We want to do everything we can to help you replace lost or destroyed savings bonds. Despite the fact that we replace thousands of bonds each year, bond replacement isn't automatic and there are some legal and procedural requirements to be met before we're authorized to issue new bonds. As just one example, we must determine whether the bonds reported as lost were previously cashed. (We receive quite a few requests for replacement bonds where the owners have simply forgotten they were cashed - in some cases, years before!)

To help us help you, keep current and complete records of your savings bond inventory including bond serial numbers, registrations, and social security numbers. Working together, we can continue to ensure savings bonds remain one of the safest investments available.

One way you can keep track of your bond inventory is by using the Savings Bond Wizard. This Windows application allows you to maintain an inventory of your bonds and determine the current redemption value and earned interest. You can also print your bond inventory, providing you with an important record if you ever need to replace any of your savings bonds. The Wizard makes it easy and fun to manage your savings bond investment! The Savings Bond Wizard requires Windows 3.1 or higher and 2 megabytes of disk space.

If Your Bond is Lost Before You Receive It:

If you order a bond "over-the-counter" at a financial institution such as a bank or credit union and you don't receive the bond within 15 business days, contact the institution where you bought it. The institution will try to find out why you didn't receive your bond; if the bond can't be located, the institution will help you complete a claim form to request a replacement bond.

If you don't receive a bond you bought through a Payroll Savings Plan, you can contact your employer's payroll office for instructions and a claim form.

If Your Bond is Lost or Destroyed After You Receive It:

Even though many bond owners are careful, accidents still happen! For example, bonds are sometimes accidentally thrown away after owners have taken them out to count them. Unfortunately, bonds are also lost or destroyed as a result of fires, floods, and thefts.

To get your bond replaced, complete Form PD F 1048. On this form, provide the approximate issue date along with the complete names, addresses, social security number that appeared on the bond, and the bond serial number. If you don't know the serial number or denomination, just write "unknown" in the space provided. If the bond owner is a minor, the form should be signed by both parents and the minor's age and social security number should be included. Mail the completed form to: Bureau of the Public Debt, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328. Replacement bonds will show the original issue date.

NOTE: Once you receive replacement bonds or payment for lost bonds, the original bonds belong to the U.S. Government. If you find bonds after receiving replacements or payment for them, please return them to us!

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