Redeeming EE/E and I Bonds under Special Circumstances

Beneficiaries

If you're the beneficiary of a EE/E or I Bond and the person designated as owner is deceased, you must present acceptable identification and a certified copy of the owner's death certificate. For more information, see Death of a Savings Bonds Owner.

Children's Bonds

A parent can redeem a child's bond if the child is too young to sign the request for payment and he/she lives with the parent or the parent has been granted legal custody.

In this instance, the request would be made on the back of the bond as follows:

"I certify that I am the parent of Jane Doe with whom Jane Doe resides (or to whom legal custody has been granted). She is ___ years old and is not of sufficient understanding to make this request. John Doe on behalf of Jane Doe"

Local financial institutions that redeem savings bonds can pay bonds in the circumstances outlined above. When a local institution is unwilling to redeem bonds, the signature of the person requesting redemption can be guaranteed or certified at a bank or financial institution, and the bond sent to the nearest Treasury Retail Securities Site that handles savings bonds.

If You Reside Outside the United States

If you’re a U.S. Citizen, you may be able to redeem bonds in a foreign country at a bank that’s incorporated in the United States, the territories or possessions of the U.S., or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Contact the bank first and inquire.

If you reside outside of the United States and you can't find a bank authorized and willing to redeem the bonds and you wish to redeem your savings bonds:

  • Request for payment must be signed in the presence of and be certified by a U.S. diplomatic or consular representative or an officer of a foreign branch of a bank that’s incorporated in the U.S., the territories or possessions of the U.S., or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or in the presence of and certified by a notary or other official authorized to administer oaths.
  • If the signature is certified by a notary or other foreign official authorized to administer oaths, a U.S. or diplomatic or consular officer should certify and attest to the official’s character and jurisdiction.
  • If you are a U.S. citizen, you must include a statement over your signature stating that you are a U.S. citizen and you must provide your Social Security Number.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to fill out and include IRS Form W-8BEN.

Send the signed and certified bonds to either of these addresses:

Federal Reserve Bank of Pittsburgh
P.O. Box 299
Pittsburgh, PA 15230

Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 7012
Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012

Chain Letters and Savings Bonds

Buying savings bonds as part of a chain letter or similar pyramid scheme is considered to be against the public interest and is prohibited.

If you think you have been a victim, read the instructions and fill out Public Debt Form 2966 to get a refund.