Where to find the serial number on a paper EE bond
The serial number on a paper EE bond is printed in the upper right corner of the bond certificate itself. It appears as an eight-digit number, usually in a larger font than other text on the bond. If you are holding a physical bond, look at the top right area of the front side — the serial number will be one of the first things you see.
The serial number is unique to that specific bond and stays the same throughout the bond's life. You will need this number if you ever want to check the bond's current value, report it lost or stolen, or redeem it. Keep a record of it in a safe place separate from the bond itself.
Key Takeaways
- The serial number on a paper EE bond is an eight-digit number printed in the upper right corner of the certificate.
- You can also find your serial number in the TreasuryDirect system if you own digital bonds or have registered paper bonds online.
- Write down your serial number and store it separately from the bond for your records.
- The serial number is required to check your bond's value, report it missing, or begin the redemption process.
Finding the serial number in TreasuryDirect
If your EE bond is registered in the TreasuryDirect system — the U.S. Department of the Treasury's online platform — you can view the serial number by logging into your account. Go to the "ManageDirect" section and select "View Details" next to the bond you want to check. The serial number will appear on that bond's information page.
Digital EE bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect exist only in electronic form and have no physical certificate. The serial number is still assigned to them and functions the same way as a paper bond's serial number. You can print a record of your digital bonds from TreasuryDirect if you need documentation.
What the serial number tells you
The serial number itself does not encode information about the bond's purchase date, value, or owner — it is simply a unique identifier. However, the serial number is linked to all of that information in the Treasury's records. When you use the serial number to look up your bond's value on the Treasury website or through a financial institution, the system retrieves the complete history of that specific bond.
Each serial number is issued in sequence, so bonds purchased around the same time may have serial numbers close to each other. This does not affect the bond's value or terms — it is just how the Treasury organizes its records.
Recording and protecting your serial number
Write down the serial number of each EE bond you own and keep the list in a secure location — a safe deposit box, a home safe, or a password-protected document stored separately from the bonds themselves. If a bond is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you will need the serial number to file a claim with the Treasury.
If you cannot locate a bond but remember approximately when you bought it, you can contact the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service. They can search their records by your name and Social Security number to find bonds you own, though the process takes time. Having the serial number on hand makes the search much faster.
Using the serial number to check your bond's value
The Treasury offers a free tool called the Savings Bond Calculator on its website. Enter your bond's serial number, series (EE), denomination, and issue date to see the current value. This tool is updated monthly and reflects the bond's actual worth based on current interest rates.
You can also take a paper EE bond to most banks or credit unions and ask them to look up its value using the serial number. Many financial institutions have access to the same Treasury database and can provide you with a current value statement. This is useful if you are thinking about redeeming the bond and want to know what you will receive.
Serial numbers on older EE bonds
EE bonds issued before 2003 were printed differently, but the serial number location remains the same — upper right corner of the certificate. The format and appearance may look slightly different depending on the decade the bond was issued, but it is still an eight-digit identifier in that same area.
If you own an older EE bond and cannot read the serial number clearly due to fading or damage, contact the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service. They can help you identify the bond using other information like the issue date and denomination. You may also be able to have the bond reissued in digital form through TreasuryDirect.
What to do if you cannot find the serial number
If your bond is damaged or the serial number is illegible, do not assume the bond is worthless. The Treasury keeps records of all bonds issued, and you can request a search using your name, Social Security number, and the approximate purchase date. This process can take several weeks, but it will locate bonds you own even without the serial number.
If a bond is lost or stolen, report it to the Treasury as soon as possible. You will need to provide as much information as you can remember — the approximate purchase date, the denomination, and where you bought it. The Treasury can place a hold on the bond to prevent anyone else from redeeming it while they investigate your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the serial number the same as the bond's issue number?
The serial number is the unique identifier printed on the bond certificate. The issue number refers to the series and type of bond (such as EE). They are different things — you need the serial number to look up that specific bond's value and history.
Can I redeem a bond if I have lost the serial number?
Yes. You can redeem a bond at most banks or through TreasuryDirect even without the serial number, though you will need to present the physical certificate or have it registered in your TreasuryDirect account. If the bond is lost entirely, contact the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service to report it and request a search of their records.
Do digital EE bonds have serial numbers?
Yes. Digital bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect have serial numbers assigned to them, even though there is no physical certificate. You can view the serial number by logging into your TreasuryDirect account and selecting the bond you want to check.
What if two bonds have similar serial numbers?
Each serial number is unique — no two bonds will have the exact same eight-digit number. If you see similar numbers, you are looking at different bonds. Always verify the complete serial number when looking up a bond's value to ensure you are checking the correct one.