How can I hand-deliver 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 allows for hand delivery of maintenance fee payments. According to the MPEP:

“Maintenance fee payments may be hand-carried to the Patent Customer Service Window in Room 1B11 of the Randolph Building, 401 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.”

When hand-delivering a maintenance fee payment:

1. Place the payment in an envelope with “MAINTENANCE FEE” written clearly across it.
2. Bring the envelope to the Patent Customer Service Window.
3. For a delivery receipt, bring an itemized postcard, which the receptionist will date stamp.

Note that while the receptionist will not process the payment, they will provide a delivery receipt if requested. This can serve as proof of timely submission.