How to Fill Out a Money Order for a Passport (Guide & Tips)

Q: What to put on a money order for a passport?

You’ll need to fill out the following: - Payee : US Department of State - Amount : Exact passport fees - Your Information : Full name and address - Signature : To authorize the payment Sign the document and keep the receipt for your records.

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.

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Learn more about passport applications:

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 USPS Post Office (paid in cash or with a debit card). Note that you’ll need two money orders: one paid to the US Department of State (application) and one to the acceptance facility (execution). Ensure you buy a money order for the correct amount.

Filling Out a Money Order for a Passport: 5 Steps

Whether you’re applying for or renewing your passport, you can pay the required fees with a money order. For a money order, you’ll need to provide your first and last name, your birth date (both written on the front of the order), and the correct payee details.

Here’s how to how to make a money order for a passport correctly:

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.
Payee address: Leave it blank.
Your personal information: Write your full name and address in the “From” and “Address” lines.
Memo: Write your birth date. You can also write a note explaining which fees you’re paying. For example, you can write, “Passport application fees for John Smith.”
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.

Money order for a passport: Example

A properly filled-out USPS money order payable to the US Department of State.]

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. Here’s how to write a check for a passport:

Payee information: As with the money order, write “US Department of State” on the “Pay to the Order of” line.
Amount: Fill in the exact amount in both numerical and written form.
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.
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 check: Example

US check filled out with the necessary information to pay passport fees.

US Passport Money Orders: Tips

What’s the US Department of State address for passport money orders? You can leave the address details blank. Simply address your money order for a US passport to the “US Department of State.”
Where to get a money order for a passport? You can buy a passport application money order addressed to the US Department of State at USPS offices. You can pay for it with a debit card, a traveler’s check, or in cash; you can’t pay with a credit card. Don’t forget to buy your money order for the correct amount (see: passport fees).
Does the post office do money orders for passports? Yes, you can purchase a money order for a US passport at USPS offices. Remember you can’t pay with a credit card.
Who can pay for your money order? You can pay yourself or ask someone else to do it.
Can someone else write a check for my passport? Yes. They simply need to write on the check that the payment is on behalf of you.
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

What to put on a money order for a passport?

You’ll need to fill out the following:
– Payee: US Department of State
– Amount: Exact passport fees
– Your Information: Full name and address
– Signature: To authorize the payment
Sign the document and keep the receipt for your records.

How to fill out a Western Union money order for a passport?

Western Union money orders for a passport have fields similar to those of other providers, but it’s always good to double-check. You’ll most likely need to complete the “Payee,” “Amount,” and “Your Information” sections similarly to other money orders.

How to fill out a money order for passport renewal?

Renewing a passport via money order is identical to applying for a new one. Fill out the following fields: “Payee” (US Department of State), “Amount,” and “Your Information.”

Can someone else pay my passport fee?

A family member or anyone else can pay for your US passport money order. They should use their details in the personal information section and include your full name in the memo or notes section. Remember to keep a copy of the receipt to avoid issues.

How to fill out a money order for passport renewal?

Your passport renewal money order must include your first and last name and your birth date (don’t write your details on the back). You must also address the order to the “U.S. Department of State.” When buying a money order (e.g., at the post office), ensure it’s for the correct amount.

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.

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