Full Article

What Do I Need to Cash a Money Order?

You will need a valid signature and two forms of identification to cash a money order.

The type and quantity of identification necessary to cash a money order will depend on the individual cashing institution's policies. Most banks for example, will require a photo identification that is government or state issued, such as a driver's license or passport, as well as a second form of ID.

How to Cash a Money Order

Never endorse your money order before you are able to cash it. It is optimal to sign it directly in front of the teller who will be cashing the check and validating your identification. You can cash money order's at any location that accepts them including convenience cash locations, banks, and the US postal office.

Valid Forms of ID

Though each financial institution can deem what identification they will accept, as one of the most discriminatory agencies when it comes to identification, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a solid list of acceptable forms of identification that may be used to board an airplane and are as follows:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
• Permanent Resident Card
• Border Crossing Card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
• Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• A Native American Tribal Photo ID
• An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• A foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)