For a U.S. passport renewal by mail, pay the government fee with a personal check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth on the front. Do not send cash, and do not make the government payment payable to a private passport company.
The amount depends on whether you want a book, card or both, plus any eligible additional government services. Separating the charges before buying the money order prevents an avoidable application problem.
Work out the government amount first
The standard DS-82 application fee is $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $160 for both. Expedited processing adds $60. Optional faster return delivery for an eligible passport book has its own charge; use the current official fee calculator and fee schedule for that amount.
| Mail renewal example | Government payment before optional return delivery |
|---|---|
| Passport book, routine processing | $130 |
| Passport book, expedited processing | $190 ($130 + $60) |
| Passport book and card, routine processing | $160 |
| Passport book and card, expedited processing | $220 ($160 + $60) |
These examples do not include the price of the money order, outbound postage, photos or a private expediting service. They also do not apply to a new DS-11 application, which has a separate acceptance fee.
Read this graphic as text
- Government renewal fee: Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State.
- Identify the applicant: Write the full name and date of birth on the front.
- Book + expedited service: $130 + $60 = $190 before optional delivery.
- Keep other costs separate: Private service, photos and outbound postage are not this fee.
This example is for eligible DS-82 mail renewal, not an online payment.
How to fill out the money order or check
- Confirm the application route. Make sure you qualify for DS-82. An under-16 passport or damaged passport may require DS-11 instead.
- Calculate the exact amount. Add only the government services selected for this application.
- Use the correct payee. Write U.S. Department of State.
- Identify the applicant. Put their full name and date of birth on the front, using the memo or permitted reference space.
- Complete the purchaser or signature fields required by the payment instrument. Follow the issuer’s instructions.
- Keep the receipt or payment record. Store it with your copy of the application and mailing details.
If you buy a money order before checking the total, correcting it may require a visit to the issuer. Do not alter a preprinted amount or cross out the payee and assume it will be accepted.
Which charges stay separate?
| Charge | Who receives it? |
|---|---|
| Passport application and selected government add-ons | U.S. Department of State |
| DS-11 acceptance fee, if applicable | The acceptance facility |
| Private courier or expediting service | The private provider |
| Photo, money-order purchase or outbound postage | The business supplying that service |
A private provider’s invoice should not be folded into the check intended for the government. Our expedited passport cost guide explains the difference between the government expedite fee and private service fees.
Mail renewal, online renewal and agency appointments differ
The payment advice here concerns renewal by mail. Online renewal uses its own electronic payment process. A passport agency or center may accept payment methods different from those permitted in a mailed packet.
If you are renewing from Canada or applying at a U.S. embassy or consulate, follow the instructions for that route. For example, the State Department’s Canada renewal guidance includes specific U.S.-dollar and U.S.-financial-institution requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mail a credit-card number instead?
Do not substitute card details for the check or money order required for a normal mail renewal.
Can one check cover two renewal applications?
The government’s mail-renewal instructions allow combined payment for multiple renewal applications sent together. Add the correct fees and identify the applicants. Separate payments can make your own recordkeeping simpler.
What if the application has already been returned for wrong payment?
Follow the return letter and include the reference material it requests when resubmitting. Do not send an unexplained payment to an unrelated address.
For help preparing an eligible expedited renewal, review our renewal service or contact us with your departure date.
Tell us your destination, departure date and application status. Call first to arrange a visit to our Los Angeles office.
Call (310) 913-7804