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how to pay for passport fees

You generally cannot just “swipe a card and be done” for every part of U.S. passport fees; there are usually two separate payments: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the place where you apply (like a post office or other acceptance facility).

Key idea: two separate fees

For a first-time in‑person U.S. passport application (Form DS‑11), you usually pay:

  • A passport application fee to the U.S. Department of State (for the book/card itself).
  • A facility/acceptance fee (often 35 USD) to the post office or other acceptance location.

These are treated as two different payments, often to two different payees, even though you hand everything over at the same time.

How to pay the State Department fee

The State Department is strict about what it will take for the main passport fee.

Common options:

  • Personal check
  • Certified or cashier’s check
  • Traveler’s check
  • Money order (such as a postal money order)

The check or money order is usually made payable to “U.S. Department of State” and mailed with your application if you apply at a post office or similar facility.

People who do not use paper checks often:

  • Buy a money order at the post office using cash or a debit card and then use that money order to pay the State Department fee.

Do not send cash in the mail; it is not accepted for passport fees and is unsafe.

How to pay the acceptance/facility fee

The facility fee (often 35 USD) is paid to whoever is actually taking your application (e.g., USPS or another acceptance facility).

Typical payment methods at a U.S. Post Office:

  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Money order
  • Personal check (payable to “Postmaster” at USPS locations)

These methods can be more flexible than the State Department side, which is why many people end up making two different payments in two different ways at the same visit.

Renewals and online payments

For some renewals or special programs, you may:

  • Pay fees online through an official payment portal, then print the email confirmation and mail it with your application materials.
  • In newer pilot programs or specific forms, pay via secure online payment systems linked from official government sites (for example, certain passport fees paid through an online government payment portal).

Always start from the official U.S. Department of State site (travel.state.gov) to reach any online payment link to avoid scams.

Quick step-by-step plan

  1. Check the current fee amounts on the official passport fee page so you know the exact total for your book/card and any optional services like expedited processing.
  1. Get payment ready for the State Department
    • Decide whether to use a personal check or buy a money order.
    • Make it payable to “U.S. Department of State” for the exact amount.
  2. Get payment ready for the acceptance facility
    • If going to a post office, bring a card or check for the 35 USD facility fee (or whatever the current amount is).
  1. Bring everything to your appointment
    • Application form, photo, proof of citizenship/ID, and both payments prepared in advance, to avoid having to leave the line to buy a money order.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.