Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, then sign it

A money order has four main blanks you need to fill in: who the money goes to (the payee), how much, who it's from (you), and your signature. You fill these in the order they appear on the form, left to right and top to bottom. The payee line is almost always first. Write the name clearly in pen — not pencil — because the recipient needs to read it and the issuer needs to see it's been filled in correctly.

The amount goes in two places on most money orders: once as a number (like $50.00) and once written out in words (like "Fifty dollars"). This redundancy is a safety feature; if they don't match, the money order may be rejected or held. Write the dollar amount in the box marked "Amount" or similar, and write out the words on the line that says "Dollars" or "Pay to the order of" — check your specific form because layouts vary slightly by issuer.

Your name and address go in the "From" or "Purchaser" section. This is how the recipient knows who sent it, and it's also how the issuer can contact you if something goes wrong. Sign the money order in the space marked "Signature" — this is usually at the bottom. Do not sign it before you fill in the payee name; if you sign a blank money order, anyone can fill in their own name and cash it.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name (who receives the money) on the first blank line, in pen, as clearly as possible.
  • Enter the amount twice: once as a number and once written out in words, and make sure both match.
  • Fill in your name and address in the "From" or "Purchaser" section so the recipient knows who sent it.
  • Sign the money order only after all other blanks are filled in, never before.
  • Keep your receipt until the money order is cashed, in case you need to report it lost or request a refund.

Where each blank goes on the form

Money order layouts are fairly standard, but they do vary slightly depending on whether you buy from the post office, a bank, a grocery store, or a check-cashing service. The payee line is almost always at the top or upper left. Look for text that says "Pay to the order of" or simply "Payee." This is where you write the name of the person or business that will receive and cash the money order.

The amount section typically has two parts side by side or stacked. One is a box or line marked with a dollar sign where you write the numerical amount. The other is a longer line where you write the amount in words — for example, if you're sending $75, you write "75.00" in the box and "Seventy-five dollars and 00/100" on the words line. Some forms ask for cents to be written as a fraction (like "75 and 00/100") rather than a decimal.

Your information goes in a section labeled "From," "Purchaser," or "Sender." Write your full name and mailing address here. This section is sometimes on the front of the money order and sometimes on the back. The signature line is usually at the bottom of the form, often marked "Signature of Purchaser" or "Authorized Signature." Do not write anything in this space until you've completed every other field.

Use pen, not pencil, and write clearly

Always use a ballpoint pen with black or blue ink. Pencil can be erased, which creates a security risk — someone could change the payee name or amount after you've filled it out. Pen is permanent and shows that the form was completed intentionally. The issuer and the recipient both need to be able to read what you've written, so take your time and press firmly enough that the ink transfers clearly to the paper.

If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use correction fluid. Most money order issuers will not accept a form with visible corrections because it raises fraud concerns. Instead, ask the issuer for a new blank form and start over. This is free — you only pay for the money order itself, not for the blank forms. If you've already paid for a money order you filled out incorrectly, you can usually get a refund or a replacement, though some issuers charge a small fee.

Do not sign until all other fields are complete

The signature line is the last thing you fill in, and it should be the last thing you do before handing the money order to the recipient or mailing it. If you sign a blank money order or one with incomplete information, you've created a security problem. Anyone who gets hold of it can fill in their own name as the payee and cash it. The signature proves that you authorized this specific transaction with this specific amount going to this specific person.

Your signature should match the name you wrote in the "From" section. It doesn't have to be a formal cursive signature — a legible version of your name is sufficient. Some people print their name; others sign it. Either is acceptable as long as it's consistent with how you sign other documents and the issuer can see that you've authorized the money order.

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 and cleared. The receipt has a tracking number that matches the money order itself. If the money order is lost in the mail, stolen, or never cashed, you'll need this receipt to request a refund or a replacement.

The receipt also serves as proof that you sent the money. If the recipient claims they never received it, you have documentation showing when and where you purchased it and for how much. Hold onto the receipt for at least 60 days after sending the money order — that's usually enough time for it to be deposited and cleared. After that, you can discard it if you're confident the transaction went through.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing the amount differently in the two places. If you write "$50" in the box but "Forty dollars" on the words line, the money order may be rejected because the amounts don't match. Double-check both before you sign. Another frequent mistake is leaving the payee line blank or writing it so illegibly that the recipient can't read it. The money order won't be useful if the person who receives it can't figure out who it's supposed to go to.

Some people sign the money order before filling in the payee name, which defeats the security purpose of the signature. Others write in pencil thinking they can erase mistakes later, but issuers won't accept penciled money orders. A few people forget to include their own name and address in the "From" section, which means the recipient won't know who sent it and you won't have a way to track it if something goes wrong.

Do not post-date a money order (write a future date) thinking it won't be cashed until that date. Money orders don't work that way — they can be cashed immediately once they're filled out and signed. If you want the recipient to receive the money on a specific date, mail it so it arrives around that time, or give it to them in person on that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a money order to send money to someone without giving them my address?

Your address goes in the "From" section, which is part of the money order. The recipient will see it. If you want to keep your address private, you have other options like a wire transfer through a bank or an online payment service, but a money order will always show where you're sending it from.

What if I write the wrong amount and already signed it?

Do not try to cross out or correct it. Ask the issuer for a refund or replacement. Most will do this for free if the money order hasn't been cashed yet. Bring your receipt and the incorrect money order to the place where you bought it.

Can someone else sign a money order on my behalf?

No. You must sign it yourself. The signature is your authorization that you're sending this money. If someone else signs it, the money order may be considered fraudulent or invalid, and the issuer may refuse to honor it.

Do I need to write anything on the back of the money order?

Usually no. The back is where the recipient signs when they cash it. However, some issuers print additional information or instructions on the back. Check your specific money order form. If there are blank lines on the back asking for information, fill them in before you sign the front.

What if the payee name is a business with a long name?

Write it as completely and clearly as you can fit on the line. If it's very long, use an abbreviation that the business recognizes — for example, "ABC Corp" instead of "American Business Corporation." Call the business ahead of time if you're unsure how they want their name written on the money order.