Check to see that you are eligible. U.S. Savings Bonds have stringent rules for who is eligible to redeem bonds for educational purposes. You must be using the funds in the same calendar year that you redeem the bonds and the student must not be the owner or co-owner of the bonds. There are other stipulations, including what purchases qualify. Tuition, fees (including registration and lab fees) may be covered by savings bonds, but the money may not be used for room and board expenses.
Obtain a Special Form of Request. To redeem savings bonds, you must complete a "Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement Securities Where Use of a Detached Request is Authorized," otherwise known as the Form 1522. Download a PDF of the form from www.savingsbonds.com/us-savings-bond-government-forms.cfm or call either Treasury Retail Securities Sites at 1-800-245-2804 (Pitssburgh office) or 1-800-553-2663 (Minneapolis office).
Submit the Request Form: You will need to have your bonds in front of you to complete the request form. You'll also need to know your bank account information (routing number, account number) if you plan on having the funds directly deposited or an address to mail the redemption check.
You will also need to visit a Federal Reserve Bank to complete the signature part of the form. Don't sign it until you are in front of the certifying offer. To find a list of qualifying banks, visit federalreserve.gov/fraddress.htm. There are 12 banks in the country, so if you do not live near on the of those banks, call the bank nearest you to find out your alternatives.