Published 07/26/2010 11:15 AM | Updated 07/24/2013 09:08 AM Do money orders have an expiration date? No. However, depending upon the state of purchase, if you do not use or cash the money order within one to three years of the purchase date, a non-refundable service charge will be deducted from the principal amount (where permitted by law). The service charge conditions are described on the back of the money order. If the money order meets those conditions, a non-refundable service charge will be deducted from the amount shown on the money order. The money order should not be presented for payment (deposited or cashed), as it will be returned unpaid. To obtain a refund for the balance remaining, please follow the Money Order tracing procedure. Do not include a processing fee with the refund request. There is no fee charged for this transaction.