Embassy of the United States Ottawa, Canada

Signature Verification at a Consulate

In order to redeem U.S. savings bonds in a foreign country, the registered owner's signature on the bond must be verified by a United States diplomatic or consular officer, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The registered owner must submit the bond(s) and proper identification including their Social Security Number and mailing address. There is no fee for this service.

Signature Verification by Notary Public

In areas where no U.S. consular services are available, the registered owner's signature may be verified by a Notary Public on Form PD 1522 (80KB PDF), "Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement Securities." If Form PD 1522 is signed before a Notary public, the completed form must be sent to the United States Consulate for authentication of the Notary's signature.

In order to authenticate the Notary's signature, the Notary must be registered with the United States Consulate General. If the Notary is not registered with the Consulate,(s)he must send a photocopy of his/her Membership card issued by the Law Society together with a 3" x 5" index card providing the following information:

• current name and address (typed)
• sample signature and impression seal
• date commission expires. (If the commission does not expire, please state that on the card.)

Registration for the Notary is free, however, there is a fee of US$30 for authentication of a Notary's signature on Form PD 1522.

We cannot accept company checks or personal checks, therefore, we suggest that all transactions be made by cash or money order in U.S. funds, payable to the Consulate General of the United States of America. We also require a self-addressed stamped envelope large enough for the return of the documents to you.

Redemption

After completion of the above instructions, the documents should be mailed to the Bureau of Public Debt at the address shown below. It is advisable to keep a photocopy or record of your bond serial numbers in the event they are lost or stolen.

Bureau of Public Debt
P.O. Box 1328
Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328

Phone: (304) 480-6112

More information

Questions regarding U.S. savings bonds should be directed to the Department of the Treasury, or their U.S. Savings Bonds website.