Where the serial number appears on your bond

The serial number on a savings bond is printed in the upper right corner of the bond certificate, just below the words "Series" and the bond series letter (like Series EE or Series I). It is an eight-digit number unique to that specific bond.

On paper bonds, the serial number sits on the front of the certificate in large, easy-to-read print. If you are looking at a digital record through TreasuryDirect (the government's online system for bonds), the serial number appears in your account details when you view that bond's information.

The serial number is different from the bond's denomination — the amount of money the bond is worth. A $50 bond and a $100 bond can have completely different serial numbers, and the serial number does not tell you the bond's value.

Key Takeaways

  • The serial number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of paper savings bonds, below the series designation.
  • You need the serial number to report a lost or stolen bond to the Treasury Department.
  • TreasuryDirect shows the serial number in your online account if you hold digital bonds.
  • The serial number is not the same as the bond's value or denomination.

Why you need the serial number

The serial number is your proof of ownership if a bond goes missing or is damaged. When you contact the Treasury Department to report a lost bond, they use the serial number to look up the bond in their records and confirm it was issued in your name.

You also need the serial number when you redeem a bond, particularly if you are cashing it in at a bank rather than through TreasuryDirect. The bank uses it to verify the bond is legitimate and to process the transaction correctly.

If you plan to keep your bonds safe, write down or photograph the serial number and store that information separately from the bond itself. This step takes two minutes and can save you weeks of trouble if the bond is ever lost.

Finding the serial number on older bonds

Bonds issued decades ago may have faded or worn printing, making the serial number harder to read. If the number is unclear, hold the bond up to a light source or use a magnifying glass to see the digits more clearly.

If the serial number is completely illegible due to damage, you can still report the bond to the Treasury Department. Bring the bond itself (or what remains of it) and any documentation showing you purchased it — a receipt, a gift letter, or bank records. The Treasury can often locate the bond using the issue date, denomination, and series letter, even without a perfect serial number.

Serial numbers on bonds held in TreasuryDirect

If you own bonds through TreasuryDirect, you do not have a physical certificate, so there is no printed serial number to find. Instead, the Treasury assigns each bond a unique identifier that appears in your online account.

Log into your TreasuryDirect account, select "Manage My Securities," and click on the bond you want information about. The system displays the serial number (or identifier) along with the issue date, series, denomination, and current value. You can print this page for your records.

What to do if you cannot find the serial number

If you have a paper bond but cannot locate the serial number — because the certificate is damaged, lost, or the printing is too faint — start by gathering what information you do have: the series (EE, I, or another type), the denomination, and the issue date if possible.

Contact the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 1-844-284-2676 or visit treasurydirect.gov. Have your Social Security number ready, and explain that you need help locating a bond's serial number. They can search their records using the other details you provide and help you recover the information.

Keeping your serial number safe

Once you have located the serial number, store it in a secure place separate from the bond itself. A good option is a home safe, a safe deposit box at your bank, or a digital photo stored in a password-protected cloud service.

If you own multiple bonds, create a simple list with the serial number, series, denomination, and issue date for each one. This record becomes invaluable if you need to report a bond lost or stolen, or if someone else in your family needs to locate your bonds after you pass away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serial number the same as the bond's value?

No. The serial number is a unique eight-digit identifier for that specific bond. The value (or denomination) is separate — it tells you how much the bond is worth. A $50 bond and a $100 bond are different products with different serial numbers.

What do I do if my bond's serial number is worn off?

Contact the Treasury Department at 1-844-284-2676 with the bond's series, denomination, and issue date. They can search their records and help you recover the serial number or confirm the bond's details without it.

Do I need the serial number to cash in my bond?

If you redeem through TreasuryDirect online, you do not need to provide it — the system identifies your bonds automatically. If you cash the bond at a bank, the bank may ask for the serial number to verify the bond and process the payment.

Can someone else use my bond if they know the serial number?

No. The bond is registered in your name with the Treasury Department. Ownership is tied to your Social Security number, not just the serial number. Someone with only the serial number cannot cash the bond without proof they are the registered owner.