Information checked: September 9, 2026.
A missing paper savings bond is not automatically lost money. The Treasury can search ownership records and, when entitlement is established, pay or replace an eligible bond. The route depends on the bond's issue date and whether you know its serial number.
Key answer: For a bond issued in 1974 or later when the serial number is unknown, start with Treasury Hunt. For a lost, stolen, or destroyed paper savings bond, TreasuryDirect directs claimants to FS Form 1048. The form must contain enough ownership and purchase information to identify the bond and must be signed as instructed.
Table of contents
- Treasury Hunt versus Form 1048
- Information needed for a search
- How to complete the claim
- What payment or replacement means
- Special rules after an owner's death
- Frequently asked questions
Treasury Hunt versus Form 1048
| Situation | Starting route |
|---|---|
| Unknown serial number, issued in 1974 or later | Treasury Hunt |
| Known serial number | FS Form 1048 |
| Unknown serial number, issued before 1974 | The special Form 1048 route described by TreasuryDirect |
| Electronic bond in TreasuryDirect | Sign in to the TreasuryDirect account |
Treasury Hunt does not display the value publicly. If it finds a possible record, follow its instructions and use the reference-number version of FS Form 1048 when provided.
Information needed for a search
A serial number is helpful but not always required. Treasury's instructions say that when it is unknown, the claimant should provide the specific month and year of purchase, the complete Social Security number associated with the bond, the registered names, and the address printed on the bond. For a gift bond, purchaser information may also matter.
- Bond series and approximate denomination
- Issue month and year or a reasonable range
- Registration names, including middle initials
- Address used when the bond was bought
- Owner or purchaser taxpayer identification number
- Details of when and how the bond was lost, stolen, or destroyed
How to complete the claim
- Use Treasury Hunt if the issue date and missing serial-number rules direct you there.
- Download the current FS Form 1048 from TreasuryDirect.
- Describe the bond and loss completely.
- Wait to sign until you are before the notary or certifying official required by the form.
- Attach any required legal evidence and remaining pieces of a damaged bond.
- Mail the package to the address printed on the current form.
Do not rely on a saved copy of an old form. TreasuryDirect warns users to obtain the current version and follow the address and certification instructions on it.
What payment or replacement means
For Series EE or I bonds, a replacement is generally electronic in TreasuryDirect rather than a new paper bond. Matured HH bonds no longer earn interest, so TreasuryDirect identifies redemption as the available result for lost, stolen, or destroyed HH bonds.
If an original bond later turns up after Treasury has paid or replaced it, it no longer belongs to the claimant and must be returned to the government.
Special rules after an owner's death
The person filing must prove authority and entitlement. Treasury may require a certified death certificate and estate-specific forms. Non-administered estates can require FS Form 5336, while an executor or court-appointed representative may use a different route. Use TreasuryDirect's “Death of a savings bond owner” guide before signing anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can Treasury search without a serial number?
Yes, but you need detailed purchase and registration information. Bonds issued in 1974 or later may be searched through Treasury Hunt first.
Can I email Form 1048?
Follow the current form. TreasuryDirect's instructions generally direct claimants to mail the certified form and supporting documents to the printed address.
Will I receive another paper bond?
Replacement EE and I bonds are generally issued electronically. The available outcome depends on the series and maturity status.
Final checklist
Gather the registration and purchase details, use Treasury Hunt when applicable, download the current Form 1048, obtain required signature certification, and retain a copy of the full claim package.
Related guides
- How to Find Unclaimed Wages: Official State and Federal Search Tools
- Deceased Relative Unclaimed Property: Who Can Claim It and Which Documents Are Needed