How to Send a Money Order Through the Post Office

Using a United States Postal Service (USPS) money order is a lot safer than sending cash through the mail and it gives the recipient the assurance the funds are available. USPS money orders are also inexpensive and can be replaced if hey are damaged, stolen, or lost. USPS money orders are available anywhere in the United States, its territories its possessions. In addition to money orders for payees in the U.S., international money orders can be sent to more than 30 countries, including most nations in Latin America.

Visit a USPS post office to purchase the money order. USPS money orders can also be bought at many military facilities or from any rural route carrier. Money orders can be purchased in amounts up to $1000.

Use cash, a debit (or ATM) card to pay for the money order and fee. You may use traveler’s checks as long as the money order is at least 50 percent of the value of the check(s) used. It costs $1.05 for a money order under $500 and $1.50 for one from $501 to $1000. Armed Forces personnel may purchase USPS money orders at military facilities for 30 cents.

Provide a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID if you want to send money orders through the post office exceeding a total of $1000 on a single day. If the total of your money orders is over $3000 in one day you must also fill out a Form 8105 (Funds Transaction Report).

Fill out the money order and the customer receipt with your name and address and the name and address of the payee. This information is required so the post office can verify the money order and trace or replace it if necessary. Then just put the money order in a stamped, addressed envelope and drop it in the mailbox.

Send a money order through the post office internationally the same way. The only difference is that the maximum amount per money order is $700 and the fee is $3.85 (as of 2009).