I'm trying to figure out how long a bank must maintain a copy of a paper check once it has been converted to an image. I've been told this a state issue and NY requires banks to give customers an option to receive paid original checks with their account statements? Is this accurate? Would any one be willing to share their current processes?

Can I require my bank to return my original check?

No. In general, the law does not require your bank to return your original check. Many banks destroy original paper checks. Other banks may store original checks for some period of time and then destroy them. Check 21 ensures that you have the same legal protections when you receive a substitute check from your bank as you do when you receive an original check.

http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/check21/consumer_guide.htm

We no longer receive them from our core processor.

Thanks Ed.