How to Pay for a DACA Application with a Money Order

Updated on April 10, 2024

When applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you must pay the required application fees. One acceptable form of payment is a money order. Using a money order to pay for your DACA application ensures that your payment is secure and can be easily tracked.

30 Second Recap:

To pay for your DACA application with a money order, determine the total fee amount, obtain a money order from a post office, bank, or other issuer, and fill it out with the required information. When submitting your application, include the money order without signing the back, and make a copy for your records. Using a money order provides security, traceability, and guaranteed funds for your DACA application payment.

What is a Money Order?

A money order is a payment order for a pre-specified amount of money. It functions similarly to a check, in that the person purchasing the money order can designate a specific recipient, who then can cash or deposit it. Money orders are widely used as a safer alternative to cash or personal checks, especially in situations where personal checks are not accepted or the payer does not have a bank account.

How to Get a Money Order for Your DACA Application

Below, we will walk you through the steps for how to get a money order to pay for your DACA application. Here’s a quick overview:

Image lists the steps to get a money order to pay for a DACA application:1. Calculate total DACA fee.2. Go to money order issuer. (post office, bank).3. Request money order for exact fee.4. Pay with cash/debit/traveler's check.5. Make out money order to DHS.6. Do not sign signature on the back.7. Add name, birth date on the front.8. Include A-Number (if available).9. Copy for records before submitting.

To obtain a money order for your DACA application, follow these steps:

  1. Determine the total fee amount for your DACA application, which includes the filing fees for Form I-821D and Form I-765.
  2. Visit a post office, bank, credit union, or money transfer service that issues money orders.
  3. Request a money order in the exact amount of your DACA application fees.
  4. Pay for the money order using cash, debit card, or traveler’s check. Some locations may not accept credit cards or personal checks.
  5. Fill out the money order with the required information, including the payee (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and your name and address.

Submitting Your DACA Money Order

When submitting your DACA application, follow these guidelines for your money order:

  1. Do not sign the back of the money order.
  2. Write your name and date of birth on the front of the money order.
  3. Include your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on the front of the money order, if you have one.
  4. Make a copy of the money order for your records before submitting it with your DACA application.

Benefits of Using a Money Order

Using a money order to pay for your DACA application offers several benefits:

  1. Security: Money orders are a secure form of payment, as they do not include your personal bank account information.
  2. Traceability: If your money order is lost or stolen, you can track it using the money order number and obtain a replacement if necessary.
  3. Guaranteed funds: Money orders are prepaid, so the funds are guaranteed, unlike personal checks that may bounce.

Final Thoughts

Paying for your DACA application with a money order is a secure and reliable method. By obtaining a money order, filling it out correctly, and submitting it with your application, you can ensure that your payment is processed smoothly. Remember to make a copy of your money order for your records and keep it in a safe place.

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Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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