We have check cashing stores in Texas. I'd be surprised if they aren't nationwide. They charge a fee to give you cash for the 'check.' For some, it must be worth it (illegals)... there's a check-stop on every street in town. Otherwise, in Texas, you can cash a check, whether drawn on your own account or that of someone else, if you have an established account with the bank you try and cash it with.
lola, our checks look very similar... lines, 4 in total - one for the date, one for the payee, one for the written amount, and the one on the bottom left for a description of the disbursement. And, of course the little box, or area for the numerical amount. I haven't seen a check without lines since I was a wee one.