Title 31 — Money and FinanceRelease 119-73
§3128 Proof of death to support payment
Title 31 › Subtitle SUBTITLE III— - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT › Chapter CHAPTER 31— - PUBLIC DEBT › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - ADMINISTRATIVE › § 3128
Summary
An authorized U.S. officer’s finding that someone is dead is enough proof to let a Federal Reserve bank or Treasury official credit or pay obligations, including guaranteed ones handled by Treasury Secretary.
Full Legal Text
Title 31, §3128
Money and Finance — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
A finding of death made by an officer or employee of the United States Government authorized by law to make the finding is sufficient proof of death to allow credit in the accounts of a Federal reserve bank or accountable official of the Department of the Treasury in a case involving the transfer, exchange, reissue, redemption, or payment of obligations of the Government, including obligations guaranteed by the Government for which the Secretary of the Treasury acts as transfer agent.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 312831:757d.Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, § 23; added Apr. 3, 1945, ch. 51, § 4, 59 Stat. 48. The words “officer or employee” are substituted for “official or agency” for clarity and consistency with other titles of the United States Code. The word “Government” is added for consistency. The words “section 1005 of Appendix to title 50” are omitted because the section was repealed by section 8(a) of the Act of Sept. 6, 1966 (Pub. L. 89–554, 80 Stat. 651). The words “or by any other” are omitted as surplus. The words “or by the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Navy” are omitted because of 10:ch. 75. The word “official” is substituted for “officer” for consistency. The words “bonds and other” are omitted as surplus. The words “Secretary of the Treasury” are substituted for “Treasury Department” for accuracy and consistency.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
31 U.S.C. § 3128
Title 31 — Money and Finance
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73