How to Sue Someone Who Didn’t Honor Your Check in Iran

Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Action for a Bounced Check

Introduction

If someone gave you a check and it was not honored by the bank, you have the right to take legal action. However, many people don’t know which method to choose, what documents they need, how long it takes, and how to recover their money faster.

In this guide, we’ll explain in simple terms:

What types of lawsuits you can file (criminal, civil, or administrative)

What documents are required

How long each process takes

And how to increase your chances of successfully collecting the money

3 Legal Options for a Bounced Check in Iran

Depending on your situation, you can pursue one of the following routes:

Criminal Complaint

Civil Lawsuit

Administrative Enforcement via Notary Public Office (Ejra-ye Sanad)

Choosing the correct path depends on the type of check, timeline, and legal strategy.

Step 1: Bounce the Check (Non-Payment Certificate)

Before any legal action, you must:

Visit the bank and present the check

If unpaid, obtain a “Certificate of Non-Payment” from the bank

This certificate is the most essential document for pursuing your claim through any legal route.

Option 1: Criminal Complaint

You may pursue criminal charges only if:

The check is payable on demand (not postdated or a guarantee)

The check was bounced within 6 months of its issue date

The criminal complaint is filed within 6 months of receiving the bank’s certificate

A criminal case may result in imprisonment, travel ban, and banking restrictions for the check issuer.

Option 2: Civil Lawsuit

If the deadline for a criminal complaint has passed or the check was issued as a guarantee, you can still file a civil lawsuit to recover the amount.

You must file a formal complaint through the Electronic Judiciary Services