How can I pay maintenance fees online to the USPTO?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

Maintenance fees can be paid online through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront. The MPEP states:

“Maintenance fee payments can be made quickly and easily over the internet at www.uspto.gov by electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card or deposit account payment methods.”

To pay online:

1. Visit the Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront.
2. Choose your payment method (EFT, credit card, or deposit account).
3. Follow the prompts to complete your payment.

Note that maintenance fee payments cannot be submitted through EFS-Web. For more information on credit card and deposit account payments, refer to MPEP § 509 and MPEP § 2522.