The documents and information you'll need before you go

To cash a savings bond, you need the bond itself, a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof that you own it. If the bond is in your name alone, that's straightforward — bring the bond and your ID to a bank or credit union. If the bond is registered to someone else, or if two people own it together, the rules change, and you may need additional paperwork or the other person present.

The specific documents vary depending on who the bond belongs to and where you're cashing it. A bank teller will tell you what's missing if you show up without everything, but knowing what to bring saves a trip back home.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring the physical savings bond, a valid photo ID, and proof of ownership — usually the bond itself serves as proof if it's in your name.
  • If the bond is in someone else's name or held jointly, the co-owner or the registered owner must be present or provide written authorization.
  • Banks, credit unions, and the U.S. Treasury all cash savings bonds, though banks may charge a small fee and the Treasury never does.
  • If the bond is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement from the Treasury, but the process takes several weeks.
  • Savings bonds mature at different ages depending on the series — Series EE bonds take 20 years to reach final maturity, while Series I bonds take 30 years.

Your valid photo ID and what counts

You need a government-issued photo ID with your current name on it. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The name on your ID should match the name on the bond, or at least match one of the names if the bond is registered to multiple people.

If your name has changed since the bond was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring both your old ID (or a copy of the bond showing the old name) and your new ID. A marriage certificate or court order documenting the name change may also be needed, depending on the bank. Call ahead and ask what the specific institution requires.

When the bond belongs to someone else

If the bond is registered in someone else's name only, that person must be the one to cash it. They're the legal owner, and the bank won't hand over the money to anyone else without a power of attorney or a court order.

If the bond is registered as "John Smith or Jane Smith" (with the word "or" between the names), either person can cash it alone. If it says "John Smith and Jane Smith" (with "and"), both people must be present, or one person must have a notarized power of attorney from the other. The bond itself usually shows which word was used, or you can check the Treasury's records online if you have the bond serial number.

Bonds registered to minors or in trust

If a bond is registered to a child under 18, the parent or legal guardian must bring their own ID and the child's birth certificate or Social Security card to prove the relationship. Some banks also ask for a copy of the custody order if the child's parents are divorced.

If a bond is held in a trust, the trustee can cash it by bringing the trust document, their ID, and the bond. The bank will want to see that the trust is valid and that the person cashing it is actually the trustee. If the trust is very old or the language is unclear, the bank may ask a lawyer to review it before processing the cash-out.

Where you can cash the bond

You have three main options: a bank, a credit union, or the U.S. Treasury directly. Most people use a bank because it's convenient — you can walk in during business hours and walk out with cash or a deposit to your account the same day.

Banks may charge a small fee to cash a savings bond, typically $5 to $25, though many waive it for customers with accounts. Credit unions usually charge less or nothing. The U.S. Treasury never charges a fee, but you have to mail the bond in or use their online system, and the process takes one to two weeks. If you have a large bond or want to avoid fees, the Treasury route saves money, but it's slower.

If the bond is lost, stolen, or damaged

A damaged bond — one that's torn, faded, or water-damaged — can still be cashed if enough of it is legible to identify the series, denomination, and serial number. Bring it to your bank and ask. Most banks will accept it.

If the bond is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement from the Treasury. You'll need to fill out Form PD F 1048 and provide proof of ownership, such as the original purchase receipt or a copy of the bond if you have one. The Treasury will investigate and issue a replacement bond, but the process takes four to eight weeks. During that time, the bond continues to earn interest, so you don't lose money — you just can't access it until the replacement arrives.

What happens after you cash it

When you cash a savings bond at a bank, you can take the money in cash, deposit it into your account, or split it between the two. The bank will give you a receipt showing the bond serial number, the amount, and the date. Keep this receipt for your records.

The Treasury will send you a Form 1099-INT the following January if the bond earned more than $10 in interest during the year. You'll need this form to report the interest on your tax return. If you cashed multiple bonds, the interest from all of them may be combined on a single form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a savings bond before it matures?

Yes. Series EE and Series I bonds can be cashed any time after one year of ownership, though you'll lose the last three months of interest if you cash before five years. Series HH bonds must be held for at least six months before cashing. Check your bond's series to know the exact rules for your bond.

What if I lost the bond but still have the serial number?

The serial number alone isn't enough to prove ownership. You'll need the original purchase receipt, a bank statement showing the purchase, or a copy of the bond itself. If you have none of these, contact the Treasury with as much information as you remember — the approximate purchase date, the amount, and the series — and they can search their records.

Do I have to cash the entire bond, or can I cash part of it?

You must cash the entire bond. You cannot split a single bond between multiple people or cash out a portion and keep the rest earning interest. If you own multiple bonds, you can cash some and keep others.

What if the bond is in both my name and my spouse's name with "or"?

Either of you can cash it alone without the other person present. Bring your ID and the bond to any bank, and they'll process it. The other person has no say in whether it's cashed.

How long does it take to get the money if I mail the bond to the Treasury?

The Treasury typically processes mailed bonds within one to two weeks of receiving them. Mail takes several days each way, so plan for three to four weeks total from the time you drop it in the mail to when the money reaches your bank account.