The person whose name is on the bond can cash it, or someone with legal authority to act on their behalf

A savings bond belongs to whoever's name appears on it. That person can walk into a bank or credit union and cash it. If the bondholder is a minor, deceased, or unable to manage their own affairs, someone else can cash it — but only if they have the legal right to do so. The rules depend on whose name is on the bond and what paperwork you have.

The simplest case is when you are the sole owner and you're an adult. Bring the bond and a photo ID to your bank or credit union, and they'll cash it. If your name is on the bond but you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must cash it on your behalf. If the bondholder has died, the situation gets more complex — it depends on whether there's a will, an estate, or a surviving co-owner.

Key Takeaways

  • The person named on the bond can cash it with a photo ID at most banks and credit unions.
  • A parent or legal guardian can cash a bond owned by a minor, but the bank may require proof of guardianship.
  • If the bondholder is deceased, you'll need either a court order, a will naming you as executor, or proof you're the surviving co-owner.
  • Some bonds require the bondholder to sign in front of a bank officer or notary public, depending on the bond type and age.
  • If you've lost the physical bond certificate, the U.S. Department of the Treasury can issue a replacement, but the process takes several weeks.

Cashing a bond when you're the owner and an adult

If your name is on the bond and you're 18 or older, you can cash it yourself. Bring the bond certificate and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to your bank or credit union. Most institutions will cash it on the spot, though some may ask you to have an account with them.

Not all banks cash savings bonds. Call ahead and ask whether they do. If yours doesn't, the Federal Reserve Bank in your region will cash it, though you may need to mail it in or visit in person. You can find your regional Federal Reserve Bank on the Federal Reserve's website.

Cashing a bond owned by a minor

A parent or legal guardian must cash the bond on behalf of a child under 18. Bring the bond, the child's birth certificate or Social Security card as proof of identity, and your own photo ID. Some banks will also ask to see proof of guardianship — a court order, custody agreement, or the child's birth certificate listing you as a parent.

The bank will typically require the parent or guardian to sign the bond in front of a bank officer. If the child is old enough, the bank may ask the child to be present and sign as well, though this varies by institution. Call your bank first to ask what documents they need.

Cashing a bond after the owner has died

If the bondholder is deceased, who can cash it depends on how the bond was registered and whether there's a will or court order. If the bond names a co-owner or beneficiary, that person can usually cash it with a death certificate and their photo ID. If there is no co-owner or named beneficiary, the bond becomes part of the estate.

If there's a will, the executor named in the will can cash the bond. They'll need to show the death certificate, the will, and proof they've been appointed executor — usually a document from the probate court. If there's no will but the estate is small enough, your state may allow a surviving family member to cash it without going to probate court. The threshold varies by state, typically between $5,000 and $40,000. Contact your state's probate court or a local attorney to find out whether you can skip probate.

If no will exists and the estate is large, the bond will have to go through probate court. A judge will appoint an administrator to manage the estate, and that person can then cash the bond. This process can take several months to over a year.

Cashing a bond registered in two names

Some bonds are registered with two names on them. How you cash it depends on how the names are listed. If the bond says "Person A or Person B," either person can cash it alone without the other's permission. If it says "Person A and Person B," both people usually have to sign and agree to cash it, though some banks will allow one person to cash it if the other is deceased or incapacitated.

Check the exact wording on your bond certificate. If you're unsure, call your bank or the Federal Reserve Bank for your region — they can tell you based on the registration language.

What to do if the bond certificate is lost or damaged

If you've lost the physical bond or it's too damaged to read, the U.S. Department of the Treasury can issue a replacement. You'll need to fill out Form PD F 1048 and send it to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service along with proof of ownership — usually a copy of the original bond, a bank statement showing the bond, or a tax return listing it.

The replacement process takes four to six weeks. During that time, you cannot cash the bond. If you need the money urgently, this is not a fast route. Once the replacement arrives, you can cash it like any other bond.

Bonds that require a signature may provide or notary

Older savings bonds or bonds worth over a certain amount may require your signature to be may provide by a bank officer or notarized before you cash them. A signature may provide means a bank officer has verified your identity and watched you sign the bond. A notary public does something similar but is not a bank employee.

If your bond requires this, the bank where you're cashing it can usually provide the may provide or direct you to a notary. There may be a small fee — typically $10 to $50 — though some banks waive it for customers. Ask when you call to confirm they cash bonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else cash my bond if I give them permission?

No. Only the person named on the bond, a legal guardian, an executor, or a surviving co-owner can cash it. Written permission from you is not enough. If you want someone to cash it on your behalf, they need legal authority — guardianship, power of attorney, or executor status.

What if I'm the beneficiary but not the owner?

If you're named as a beneficiary but not an owner, you can cash the bond only after the owner dies. Bring the death certificate and your photo ID to the bank. If the bond names multiple beneficiaries, check whether it says "or" or "and" — if it says "or," you can cash it alone; if it says "and," all beneficiaries may need to agree.

Can I cash a bond at any bank?

Not all banks cash savings bonds. Call your bank first to confirm. If they don't, you can mail the bond to the Federal Reserve Bank in your region or visit in person. The Federal Reserve website lists all regional banks and their addresses.

Do I need the original bond certificate, or can I use a copy?

You need the original bond certificate. A copy is not acceptable. If you've lost it, you can request a replacement from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, but that takes four to six weeks.

What happens if the bond has matured and stopped earning interest?

You can still cash it. A matured bond no longer earns interest, but the principal is still yours. Bring it to your bank or the Federal Reserve with your photo ID, just as you would with an active bond.