Fill in the payee name first, then the amount, your address, and sign it

A money order has four main blanks: the name of the person or business you are paying (the payee), the dollar amount, your address, and your signature. You fill these in the same order you would on a check. The payee line is usually marked "Pay to the Order of" or similar. Write the name clearly in pen — not pencil — because the payee needs to be able to read it and because pen cannot be erased. If you make a mistake, most places will not let you cross it out; you will need to buy a new money order.

The amount goes in two places on most money orders: once written out in words (like "Fifty Dollars") and once as a number in a box (like "$50.00"). Write the words first, then the number. Use a pen with dark ink so both are legible. Leave no blank space after the words — for example, write "Fifty Dollars and 00/100" rather than "Fifty Dollars" with space after it, because someone could add digits to change the amount.

Your address goes in a field usually labeled "From" or "Sender." This tells the payee who sent the money order if there is a problem. Sign the money order in the space marked "Signature" or "Purchaser Signature" — this is your authorization that you bought it and are sending it. Do not sign it before you hand it over; sign it in front of the cashier or after you have filled in the payee name.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name, amount in words, amount in numbers, your address, and your signature — all in pen, never pencil.
  • The payee name must be exact and legible; mistakes usually mean you need to buy a new money order.
  • Write the dollar amount in both words and numbers, with no blank space after the words so the amount cannot be altered.
  • Sign the money order only after you have filled in the payee name, and do it in front of the cashier if possible.
  • Keep your receipt until the payee confirms they received and cashed the money order.

Where each blank goes on the form

Money orders from different sellers (banks, post offices, Western Union, grocery stores) have slightly different layouts, but the blanks appear in roughly the same places. The "Pay to the Order of" line is usually at the top left or top center. Below or to the right of that is the amount box, which has two parts: a line for words and a box for numbers. Some money orders have the words line on top; others have the number box on top.

Your address ("From" or "Sender") typically appears in the bottom left corner or bottom right corner. The signature line is usually at the bottom, sometimes labeled "Purchaser Signature" or "Drawer Signature." A few money orders also have a memo line (like a check) where you can write what the payment is for — this is optional and not required to cash the money order. Before you start writing, take a moment to locate each blank so you do not write in the wrong spot.

Use pen, write clearly, and avoid common mistakes

Always use a ballpoint pen with black or dark blue ink. Pencil can be erased, which creates a security risk. Gel pens and felt-tip markers sometimes smudge or bleed through the paper, making the money order hard to read or process. The cashier who sells you the money order will often hand you a pen to use right there — use it rather than your own if you are unsure about the ink quality.

Write the payee name exactly as the person or business expects it. If you are paying a utility company, use their official name (like "City Water Department," not "Water Company"). If you are paying a person, use their full legal name if you know it, or the name they go by if that is what is on their account. Do not abbreviate unless you are certain the payee will recognize it. A money order made out to "J. Smith" when the account holder is "James Smith" may cause delays or rejection.

Do not leave the amount blank and plan to fill it in later. Money orders are designed to be filled out completely before they leave your hands. If you are unsure of the exact amount, ask the payee before you buy the money order, or buy one for a round number and ask the payee if they can accept it. Crossing out an amount and writing a new one makes the money order look altered and may cause the payee to refuse it.

What to do if you make a mistake

If you write something wrong before you sign and hand over the money order, stop and ask the cashier if you can get a refund and buy a new one. Most places will refund an unfilled or partially filled money order on the spot. Some charge a small fee (usually $1 to $2) for the refund, but it is worth it because a corrected money order is much more likely to be accepted without question.

If you have already signed the money order or handed it over, do not try to cross out the mistake and write over it. Instead, contact the seller (the post office, bank, or store where you bought it) and explain the error. They may be able to stop payment and issue a replacement, though this can take several days or weeks. Keep your receipt from when you bought the money order — the seller will need the receipt number to look up the transaction.

Sign it at the right time

Sign the money order after you have filled in the payee name and amount, but before you hand it to anyone else. Some people sign it in front of the cashier as a final check. Others sign it just before they mail it or hand it to the payee. The key is that your signature should be the last thing you add, so that no one else can alter the payee name or amount after you have authorized the money order.

If the money order requires a second signature (some do, especially for larger amounts), the payee will sign it when they cash it, not when they receive it. Your signature is the only one that should appear on the money order when you send it.

Keep your receipt and track the money order

The receipt you get when you buy a money order has a tracking number on it. Write down this number and keep the receipt until the payee confirms they have received and cashed the money order. If the money order is lost or stolen in the mail, you can contact the seller with the receipt number and they can help you stop payment and get a replacement.

Some payees will send you a receipt or confirmation when they cash the money order. If you do not hear back within a reasonable time (usually a week or two for mail), contact the payee to confirm they received it. If they say they never got it, you can file a claim with the money order seller using your receipt number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pencil to fill in a money order?

No. Pencil can be erased, which makes the money order insecure and easier to alter. Use a ballpoint pen with black or dark blue ink. The cashier will usually provide a pen if you do not have one.

What if I write the wrong payee name?

Ask the seller for a refund immediately and buy a new money order with the correct name. Do not cross out the name and write a new one — the money order will look altered and the payee may refuse it. Most sellers refund unfilled or partially filled money orders on the spot, though some charge a small fee.

Do I have to sign a money order before I mail it?

Yes. Sign it after you fill in the payee name and amount, but before you send it. Your signature authorizes the money order and should be the last thing you add so no one can change the details after you have approved it.

What if I forget to write the amount in words or numbers?

Do not send an incomplete money order. Go back to the seller and ask for a refund, then buy a new one and fill it out completely. An incomplete money order may be rejected or cause delays in payment.

Can the payee change the amount after I send it?

It is difficult but not impossible if you leave blank space after the amount in words. Write "Fifty Dollars and 00/100" with no space after it, not "Fifty Dollars" with room to add more. This makes it much harder for someone to alter the amount without the change being obvious.