Payment methods the State Department accepts
The U.S. State Department accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks for passport fees. The method you use depends on whether you are applying in person, by mail, or through an expedited service.
If you apply at a passport acceptance facility or agency in person, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, a debit card, or a personal check. Some locations also accept cash, but this varies by facility — call ahead to confirm. If you are mailing your application, you must send a check or money order; credit and debit cards are not accepted by mail.
For expedited processing through a passport agency, you can pay by credit or debit card in person, or by phone when you call to schedule an appointment. Phone payments are processed immediately and are the fastest way to secure an expedited slot.
Key Takeaways
- In-person applications accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and sometimes cash; call your local facility to confirm cash acceptance.
- Mail-in applications require a check or money order only — credit and debit cards cannot be sent through the mail.
- Expedited processing at a passport agency allows phone payment by card, which locks in your appointment time immediately.
- The State Department does not accept digital wallets, PayPal, or wire transfers for passport fees.
- Checks should be made payable to "U.S. Department of State" and must clear before your application is processed.
Paying by check or money order for mail applications
When you mail your passport application, a check or money order is your only payment option. Write the check to "U.S. Department of State" and include it in the same envelope as your application form, photos, and supporting documents. Do not send cash through the mail.
A money order is safer than a personal check if you are concerned about the mail, since it cannot be altered or stopped once issued. You can purchase a money order at most banks, post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing services for a small fee (usually $1 to $3). Either option takes the same amount of time to process — the State Department will not begin work on your application until the check or money order clears, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days after they receive it.
Include the check or money order amount that matches your application type: the standard adult passport book, the passport card, or both together. The State Department website lists current fees by application type. If your check bounces or the amount is incorrect, your application will be delayed while they contact you to request payment again.
Credit and debit card payments in person
At a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, you can hand over a credit card, debit card, or check at the counter. The payment is processed immediately on a card reader or through the facility's system. You will receive a receipt showing the transaction date, amount, and confirmation number.
Bring the card yourself — you cannot authorize someone else to pay on your card unless you are present and sign the receipt. If you are applying for a minor's passport, the parent or guardian must be the one to make the payment. The card is charged at the time of payment, not later, so the charge will appear on your statement within one to three business days.
Phone payments for expedited passport appointments
If you need a passport quickly, you can call a passport agency directly to schedule an expedited appointment and pay by credit or debit card over the phone. The payment must be made at the time you book the appointment; without payment, your slot is not reserved.
Have your card number, expiration date, and CVV ready when you call. The agency will process the payment immediately and provide a confirmation number. This confirmation is your proof of payment and your appointment booking — keep it with your application documents. Phone payments are the fastest way to lock in an expedited appointment because the payment secures your time slot before you even arrive at the agency.
What happens if your payment fails or is declined
If you pay by card in person and it is declined, the facility will ask you to provide a different card or payment method on the spot. Your application cannot move forward without payment, so you will need to resolve it before leaving.
If you mail a check and it bounces, the State Department will send you a notice asking you to resubmit payment. This delay can add weeks to your processing time, especially if you are already waiting for standard processing. If you pay by phone for an expedited appointment and your card is declined, the agency will tell you immediately and your appointment slot will not be held.
To avoid problems: verify your card has sufficient funds before paying, double-check the check amount and payee name before mailing, and confirm your card number and expiration date when paying by phone.
Fees and what they cover
Passport fees vary by application type and whether you are renewing or applying for the first time. The State Department charges separate fees for the passport book and the passport card; you can pay for one or both. Expedited processing adds an extra fee on top of the base application fee.
Your payment covers the application processing, the document itself, and routine delivery by mail. It does not cover shipping upgrades like overnight or two-day delivery, which you can add for an additional cost if you need your passport faster than standard mail. Expedited processing at an agency is different from expedited mail delivery — it means your application is reviewed and approved within a shorter timeframe, but the passport is still mailed to you afterward unless you pick it up in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for a passport with PayPal or a digital wallet?
No. The State Department does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets. You must use a credit card, debit card, check, or money order. If you are paying in person, ask the facility which card types they accept, as some older machines may not read all card brands.
What if I need to cancel my passport application after I have paid?
Contact the passport facility or agency where you applied as soon as possible. Refunds are issued only if you cancel before your application is processed. Once processing begins, the fee is non-refundable. Refunds are mailed to you and can take several weeks to appear in your account.
Can someone else pay for my passport application?
Yes, but only if they are present with you at the facility or agency. They can hand over their card or check, but you must sign the application and receipt. For minors, the parent or guardian must be present and make the payment themselves.
Do I need to pay the full fee upfront, or can I pay in installments?
The full fee must be paid at the time you apply. The State Department does not offer payment plans or installment options for passport fees. If cost is a barrier, some nonprofits and community organizations offer passport fee assistance — contact your local government office to ask about programs in your area.
What is the difference between paying at an agency versus a passport acceptance facility?
Both accept the same payment methods in person. The difference is that passport agencies handle expedited appointments and can issue passports faster, while acceptance facilities only take standard applications and mail them to an agency for processing. Payment works the same way at both locations.