Here, you’ll find:

• Live tour availability calendar
• Reservation system portal
• Downloadable educational materials for teachers
• Historical timelines of U.S. currency
• Security feature explanations

The site is updated regularly and is the only authoritative source for tour changes or closures.

Online Reservation System

The BEP’s reservation portal, accessible at www.moneyfactory.gov/tourreservations, is the only way to secure a tour. It features:

• Real-time availability tracking
• Group size limits
• Confirmation emails with QR codes
• Cancelation policy (reservations may be canceled up to 24 hours in advance)

Bookmark this page and set a calendar reminder to reserve your slot exactly 30 days before your intended visit.

Google Maps and Navigation Apps

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to get turn-by-turn directions to 1700 E. Lamar Blvd., Fort Worth, TX. The facility’s location is clearly marked, and the parking lot is labeled “BEP Visitor Parking.” Enable “real-time traffic” to avoid delays during rush hour. The BEP is located near the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Kimbell Art Museum, making it easy to combine your visit with other local attractions.

Mobile App: BEP Currency Explorer

Download the free “BEP Currency Explorer” app (available on iOS and Android) to enhance your tour experience. The app features:

• Augmented reality (AR) tools that show how security features work on your phone’s camera
• Interactive quizzes to test your knowledge of U.S. currency
• Photo gallery of rare and historical notes
• Audio tour guide narration (can be used before or after your visit)

This app is especially useful for families and educators looking to reinforce learning.

YouTube Channel: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The BEP’s official YouTube channel features high-definition videos of the printing process, behind-the-scenes interviews with engravers, and time-lapse footage of currency production. Watching these videos before your visit helps you recognize what you’re seeing on the production floor. Key videos to watch include:

• “How a $20 Bill is Made” (7 minutes)
• “The Science of Security Features” (10 minutes)
• “Inside the Fort Worth Facility” (15 minutes)

These videos are also embedded on the BEP website and can be downloaded for offline viewing.

Local Tourism Portals

For travelers planning a broader itinerary, consult the Visit Fort Worth website (www.visitfw.com) and the Texas Tourism Board (www.texas.com). Both offer curated lists of family-friendly attractions, dining options near the BEP, and seasonal events. Many local hotels offer “BEP Tour Packages” that include discounted parking or breakfast.

Printable Educational Kits

Teachers and homeschooling families can download free, standards-aligned educational kits from the BEP’s Education Resources page. These include:

• Coloring pages of U.S. currency
• Worksheets on the history of money
• Lesson plans for grades K–12
• Post-visit assessment tools

These materials are designed to extend the learning beyond the tour and are available in PDF format for easy printing.

Real Examples

Understanding how others have successfully visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth provides valuable context and inspiration. Below are three real-life examples that illustrate different types of visitors and how they optimized their experience.

Example 1: The Educator’s Field Trip

Ms. Linda Ramirez, a 5th-grade teacher from Arlington, Texas, organized a field trip for her class of 28 students. Knowing that group sizes are capped at 10 per reservation, she created three separate reservations under her name and two parent volunteers. She reserved tours on three consecutive Tuesday mornings, spacing them 30 minutes apart. Before the trip, she used the BEP’s downloadable lesson plan to teach her students about the history of money and the importance of anti-counterfeiting features. During the tour, she assigned each student a “currency detective” role, asking them to identify one security feature on the bills they saw. Afterward, the class created a mural of the production process using drawings and photos from the BEP app. Ms. Ramirez submitted a feedback form to the BEP, which led to her school being invited to participate in a future “Teacher Appreciation Day” event.

Example 2: The International Visitor

Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka, a financial analyst from Tokyo, visited the BEP during a business trip to Dallas. He had read about the facility in a global economics journal and wanted to see the technology firsthand. He reserved his tour 30 days in advance using his Japanese passport and arrived early to account for potential language barriers. Although the tour is conducted in English, he used the BEP Currency Explorer app’s multilingual audio guide (available in Japanese) to follow along. He purchased an uncut $16 sheet as a keepsake and later shared photos of the tour on LinkedIn, sparking interest among his colleagues. His experience inspired his company to include a visit to the BEP on future international business training programs.

