What to Do If Your Canada Savings Bond Is Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed (And When You Need a Notary)

If you’ve misplaced a paper Canada Savings Bond (CSB) or Canada Premium Bond (CPB), you’re not alone. The good news? Even though all CSBs and CPBs have now matured and stopped earning interest, you can still redeem them, even without the original certificate but you will need to follow the proper process. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide, including when you’ll need a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths.

Step 1: Report the Bond as Lost

To begin, you’ll need to complete a Lost Bond Request Form and mail it to:

Bank of Canada

Unclaimed Properties Office

234 Wellington Street

Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G9

Once your request is received, you’ll be sent a package containing:

• A Bond of Indemnity Form

• A Schedule to Bond of Indemnity

  
  

Step 2: Complete the Bond of Indemnity

This is the key document required to recover your funds.

You’ll need to provide:

• A description of how the bond was lost, stolen, or destroyed

• The total value of the bond (including accumulated interest)

All registered owners must complete this form.

Step 3: Signatures & Witnessing Requirements

This is where a Notary Public may be required.

Who must sign?

• All registered bond owners

• OR their authorized representatives

• OR both parents (if the owner is a minor)

If someone signs on behalf of the owner, their legal authority must be clearly stated and supported with documentation.

Do You Need a Notary Public?

It depends on the value of your bond:

✔ If the total value is $3,500 or less:

• A witness of legal age is sufficient

• No notarization required

✔ If the total value is over $3,500:

• The signature must be witnessed by:

  • A Notary Public, or

  • A Commissioner of Oaths

The notary or commissioner must:

• Witness the signature

• Apply their official stamp or seal

Without proper witnessing, your application may be delayed or rejected.

Step 4: Pay the Surety Fee

To protect against duplicate claims, a surety fee must be paid to HUB International Ontario Limited.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• $100 – $1,000 → $30

• $1,000.01 – $3,500 → $70

• Over $3,500 → 3% of the total value

Important:

• Payment must be made by cheque or money order

• Fees cannot be deducted from your bond payout

• Incorrect payment amounts will result in rejection

Step 5: Submit Your Documents

Mail the following to HUB International:

• Completed Bond of Indemnity Form

• Schedule to Bond of Indemnity

• Surety fee payment

Processing typically takes 8–10 weeks, after which payment is issued by cheque.

What Happens If You Find the Bond Later?

If you locate your original bond certificate after reporting it lost:

• You must notify the Unclaimed Properties Office immediately

• You may be required to return the certificate or repay the redeemed amount

When You May Also Need Certified True Copies

In some cases, you’ll need to provide supporting legal documents, such as:

• Power of Attorney

• Will

• Birth certificate

• Court orders

A Notary Public can prepare certified true copies by:

• Comparing the original document to the copy

• Applying their signature and official seal

The most common issues that delay applications include:

• Missing signatures

• Improper witnessing

• Incorrect surety fee amounts

If your bond value exceeds $3,500, working with a Notary Public ensures your documents are completed correctly the first time.

Need Help Notarizing Your Bond Documents?

If you require notarization or certified true copies for your bond claim, feel free to reach out. Affordable Markham Notary offers efficient notary services to help you complete the process smoothly and avoid delays.

The Lost Bond Request can be found here: https://www.unclaimedproperties.bankofcanada.ca/docs/CB_Lost_Bond_Request_Form.pdf

More information can be found here: https://www.unclaimedproperties.bankofcanada.ca/app/report-lost-bonds