How to Write a Check for Your U.S. Passport Application

Quick answer

• Use a pen with blue or black ink.
• Make the check payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
• Write the correct dollar amount for your passport fees.
• Sign the check in the designated signature line.
• Ensure your account has sufficient funds to cover the payment.
• Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.

Who this is for

• U.S. citizens applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one.
• Individuals who prefer or are required to pay passport fees via check or money order.
• Applicants submitting their forms by mail or in person at an acceptance facility.

What to check first (before you act)

Passport Fee Amount

Before you write anything, confirm the exact fees for the passport service you are requesting. Fees can vary based on the type of passport (book, card, or both) and whether you need expedited service. The U.S. Department of State website is the official source for the most current fee schedule.

Available Payment Methods

While this guide focuses on checks, be aware of other acceptable payment methods. Many acceptance facilities and the State Department accept money orders, cashier’s checks, and personal checks. However, some may have specific restrictions. Always verify what payment types are accepted for your specific application method.

Your Checking Account Balance

Ensure you have enough funds in your checking account to cover the total passport fees. A bounced check will cause significant delays in processing your application and may incur additional fees from your bank. It’s wise to have a buffer beyond the exact fee amount.

Accuracy of Your Application

Before writing your check, have your passport application form completed and reviewed for accuracy. Any errors on the application could lead to rejection, rendering your payment invalid until you resubmit.

Step-by-step: How to Write a Check for Your U.S. Passport Application

1. Get Your Checkbook and Pen: Locate your checkbook and a pen that uses blue or black ink. Avoid pencils or erasable ink, as these can cause your check to be rejected.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clean check ready to be filled out with a reliable pen.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using a pen that is running out of ink or is a color other than blue or black. Always test your pen beforehand.

2. Date the Check: In the top right corner, write the current date (month, day, year).

• What “good” looks like: The date is clearly visible and correctly formatted.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving the date blank or using an incorrect date. This can lead to the check being considered stale or invalid.

3. Pay to the Order Of: In the line designated for the payee, write “U.S. Department of State.” Be precise with the spelling and punctuation.

• What “good” looks like: The payee line reads exactly “U.S. Department of State.”
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Misspelling “State” or abbreviating it, or writing “U.S. Passport Agency” instead. This will cause the check to be returned.

4. Write the Dollar Amount (Numeric): In the box to the right of the payee line, write the exact dollar amount of your passport fees in numbers. For example, if the fee is $130, write “130.00”.

• What “good” looks like: The numeric amount is clear, includes cents, and matches the written amount.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Omitting the cents or writing a vague number like “130”. This can lead to confusion or a request for the difference.

5. Write the Dollar Amount (Written): On the line below the payee, write out the dollar amount in words. For example, “One hundred thirty and 00/100”. The “and 00/100” represents the cents.

• What “good” looks like: The written amount accurately reflects the numeric amount, with “and” separating the dollars from the cents, and the cents written as a fraction over 100.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to write out the amount, or writing it incorrectly (e.g., “One hundred thirty dollars”). The written amount is legally binding.

6. Add a Memo (Optional but Recommended): In the memo line (usually the bottom left), you can add a note like “Passport Application Fee.” This helps you track the payment and can assist the processing agency.

• What “good” looks like: A brief, clear note indicating the purpose of the check.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving the memo blank. While not critical for processing, it’s good practice for your records.

7. Sign the Check: In the signature line at the bottom right, sign your name exactly as it appears on your checking account. This is your legal authorization for the bank to release the funds.

• What “good” looks like: A clear, legible signature that matches your bank’s records.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Signing in a different name than your account holder name, or not signing at all. This will make the check invalid.

8. Review Everything: Before detaching the check, carefully review all the information you’ve written: payee, date, numeric amount, written amount, and signature. Ensure there are no smudges or errors.

• What “good” looks like: A perfectly filled-out check with no mistakes.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Submitting a check with errors. If you make a mistake, it’s often best to void the check and write a new one.

9. Detach and Submit: Carefully detach the check from your checkbook. Be sure to keep your check register updated with the transaction details. Submit the check with your passport application as instructed by the U.S. Department of State.

• What “good” looks like: The check is neatly detached and ready for submission with your application.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to record the check in your register, which can lead to an inaccurate account balance.