Example 3: The Family with Young Children

The Carter family from Austin—parents Sarah and Mark, and their two children, ages 6 and 9—planned a weekend getaway to Fort Worth. They reserved a 9:30 a.m. tour on a Friday during spring break. Knowing the kids might get restless, they brought a small bag of quiet snacks and a portable tablet loaded with the BEP app’s interactive games. The guide noticed the children’s curiosity and allowed them to use a magnifying glass to examine a sample $100 bill during the exhibit hall portion. After the tour, the family visited the gift shop and bought each child a mini-note set. The 6-year-old proudly showed his $1 note to his preschool teacher the next day, saying, “I saw it being made!” The Carters later wrote a glowing review on TripAdvisor, highlighting the staff’s patience and the educational value for young children.

FAQs

Do I need to pay for the tour?

No, tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth are completely free. There are no fees for admission, parking, or the guided experience. The gift shop sells souvenirs, but purchases are optional.

Can I bring my camera or smartphone?

Yes, personal cameras and smartphones are permitted for photography. Flash photography, tripods, and professional-grade equipment are not allowed. You may take photos in the exhibit hall and viewing gallery, but not in any restricted production areas.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, strollers are permitted, but they must pass through security screening. You may be asked to fold them briefly during the metal detector check. The tour route is stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators available throughout.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire visitor experience—including the exhibit hall, viewing gallery, and gift shop—is fully accessible. Elevators, ramps, and ADA-compliant restrooms are available. If you require a sign language interpreter, request one at least five business days in advance.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

You may cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour time through the online reservation system. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may result in your group being marked as a no-show, which could affect future reservations.

Can I visit without a reservation?

No. Walk-in visitors are not permitted. All tours require a confirmed reservation made through the official website. Without a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the facility.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, clean, accessible restrooms are located in the Visitor Center near the entrance and exit. They are available before and after your tour.

How long does the tour last?

The guided tour typically lasts between 60 and 75 minutes, including time in the exhibit hall, production floor viewing, and the final product display. Allow additional time for security screening and gift shop browsing.

Can I buy actual currency during the tour?

You cannot purchase circulating U.S. currency during the tour. However, you can buy uncut currency sheets and collectible note sets in the gift shop. These are legal to own and are not considered counterfeit.

Is the tour suitable for toddlers?

While toddlers are permitted, the tour involves standing and walking for over an hour, and the environment may be noisy and overwhelming for very young children. We recommend the tour for children ages 5 and older. The exhibit hall has interactive elements that can engage younger kids, but parents should be prepared to manage behavior.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the production areas or exhibit hall. You may bring one sealed water bottle per person. Eating and drinking are allowed only in the designated outdoor seating area near the parking lot.

What if I’m late for my tour?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled time, your reservation may be canceled and given to another group. Please plan your arrival with extra time for traffic and security screening.

Conclusion

Visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is more than a stop on a tourist itinerary—it’s an immersive encounter with the infrastructure that underpins the U.S. economy. From the quiet hum of printing presses to the intricate details of security features designed to protect the integrity of American currency, every moment of the tour reveals the dedication, precision, and innovation behind something we often take for granted: the paper bill in our wallet. By following the steps outlined in this guide, adhering to best practices, and utilizing the recommended tools, you ensure not only a smooth visit but a deeply educational one. Whether you’re a parent, educator, history buff, or curious traveler, this experience offers a rare window into the hidden world of money production. Plan ahead, arrive prepared, and let the precision of the BEP leave a lasting impression. The next time you hand someone a $20 bill, you’ll know exactly the journey it took to get into your hands—and that knowledge is priceless.