Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, your address, and signature in that order

A money order has six fields you need to complete: the payee (who receives it), the amount in numbers and words, your address, your signature, and sometimes a memo line. The order matters because some fields feed into others — you write the amount twice (once as a number, once spelled out), and the payee line must match exactly how the recipient's name appears on their bank account or ID. If you make a mistake, most issuers will not let you cross it out; you have to buy a new money order.

Money orders from different issuers — Western Union, MoneyGram, USPS, or your bank — have slightly different layouts, but the fields are always in roughly the same places. Before you start writing, read the form once to see where each blank is. Use a pen, not pencil. Pencil can be erased, and financial institutions treat that as a fraud risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name exactly as it appears on the recipient's ID or bank account, because banks will reject a money order if the name does not match.
  • Fill in the dollar amount twice — once as numerals in the box (for example, $150.00) and once spelled out in words on the line below it (One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100).
  • Your address goes in the "From" or "Sender" field so the recipient knows who sent it if there is a problem.
  • Sign the money order in the signature line after you have filled in all other fields; some issuers require your signature before they will cash it.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order clears, because it contains the serial number you need if the money order is lost or stolen.

The payee line: getting the name exactly right

The payee is the person or business that will cash or deposit the money order. Write their name on the "Pay to the Order of" line or the "Payee" field. This name must match what is on their government ID or their business registration — if you write "John Smith" but their bank account is under "John Michael Smith," the bank may refuse to process it.

Ask the recipient how they want their name written if you are not certain. For a business, use the exact legal name on their business license, not a shortened version or nickname. If the payee is a government agency, use the full official name (for example, "Department of Motor Vehicles" rather than "DMV"). Leave no blank spaces in the middle of a name — write it as one continuous entry.

Do not use a nickname, a first initial, or a partial name. If you make a mistake on the payee line, do not try to cross it out or write over it. Throw away that money order and buy a new one from the issuer.

The amount: writing it in numbers and words

You will see two places to write the amount. One is a box or line labeled "Amount" or "Dollars" where you write numerals — for example, $250.00. The other is a longer line where you spell out the amount in words: "Two hundred fifty dollars and 00/100." Both must match exactly, or the money order may be rejected.

For the numerical amount, include the dollar sign and two decimal places, even if you are sending a whole number of dollars. Write $100.00, not $100. For the written-out amount, spell the dollars in words and write the cents as a fraction over 100. So $100.50 becomes "One hundred dollars and 50/100." If you are sending exactly $100 with no cents, write "One hundred dollars and 00/100."

If you make a mistake on the amount, do not erase or cross it out. The money order will not be accepted. You must get a new one from the issuer and request a refund for the first one.

Your address and contact information

The "From," "Sender," or "Your Address" field is where you write your own mailing address. This tells the recipient who sent the money order and gives them a way to contact you if there is a problem. Write your street address, city, state, and ZIP code on the lines provided.

Some money order forms also have a space for your phone number or email. Fill these in if the form has them — they make it easier for the recipient to reach you if the money order does not arrive or if there is a question about the payment. If you are sending the money order to someone you know, they already have your contact information, but the issuer still requires you to fill in this field.

The memo line: optional but useful

Many money order forms have a small "Memo" or "For" line near the bottom. This is optional, but it is a good place to write what the money order is for — for example, "Rent for March" or "Invoice #5421." The memo helps both you and the recipient keep track of what the payment covers, especially if you send multiple money orders over time.

Keep the memo line short — usually one line of space. Do not write anything that looks like a signature or that could be confused with a legal instruction. The memo is just a note for your records and the recipient's records.

Your signature and when to sign

Sign the money order on the line labeled "Signature," "Drawer," or "Authorized Signature" after you have filled in all the other fields. Use the same signature you use on checks and legal documents. Some issuers will not cash a money order without a signature, and some will refuse to cash it if the signature does not look like a real signature (for example, if you print your name instead of signing it).

Sign in pen, not pencil. Do not sign until you have completed all the other fields — if you sign first and then make a mistake, you will have to buy a new money order. If you are buying the money order for someone else to use, do not sign it; let them sign it themselves when they are ready to cash or deposit it.

What to do with your receipt

When you buy a money order, the issuer gives you a receipt. Keep this receipt until the money order has been cashed or deposited. The receipt has the serial number of the money order, which is the only way to track it if it is lost, stolen, or not received by the recipient.

If the recipient says they never got the money order, you can contact the issuer with the serial number and ask them to put a stop on it or issue a replacement. Without the receipt, you have no proof of the serial number and the issuer may not be able to help you. Store the receipt somewhere safe — a wallet, a file folder, or a drawer — until you know the money order has been successfully delivered and cashed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write the wrong amount?

Do not cross out or erase the amount. Money orders cannot be corrected once they are filled in. You must buy a new money order from the issuer and request a refund for the incorrect one. Keep both receipts until the refund is processed.

Can I use a money order if I do not have an address?

Most issuers require an address in the "From" field. If you do not have a permanent address, you can use a temporary one — a shelter, a friend's address, a PO box, or a mail forwarding service. Ask the issuer what they will accept before you fill out the form.

What if the payee name is very long?

Write the full legal name as it appears on their ID or business registration, even if it is long. If the line is too short, write as much as you can fit legibly and ask the recipient if the shortened version will work with their bank. Some banks accept partial names if the account number matches.

Do I need to sign a money order if I am mailing it?

Yes. Sign the money order before you mail it. The recipient cannot cash or deposit it without your signature. If you forget to sign it, the recipient will have to contact you to sign it, which delays the payment.

Can I write a money order to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the payee line and your address in the "From" field. You can then cash or deposit the money order at your bank or a check-cashing service. This is sometimes done to convert cash into a form that is easier to track or to move money between accounts.