Common Mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Incorrect Payee Name	Application will be rejected; payment will not be processed.	Void the check and write a new one, ensuring it’s payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
Insufficient Funds	Check will bounce, application will be rejected, and you may incur bank fees. Delays processing.	Verify your account balance before writing. If a check bounces, contact the agency to arrange for payment and be prepared for potential delays and additional fees.
Unclear or Illegible Writing	The processing agency may not be able to read the details, leading to rejection or delays.	Use a clear, legible hand with blue or black ink. If a mistake is made, void the check and start over.
Wrong Dollar Amount	If too low, the application will be rejected. If too high, it creates a refund process that causes delays.	Double-check the official passport fee schedule on the U.S. Department of State website before writing the check.
Missing Signature	The check is invalid and will not be processed.	Always sign the check in the designated area. Ensure your signature matches your bank’s records.
Using Erasable Ink or Pencil	The check may be considered invalid or altered, leading to rejection.	Use a permanent blue or black ink pen.
Not Including Cents in Numeric/Written	Can lead to confusion and potential rejection or requests for the missing amount.	Always write the full amount, including cents (e.g., $130.00, “One hundred thirty and 00/100”).
Incorrect Date	May cause the check to be considered stale or invalid if too old, or could cause processing issues if post-dated.	Use the current date.
Altering the Check After Writing	Any alteration can invalidate the check, especially if not properly endorsed or corrected.	If you make a mistake, void the check by writing “VOID” across it and writing a new one. Do not try to erase or white-out anything.
Not Keeping a Record of the Check	Can lead to an inaccurate bank balance and potential overdrafts.	Record the check number, date, payee, and amount in your check register immediately after writing it.

Decision rules

• If you are unsure of the exact passport fee, then check the official U.S. Department of State website before writing your check because fees can change.
• If your checking account balance is low, then wait to write the check until you have sufficient funds because a bounced check will delay your application and incur bank fees.
• If you are applying for both a passport book and card, then confirm the combined fee amount before writing your check because you need to pay for both services.
• If you are unsure about the payee name, then write “U.S. Department of State” because this is the correct payee for passport services.
• If you make a mistake on the check, then void it and write a new one because alterations can invalidate the payment.
• If you are using a joint account, then ensure the signature used is authorized by the bank for that account because the bank needs a valid signature to process the check.
• If you are paying for expedited service, then ensure the check amount includes the additional fee for expedited processing because standard fees will not cover it.
• If you are submitting the check at an acceptance facility, then check if they accept personal checks or prefer money orders or cashier’s checks because some facilities have specific payment requirements.
• If you are applying for a minor’s passport, then be aware that the parent or guardian’s signature is required on the application, and the check should be drawn from the parent or guardian’s account.
• If you are uncertain about the exact amount for a passport renewal, then verify the renewal fees on the State Department’s website because they can differ from new passport fees.

FAQ

Q: Can I write the check for the exact amount of the fee, or should I round up?

A: You should write the check for the exact dollar and cent amount of the passport fees. Rounding up can create a refund process that causes delays.

Q: What if I make a mistake while writing the check?

A: If you make a mistake, do not try to correct it with white-out or by crossing out. Instead, write “VOID” clearly across the face of the check and write a new one.

Q: Do I need to include my Social Security number on the check?

A: No, you generally do not need to include your Social Security number on the check itself for a passport application.

Q: Can I use a personal check from a business account?

A: Yes, you can generally use a check from a business account, but it must be payable to “U.S. Department of State” and signed by an authorized signer on that account.

Q: What happens if my check bounces?

A: If your check bounces, your passport application will be rejected. You will be notified and will need to resubmit your application with a valid payment, and you may incur additional fees from your bank.

Q: Can I use a starter check?

A: It’s generally best to use a standard check from your checkbook. Starter checks may have different formatting or limits that could cause issues.

Q: Do I need to write the check to the “Passport Agency” or “Department of State”?

A: You must write the check to the “U.S. Department of State.” Using “Passport Agency” or other variations will cause your application to be rejected.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed breakdown of all passport fees (new, renewal, book, card, expedited). Refer to the official U.S. Department of State website.
• Specific instructions for submitting your application in person versus by mail. Consult the acceptance facility or the State Department’s guidance.
• Requirements for passport photos. Look for official guidelines on photo specifications.
• How to fill out the DS-11 or DS-82 application forms. Review the instructions provided with the forms.
• Information on obtaining a passport for a minor. Check the specific requirements for child passport applications.