You must write U.S. Department of State in the pay to section and mention your full name and correct date of birth in the memo section.
Are you applying for your passport or renewing it by mail? Then you will require a money order or check to pay the passport fees. But how to fill out a money order for passport?
Well, it’s not as easy as filling out other money orders. On the other hand, the U.S. Department of State only accepts money orders filled in the right way. That’s why in this post I will provide comprehensive guidelines on how to fill out a money order for passport in the most appropriate method. I will also answer all the relevant queries. So, stay tuned.
Find out how to fill out USPS Money Order
Do I Need a Money Order for Passport?
Yes, you will either require a money order or personal checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks, and traveler’s checks to pay for passport fees.
You can apply for or renew your passport in the United States in two ways. They are
- In person at a Passport Acceptance Facility
- By mail
In case, you are applying for a US passport in person, you can pay your fees at a Passport Acceptance Facility, such as a post office, government office, or library. In these facilities, you will be able to pay the passport acceptance fee by cash, check, or money order.
On the other hand, If you are applying for a US passport by mail, you can pay your fees with a personal check, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, or traveler’s check. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for passport fees. They accept cash, but it’s risky to send cash by mail and the State Department is not responsible for cash sent through the mail.
Though it’s not mandatory to pay for a US passport by money order. But it’s one of the most convenient options. Because personal checks might bounce, certified checks and cashier’s checks have higher fees, traveler’s checks are hard to get.
Compared to them money orders are cheap, do not bounce, and are widely available. Moreover, you get the option to track the payment. So, what are all the ways to pay for a passport?
How To Pay For Passport Fees
According to the United States Department of State, Here are all the ways to pay to pay passport fees.
For in-person PAF fees
- Cash
- Personal Checks
- Debit Card
To renew passport by mail
- Personal check
- Certified check
- Cashier’s check
- Money order
- Traveler’s check
Keep in mind that business checks, temporary checks, and starter checks are not accepted in any situation.
Now that we know all the methods of paying passport fees. Now, let’s look at how to fill out a money order for passport?
How To Fill Out A Money Order For Passport
Filling out a money order for a passport is quite straightforward. However, you should be very careful. As Dept. of State rejects any money order not filled in the appropriate way. Here is how to fill out a money order for passport in the appropriate way
- In the “Pay to” write “U.S. Department of State“. Do not use any abbreviations like dept. or make spelling mistakes. Because it’s unacceptable.
- Write your full name and address in the “Purchaser” section. This should be your ID address and full name.
- In the memo field include your full name and correct date of birth matching your ID. This indicates that the money order is for a US passport.
- Sign the money order in the “Purchaser’s signature” field if your money order has this section.
I repeat, do not make any mistakes. If there is any mistake then your money order will become obsolete and very hard to get back or get a refund.
Things to Keep in Mind While Fill Out A Money Order For Passport
Here are some of the things to keep in mind while filling out a money order for the US Passport
- If you have to write the amount then it should be written in full. For example, $190 should be written as “One Hundred Ninety and 00/100.“
- Do not use a money order that has no memo section. For instance, MoneyGram does not have any memo section.
- You can use both USPS and Western Union Money orders.
- It’s best to send a USPS money order. Because USPS serves as a Passport Acceptance Facility. So, the postal clerk can help you fill it out and there is less chance of mistakes.
- All the details including your name, address, and date of birth should match your ID.
- Do not make any spelling mistakes.
- Never use any abbreviation.
These are some of the things you must keep in mind while filling out a money order for a passport.
By now we have found the answer to how to fill out a money order for passport. Now, let’s look at some of the relevant queries.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to this topic.
How Many Money Orders Do I Need for a Passport?
You will require only one money order for a passport. The fees of the money order might differ from person to person. So, before purchasing one make your what your exact amount is. You can get assistance from the nearest post office.
How Much of a Money Order Do You Need for a Passport?
Usually, you will require a money order of $160-$200. However, it might vary depending on your particular need. Here is the United States Department of State passport fee calculator for determining your passport fees. Use the calculator or seek help from the nearest post office.
How to Fill Out Western Union Money Order for Passport?
Write “U.S. Department of State” in Pay to and write your full name and correct date of birth in the memo field and Sign the money order in the “Purchaser’s signature”. Take help from the Western Union agent if you are having trouble.
In Summary
Filling out a money order for a passport is quite easy. But at the same time, it’s sensitive too. So, my suggestion would be if you are having trouble filling it out following our method then go to the nearest post office and seek assistance from a postal clerk.
