Where Is the Savings Bond Serial Number?

Savings bonds are debt securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to help finance the government. They offer a secure, low-risk way for individuals to save money, accruing interest over a period of time. A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to each bond, serving as an important piece of information for tracking ownership, verifying bond details, and facilitating any necessary transactions such as redemption or replacement. This number is fundamental for managing your investment effectively.

Locating on Paper Savings Bonds

For those holding physical paper savings bonds, the serial number is an alphanumeric code printed on the bond certificate. This identifier is found in the lower right corner of the bond. It is a 10-digit code combining letters and numbers. This placement applies to both Series EE and Series I paper bonds, making the location consistent.

The serial number is a unique identifier. The lower right section of your paper bond will reveal this code. Record this serial number and store it in a secure location separate from the bond. This record can be invaluable for future reference, especially if the bond is misplaced or damaged.

Accessing for Electronic Savings Bonds

Electronic savings bonds do not have a physical serial number. These bonds are managed and tracked electronically within a TreasuryDirect account, the official online platform. To access the details of your electronic savings bonds, including their identifiers, you must log into your TreasuryDirect account.

After logging in, navigate to the “My Account” section. Here, you will find a list of your electronic savings bonds. Selecting a specific bond will display its information, including the electronic identification number. This portal provides a secure method for monitoring your bond holdings and their current values.

Retrieving Serial Numbers for Unavailable Bonds

If a bond is lost, stolen, destroyed, or if you cannot access its serial number through TreasuryDirect, procedures exist to retrieve this information. The Treasury offers an online tool, Treasury Hunt, to locate bonds, especially those issued since 1974. Search by entering your Social Security number to find unclaimed or matured bonds.

If Treasury Hunt is unsuccessful or for bonds issued before 1974, submit FS Form 1048, “Claim for Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed United States Savings Bonds.” The form requires information about the missing bonds, including issue date, face amount, and inscription details (names and Social Security numbers). While the serial number is requested, if unknown, provide other identifying information. This helps the Treasury process your claim and potentially issue a replacement bond or payment.