Getting a passport requires exact precision, and messing up the payment can stall your application for weeks. The U.S. Department of State does not accept cash, credit cards, or personal checks for application fees in most standard scenarios. That leaves a secure, prepaid paper draft as the go-to payment method for millions of applicants.
A passport money order is straightforward to purchase, but filling it out requires strict adherence to government guidelines. One minor typo, an incorrect payee name, or a missed signature can cause the agency to reject your entire application packet. This guide breaks down exactly where to get one, how to fill out every line without error, and how to avoid costly delays.
Where to Buy a Passport Money Order
You can't purchase a money order online; you have to visit a physical issuer, pay with cash or a debit card, and walk out with the paper document. Credit cards are rarely accepted for money orders because issuers treat them as cash advances.
- USPS Post Office: This is the most popular choice for passport applicants because post offices often house passport acceptance facilities under the same roof. Postal money orders cost $2.65 for amounts up to $500.00, and $3.75 for amounts between $500.01 and $1,000.00.
- Banks and Credit Unions: If you hold an account with a financial institution, they often issue money orders for free or for a nominal fee ranging from $1 to $5.
- Retailers and Grocery Stores: Major chains like Walmart, CVS, and convenience stores sell money orders at their customer service desks or financial centers. Fees usually stay under $2, but individual store limits may apply (often capped at $500 per instrument).
Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill Out the Form
Once you have the blank paper slip in hand, grab a pen with black or blue ink. Do not use a pencil or colored ink, as government processing centers will reject non-compliant documents.
1. Complete the Payee Line
Locate the line that reads "Pay to the Order Of," "Payee," or "To". Write exactly: U.S. Department of State.
- Do not use abbreviations like USDOS or USDS.
- Double-check your spelling. Even a minor typo stops processing immediately.
2. Enter Your Information in the Purchaser Section
The purchaser fields require your details. Write your full legal name and current residential mailing address on the "From," "Purchaser," or "Address" lines. Match this information precisely to the address you list on your Form DS-11 or renewal application.
3. Add Details to the Memo Line
The memo, "For," or account number field is your safety net for application matching. Write the applicant's full legal name and date of birth here.
- Example: John Smith - DOB: 05/14/1992
- If you are paying for an expedited fee alongside the standard application fee, you can note "Application and Expedite Fees" in this space.
4. Sign the Front of the Document
Sign your name on the front of the money order where it designates "Purchaser's Signature," "Signatures," or "Authorize". Never sign the back of the money order. The back is strictly reserved for the payee to endorse when cashing or depositing the funds.
Calculating the Correct Amount
Passport fees change based on whether you need a book, a card, or an expedited turnaround. You must verify the current exact cost directly with government resources before buying your draft.
- Adult First-Time Book: The standard application fee for an adult passport book is $130.
- Child Passport Book: For applicants under 16, the standard application fee is $100.
- Optional Add-ons: If you choose to expedite your processing time, add the $60 expedite fee directly into the total amount of this single money order.
Keep in mind that the $35 acceptance fee charged by execution facilities (like post offices or libraries) is a separate transaction. You typically pay that facility fee directly to them via credit card, debit card, or personal check—do not combine it into the money order meant for the U.S. Department of State.
Common Mistakes That Delay Passport Processing
Applicants lose weeks of processing time every month due to avoidable administrative errors on payment slips.
- Combining family payments into one draft: If you are submitting applications for multiple family members, buy a separate money order for each individual applicant. The State Department processes each application independently, and a single bundled payment halts workflows and triggers rejections.
- Leaving the purchaser address blank: Some people think anonymity applies to government documents. If your address isn't filled out in the purchaser field, the agency cannot verify where the funds originated if an issue occurs.
- Throwing away the receipt: Every money order comes with a detachable receipt or stub. Snap a photo of this stub and store the physical paper in a safe place until your passport arrives. If the mail carrier loses your packet, the receipt is your only proof of purchase required to track, refund, or replace the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else buy and pay for my passport money order?
Yes. A family member, partner, or friend can purchase the money order on your behalf using their cash or debit card. However, the purchaser must still write your full name and date of birth in the memo line so the agency ties the funds to your specific paperwork.
What should I do if my money order gets lost in the mail?
Take your detachable receipt back to the retail location or post office where you originally bought the draft. File a trace or replacement request. Keep in mind that issuers charge a processing fee for this service, and investigations can take up to 30 days.
Can I use a personal check instead of a money order?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State accepts personal checks, cashier's checks, and certified checks written out to the "U.S. Department of State". Checks must include your pre-printed address and phone number. Many applicants prefer money orders because they eliminate concerns about cleared funds or bounced checks.
How long are money orders valid?
Domestic money orders generally do not expire, but issuers may start tacking on monthly service fees or maintenance charges after a designated period of inactivity, which varies by provider. It's best to purchase your money order right before you assemble and mail your complete passport package.
