How to Redeem a Bond With a Different Name

Savings bonds are low-risk investments.

Savings bonds are low-risk investments that typically are issued by government entities to raise money for specific projects, such as road improvements or military efforts. The most notable bonds are U.S. Treasury bonds. The Treasury Department has processes in place that allow the rightful owner, or the beneficiaries of the owner, to redeem EE and I bonds with or without the correct name on the bonds.

Instructions

1. Take the bond to a financial institution, such as your local bank. Provide legal identification that includes a picture ID. Your passport or driver's license is adequate for proving who you are.

2. Provide proof that you have the right to cash in the bonds. If the bonds are in the name of you and your ex-spouse, and you both are listed on the bond, you have the right to cash in the bonds. If the bonds are only in the spouse's name, the spouse needs to cash the bonds and give you the money or have the bonds reissued in your name. If the bonds are in the name of a deceased person, provide a copy of the death certificate. As long as you are listed as the beneficiary on the bonds with the Treasury Department, you can redeem the bonds. Bonds issued in the name of children can be redeemed by their parents. Take in the child's Social Security card, if possible; otherwise, parents' Social Security number is used as proof of ownership. If you want to redeem bonds in your maiden name and are now married, take in pieces of identification showing your maiden and current name. For example, take in your current driver's license and a copy of your marriage certificate.

3. Sign the back of the bonds. If you are signing bonds on behalf a child, note that you are signing as the parent of the child.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you cash in those bonds, check with the Treasury Department about what rate the bond currently is earning. Some older bonds may be earning 4 to 6 percent. That can be a good return rate, depending on the economy. You may want to file a Form PD F 4000, Request to Reissue United States Savings Bonds to have the bonds reissued in your name instead.

References

• Nolo: How Beneficiaries Can Claim Payable-on-Death Assets
• SavingsBonds.com: Frequently Asked Questions
• TreasuryDirect: Reinvest or Redeem Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds and TIPS
• Bankrate.com: Rules for Cashing in U.S. Savings Bonds