What are the options for submitting maintenance fee payments 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.

The USPTO offers several options for submitting maintenance fee payments:

• Over the Internet: Payments can be made through the Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront using electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card, or deposit account.
• By Mail: Payments can be mailed to the USPTO’s designated address.
• By Facsimile: Fax submissions are accepted when charged to a deposit account or credit card.
• Hand Delivery: Payments can be hand-carried to the Patent Customer Service Window in Alexandria, VA.

As stated in the MPEP, “A listing of available payment options and current mailing addresses is available on the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov/PatentMaintenanceFees.”