How to Replace Lost, Stolen or Destroyed US Savings Bonds?

You should treat your US savings bonds as important as any other important documents. The ideal place to keep your savings bonds is in the safety box. This is to reduce the chances of the bonds for getting lost, stolen or destroyed. However, if you did not do the precaution and you lost your bonds, do not panic as you can apply for a replacement.

 

How to Replace Lost, Stolen or Destroyed US Savings Bonds?

 

You can do it in a few ways, but the easiest way would be to download the claim form "PD F 1048 E" from the Treasury Direct webpage. The form, which is titled "Claim for Lost, Stolen or Destroyed United States Savings Bonds" is in PDF format.

 

The best way to fill out the form is by typing in your details on your computer before printing it out. There could be some challenges to remember all your details of your bond if you have lost it. For instance, the issue date of your bond. In case you could not remember, you can fill in a range of issue dates alternatively.

 

The details you need to fill out your form include:

  • Issue date

  • Face amount

  • Bond number

  • Social security number

  • Name

  • Address

Then you need to answer the serial of questions about the details of loss. If the bond is under your name, you can skip the authority section. If you have minor named in the bonds, you need to fill out the minor's details as well, or skip it otherwise.

 

Next, you should determine whether you want your bond to be replaced or you simply want to cash in the bond. If what you want is bond replacement, you just have to furnish your mailing address. Cashing in your bond would prompt you to two more options; whether you want the payment to be made by check or by direct deposit to your bank account. If you choose the former, you should fill in the name to be appeared on the check as well as your mailing address. If you choose the latter, you need to provide the name on your account, type of account, bank routing number, financial institution's name and phone number.

 

After filling out the form, print it out. Please do not sign on the form until you see a bank certifying officer. Upon completing the certifying process, mail your form to the Bureau of Public Debt, Treasury Department.

 

As a conclusion, you should record the important details of your bonds before they get lost, stolen or destroyed, especially the issue date, the face amount and the bond number and to whom they belong to.

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