A money order for a passport is a prepaid payment used to pay government passport fees safely. Most passport applications—especially at a post office or acceptance facility—require payment by money order or check, not cash or credit card.
When Do You Need a Money Order for a Passport?
You will typically need a money order when applying for a passport using forms like:
- DS-11 (first-time passport)
- Child passport applications
- Replacement or lost passport applications
Most acceptance facilities only accept:
- Money orders
- Personal checks
Cash and credit cards are usually NOT accepted for the government portion.
Where to Get a Money Order for Passport Fees
You can purchase a money order before your passport appointment at:
- Post offices (recommended for passport applications)
- Banks and credit unions
- Retail stores (Walmart, CVS, Walgreens)
- Money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram)
Best option: Get your money order at the same post office where you apply to avoid errors.
How to Fill Out a Money Order for a Passport?
This is where many applicants make mistakes—getting it right helps avoid delays.
Payee Name (Most Important)
Write:
“U.S. Department of State”
Do NOT abbreviate or write anything else.
Your Information
- Your full name
- Address
Memo Section (Optional but Recommended)
Include:
- Your date of birth
- Or last 4 digits of SSN
Signature
Sign the front of the money order.
How Much Should the Money Order Be?
Passport fees depend on the type of application:
Passport Book (Adult)
- Application fee: $130
- Execution fee: $35 (paid separately)
Child Passport
- Application fee: $100
- Execution fee: $35
Expedited Service (Optional)
- Add $60
Important:
- The money order is only for the application fee
- The execution fee is usually paid separately (often by card or cash at the facility)
Step-by-Step: Get a Money Order for Your Passport
1. Calculate Your Passport Fee
Know exactly how much you need before buying the money order.
2. Go to a Money Order Location
Choose a post office or nearby retailer.
3. Pay for the Money Order
Use:
- Cash
- Debit card
4. Fill It Out Correctly
Write:
- “U.S. Department of State”
- Your information
5. Keep the Receipt
This is critical for tracking or replacing the money order.
Common Mistakes That Delay Passport Applications
Avoid these errors:
- Writing the wrong payee name
- Leaving the money order blank
- Paying the wrong amount
- Combining fees incorrectly
- Losing the receipt
Even small mistakes can cause processing delays or application rejection.
Money Order vs Other Passport Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Accepted for Passport Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Money Order | Yes | Most reliable |
| Personal Check | Yes | Must be correctly filled out |
| Cash | No (government fee) | Sometimes allowed for execution fee only |
| Credit Card | No (government fee) | Not accepted |
Pro Tip: Fastest Way to Avoid Delays
- Buy your money order right before your appointment
- Double-check the amount and payee name
- Bring a backup payment method for execution fees
Need Your Passport Faster?
If you need your passport urgently, standard processing may not be enough.
You can:
- Request expedited service (+$60)
- Visit a regional passport agency
- Or use a registered expediting service like
National Passport Service
These services can help process passports in as little as a few days depending on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a money order for a passport?
Yes, most passport applications require a money order or check for the government fee.
Who do I make the money order out to?
Write “U.S. Department of State.”
Can I pay for a passport with a credit card?
No, credit cards are not accepted for the government fee.
Can I get a money order at the passport office?
Yes, many post offices sell money orders on-site.
If you’re applying for a passport, getting the money order right is critical.
A simple mistake can delay your application by weeks.
Before your appointment:
- Get the correct amount
- Fill it out properly
- Bring all required documents
