Redeeming Paper Savings Bonds Under Special Circumstances

Outside the United States

If you are in another country, you can redeem (cash) your paper bonds in one of these ways:

If you are a U.S. citizen and you can get to a branch of a bank that is incorporated in the United States, or a U.S. territory or possession, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

That bank may be able to redeem your bonds. Contact the bank to find out.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or if you are a citizen but cannot find a bank locally that is authorized to and willing to redeem your bonds

You must sign the request for payment for your bonds in the presence of an appropriate official and that official must certify your signature. Appropriate officials are: a U.S. diplomatic or consular representative an officer of a foreign branch of a bank that is incorporated in the U.S., a U.S. territory or possession, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico a notary or other official authorized to administer oaths. However, if you are in a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention, a U.S. diplomatic or consular officer should certify and attest to the official's character and jurisdiction. U.S. citizens: You must include a statement over your signature that you are a U.S. citizen and you must provide your Social Security Number. Non-U.S. citizens: You must fill out and include IRS Form W-8BEN Send the signed and certified bonds to Treasury Retail Securities Services.

Redeeming a Minor's Paper Bond

A parent may redeem a minor's bond if:

• The minor is too young to sign the request for payment.
• The minor lives with the parent or the parent has been granted legal custody.

As the parent, you must write the following on the back of the bond, putting the minor's name and your name in the appropriate places and using the appropriate phrase about living with or having legal custody:

"I certify that I am the parent of [minor's name]. [Minor's name] resides with me / I have been granted legal custody of [minor's name]. [She / he] is ___ years old and is not of sufficient understanding to make this request.

You must then sign the request with your name "on behalf of [child's name] a minor."

If a local financial institution that redeems savings bonds is willing to redeem the bond	The financial institution may pay the money to the parent.
If you do not have a local financial institution that is willing to redeem the bond	Complete FS Form 1522. You may need to have your signature certified (see instructions on the form). Send the bond and form to Treasury Retail Securities Services.