The authorization for release of information is a one-page form, FS Form 5456, from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (TreasuryDirect). With it, a person named on United States securities, or entitled to them, authorizes the Bureau to release all information about those securities to one or two people they name. The form is signed and dated by the person giving the authorization. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the Bureau publishes the original on its TreasuryDirect savings bond forms page.
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What is FS Form 5456?
FS Form 5456, Authorization for Release of Information, is the Bureau of the Fiscal Service form on which one person authorizes the Bureau to release all information concerning United States securities to the person or persons named on the form.
The text of the form is a single statement. The signer, identified as the person authorizing the release, states that they authorize the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to release all information to the named recipient. The form has two lines for recipients, each marked "Name of person to whom information may be released". The release covers United States securities on which the signer is named or to which the signer is entitled. The signer then signs and dates the form.
At the top, a box marked "For official use only" holds the Customer Name, Case/Request # and Customer No. That box is for the agency, not for you. The form also warns that making any false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim or statement to the United States is a crime and may be prosecuted, and it tells you to print in ink or type all information.
The Bureau lists FS Form 5456 among its Forms for Savings Bonds, without a further description. It is an authorization to release information only. The same list shows separate forms for other purposes, such as FS Form 5188, Durable Power of Attorney for Securities and Savings Bonds Transactions, which the Bureau describes as assigning a power of attorney for transactions involving Treasury securities.
Who needs to file FS Form 5456?
The main user is a person who is named on United States securities, or is entitled to them, and wants the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to release information about those securities to someone else. That person is the one who authorizes the release, and the person who signs the form.
- Owner or person entitled: completes the first blank with their own name and signs and dates the form at the bottom.
- Recipient: one or two people, each written on a line marked "Name of person to whom information may be released". Recipients do not sign this form.
The form covers only information about securities on which the signer is named or to which the signer is entitled. It does not authorize anyone to conduct transactions. For that purpose the Bureau's forms list shows other forms, such as FS Form 5188, Durable Power of Attorney for Securities and Savings Bonds Transactions.
The form prints no rule about a representative signing for the authorizing person, so check with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service before anyone else signs.
When to file FS Form 5456
The form has no due date. You complete it when you want the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to release information about your United States securities to a person you name, and the authorization is given by the form's signature and date. The form prints no expiration date or renewal rule, so ask the Bureau if you need to know how long an authorization stays in effect or how to change it.
How to fill out FS Form 5456
Read the warning and format rule
At the top, note that making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim or statement to the United States is a crime. The form says to print in ink or type all information.
Enter the name of the authorizing person
In the sentence beginning "I", write the name of the person authorizing the release of information. This is the person named on the securities or entitled to them.
Name who may receive information
On the first line marked "Name of person to whom information may be released", write the recipient. Use the second line for a second recipient, if any.
Leave the official-use box blank
Do not write in the box marked "For official use only" with Customer Name, Case/Request # and Customer No. The agency uses it.
Sign the authorization
Sign on the line marked "Signature of person authorizing the release of information". The form prints no other signature block.
Date, review and download the PDF
Enter the date on the line under the signature. Check each name for spelling, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and send it as described under How to submit.
How to submit FS Form 5456
FS Form 5456 prints no mailing address, portal or other channel for sending it. Confirm with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, through TreasuryDirect, where it should go before you send it.
- Completing the form: the Bureau's forms page says you can fill out a form on the computer and print it, or print it and fill it out by hand. FS Form 5456 itself says to print in ink or type all information.
- Signature: the form has one signature line for the person authorizing the release. The Bureau's forms page says that some forms require a certified signature and that you should follow the instructions on the form; FS Form 5456 prints no certification requirement.
- Where the form is published: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/forms/
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the agency's channels, not this site.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing the form by hand in pencil or illegibly; the form says to print in ink or type all information.
- Leaving the first blank empty, so the form does not say who is authorizing the release.
- Leaving both lines for the recipient blank or naming someone other than the person who should receive the information.
- Writing in the box marked For official use only (Customer Name, Case/Request #, Customer No); it is for the agency.
- Sending the form unsigned or without the date beneath the signature line.
- Entering any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement; the form warns that this is a crime and may be prosecuted.
- Using this form to let someone conduct transactions; it authorizes the release of information only.
- Assuming a certified signature is needed without checking; the form prints no certification instruction, so follow what the form says.
Frequently asked questions
What is FS Form 5456 used for?
FS Form 5456, Authorization for Release of Information, is used by a person named on United States securities, or entitled to them, to authorize the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to release all information about those securities to the one or two people named on the form.
Can I fill out the authorization for release of information online?
You can fill out FS Form 5456 online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF. FillingPDF is an independent service and does not file the form; you send it to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service through the agency's channels.
How many people can I name on FS Form 5456?
Up to two. The form has two lines, each marked "Name of person to whom information may be released". Use one line if only one person should receive information.
What information does the Bureau release under this form?
The form authorizes the release of all information concerning United States securities on which you are named or to which you are entitled. It names no narrower category of information and does not authorize transactions.
Who signs FS Form 5456?
The person authorizing the release signs and dates it, on the line marked "Signature of person authorizing the release of information". The recipient does not sign. The form prints no rule on representatives signing for someone else.
Does FS Form 5456 need a certified signature?
The form prints no certification requirement. The Bureau's savings bond forms page says some forms require a certified signature and to follow the instructions on the form, so sign FS Form 5456 as the form directs.
Where do I send FS Form 5456?
The form prints no address or other submission channel. Confirm with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service through TreasuryDirect where to send it. The Bureau publishes the form on its savings bond forms page.
Is FS Form 5456 the same as a power of attorney?
No. FS Form 5456 only authorizes the release of information. The Bureau lists a separate form, FS Form 5188, Durable Power of Attorney for Securities and Savings Bonds Transactions, for assigning a power of attorney for transactions.
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