Us Code § 3125 - Relief for lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or defaced obligations

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3125 — Relief for lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or defaced obligations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3125. Relief for lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or defaced obligations

(a) In this section, "obligation" means a direct obligation of the United States Government issued under law for valuable consideration, including bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness, Treasury bills, and interim certificates issued for an obligation.

(b) The Secretary of the Treasury may provide relief for the loss, theft, destruction, mutilation, or defacement of an obligation identified by number and description.

(c)(1) An indemnity bond is required as a condition of relief if the obligation is payable to bearer or assigned so as to become payable to bearer and is not proven clearly to have been destroyed. The Secretary may prescribe for the indemnity bond the form, amount, and surety or security requirements.

(2) Relief for interest coupons claimed to have been attached to an obligation may be provided only if the Secretary is satisfied that the coupons have not been paid and are destroyed or will not become the basis of a valid claim against the Government.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 946.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
3125(a) 31:738a(d). July 8, 1937, ch. 444, §8(a)–(d), 50 Stat. 481; Aug. 10, 1939, ch. 665, §4, 53 Stat. 1359; Nov. 8, 1945, ch. 453, §153, 59 Stat. 574; restated May 27, 1971, Pub. L. 92–19, 85 Stat. 74.
3125(b) 31:738a(a).
3125(c)(1) 31:738a(b).
3125(c)(2) 31:738a(c).

In the section, the word "obligation" is substituted for "security" in the defined term for consistency in the chapter and the revised title and to eliminate using the word "security" in 2 different ways in the same section.

In subsection (b), the words "Under such regulations as he may deem necessary for the administration of this section" are omitted as unnecessary because of section 321(b) of the revised title.

In subsection (c)(1), the words "whether before, at, or after maturity" and "in effect" are omitted as surplus.

About This Section

31 U.S.C. § 3125 is part of Title 31 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 31 U.S.C. § 3125. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3125

What does United States Code § 3125 cover?

Section 3125 ("Relief for lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or defaced obligations") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 3125?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3125" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 3125 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.