# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Write a Check for a Passport

With increased security measures, U.S. citizens are required to have a passport to travel anywhere outside of the country. Applying for a new passport, renewing your old one or updating your recent name change, is a simple task that follows a few specific steps. Citizens can pay for the application fees and other service fees with a check and expect their new passport to arrive in a few short weeks.

Instructions

- 1
  Decide which type of check to submit as payment for your passport processing and application fees. Choose from a personal, certified, cashier's or traveler's check.
- 2
  Write the check as payable to the "Department of State."
- 3
  Write the remainder of the check out for the correct fee amount, according to the Department of State's Web site.
- 4
  Submit the application fee and any service fees to the Passport Agency, Acceptance Facility, by mail or in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- 5
  Write a separate check for the passport execution fee, payable to the "Department of State." Submit this payment at the Passport Acceptance Facility.