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Applying for a passport can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding all the fees involved.
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:
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:
First-time application for minors under 16:
Passport renewal for adults ages 16 or older (no execution fees apply):
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).
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:
Note that you don’t fill out the “Amount” field. When buying your money order, purchase it for the exact fee amount.
![A properly filled-out USPS money order payable to the US Department of State.]](https://photoaid.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/postal-money-order-1024x455.png)
Personal checks are a perfectly acceptable form of payment for a passport application fee. The process is quite similar but with a few distinctions.
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.”
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.
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.
Western Union money orders 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.
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.”
A family member or anyone else can pay for your passport services. 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.
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