How to Fill out a Money Order for a Passport? [Example & Tips]

Applying for a passport can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding all the fees involved.

Don’t worry.

In this post, we’ll discuss the costs for first-time applications and renewals, as well as how to fill out a money order for a passport.

Learn more about passport applications:

• Passport Renewal Status
• Passport Photo Rejected—Now What?
• How Long Does It Take To Get a Passport?
• How to Apply for a Passport for an Adopted Child?
• Passport Photo Requirements: Complete Checklist for US Pics
• Top 5 Reasons Your US Passport Application Might Get Denied
• How Much Does a Passport Cost?

Understanding Passport Application Fees

When applying for a US passport, you’ll encounter two main fees: the application fee and the execution fee. 

The application fee goes to the US Department of State. In contrast, the execution fee is typically paid to the acceptance facility, such as a post office. 

Let’s recap all passport application costs so you know how much you need to pay.

First-time passport application for adults aged 16 or older:

• Passport book: $165
• Passport card: $65
• Passport book and card: $195

First-time application for minors under 16:

• Passport book: $135
• Passport card: $50
• Passport book & card: $150

Passport renewal for adults ages 16 or older (no execution fees apply):

• Passport book: $130
• Passport card: $30
• Passport book & card: $160

Note that the above costs include both the application fee and the execution fee.

All application and execution fees are non-refundable, with one exception. If you pay for an expedited service ($60) and a passport agency fails to process your application within 15 business days, you can request a refund of the passport expedited service fee.

👉 Related reading: Learn how to fill out Form DS-11 (first-time applications) or DS-82 (renewals).

How to Get a Money Order for a Passport?

You can buy a money order at the Post Office or use a personal check. Note that you’ll need two separate money orders: one paid to the US Department of State (application fee) and the other paid to the acceptance facility (execution fee).

Filling Out a Money Order for Passport Applications: 5 Steps

Whether you’re applying for or renewing your passport, you can pay the required fees with a money order.

Here’s how to do it correctly:

1. Payee details: In the “Pay to the Order of,” “Payee,” or “Pay to” field, write “US Department of State.” No abbreviations (e.g., USDOS) are allowed.
2. Payee address: Leave it blank.
3. Your personal information: Write your full name and address in the “From” and “Address” lines.
4. Memo: You can leave it blank or write a note explaining which fees you’re paying. For example, you can write, “Passport application fees for John Smith.”
5. Signature: Remember to sign your money order for it to be authorized.

Note that you don’t fill out the “Amount” field. When buying your money order, purchase it for the exact fee amount.

How to Fill Out a Check for a Passport?

Personal checks are a perfectly acceptable form of payment for a passport application fee. The process is quite similar but with a few distinctions.

1. Payee information: As with the money order, write “US Department of State” on the “Pay to the Order of” line.
2. Amount: Fill in the exact amount in both numerical and written form.
3. Memo or “for” line: Include information like your full name and date of birth. This extra detail can help ensure your payment is correctly applied.
4. Signature: Your signature validates the check, so don’t forget to sign it before submitting it.

Pro tip: If someone else is paying your passport fees, they must include your full name in the memo or notes section. For example, they can write, “Passport fees paid for John Smith.”

Passport Fee Money Orders: Tips

• Where can I get a money order? You can buy a money order from various places, including USPS post offices, banks, and retail stores.
• Who can pay for your money order? You can pay yourself or ask someone else to do it.
• Can you pay in cash? Some acceptance facilities and passport agencies/centers accept cash. Remember to have the exact amount. You can’t pay in cash if you renew your passport by mail.
• What ink should you use? Fill out your money order or check in blue or black ink.
• Can you pay with a credit or debit card? Only if you make an appointment at a passport agency or center to apply for or renew your passport in person. These facilities accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay).
• Can you pay for your passport online? No.

Now—

While passport fees are important, you must also ensure your photo meets government standards to avoid delays. Luckily, you can take one with PhotoAiD® for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.

FAQ

Sources:

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/refund.html
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.