Travel With A Passport: Maiden Name Vs. Married Name

Travelling with a passport in your maiden name is a common concern, especially for those who have recently gotten married. While it is possible to travel with a passport bearing your maiden name, it is important to ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport to avoid any issues. This means booking your travel under your maiden name if that is the name on your passport. Additionally, when travelling internationally, it is crucial to have a valid passport with the correct information. If your legal name no longer matches the name on your passport, you may need to provide documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court documents. To avoid potential complications, it is generally recommended to update your passport with your new name before travelling, especially if your passport is more than a year old.

Booking travel in your maiden name

If you have had your name changed, you can still use your passport with your maiden name to travel, but you will need to bring paperwork proving that you've had your name legally changed. This can include a marriage certificate or court documents showing your legal name change.

If you don't have proof of your name change, it's best to renew your passport before travelling to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your flight ticket using the same name that appears on your passport. This will ensure that the names match and you won't have any issues at the airport.
• If you have changed your name recently, consider getting a new passport. In some cases, you may be able to get a free correction of your information by filling out a form and providing proof of your name change.
• If your passport is older, you may need to apply for a renewal and provide proof of your name change. This process can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
• If you're running out of time before your trip, consider visiting a regional passport agency or using an expedited passport service. These options may help you get your new passport faster.
• Remember that the rules may vary depending on your country of residence and your destination, so always check the official government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Travelling with a marriage certificate

It is possible to travel with a passport in your maiden name, but you will need to bring additional paperwork to prove your name change. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, citizens or permanent residents who have changed their names can use their previous passports, but they must also bring proof of their name progression. This can include a marriage certificate or court documents showing a legal name change.

If you are travelling with a maiden name on your passport, it is important to ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport. Some sources suggest that you can avoid issues by simply changing the name on your ticket to match your passport, rather than attempting to update your passport or provide additional documentation. However, others advise against this, stating that the airline will be held responsible if you are denied entry into your destination country, and so they are unlikely to let the discrepancy slide.

If you are tired of travelling with your marriage certificate, you can change the name on your passport. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, you can use form DS-5504 to request a correction of your information. This form is free to use, but you will need to attach proof of your name change. If your passport is more than a year old, you will need to complete a renewal using form DS-82, which has certain requirements that must be met.

Changing your passport name

If your passport was issued less than a year ago:

You can request a correction to your passport information using Form DS-5504. This form is applicable if:

• Your name was changed by marriage, civil partnership, or court order within a year of your passport being issued.
• There is a printing or data error in your passport, such as incorrect spelling, gender, or place of birth.
• Your passport duration was limited to two years or less for reasons other than damage or loss, and you paid the full price.

Along with Form DS-5504, you will need to submit your current passport and proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. There is no fee for this service unless you require expedited processing, which costs an extra $60.

If your passport was issued more than a year ago:

You will need to renew your passport using Form DS-82. To be eligible for renewal by mail, your current passport must:

• Be submitted with your application.
• Be undamaged, aside from normal wear and tear.
• Have been issued when you were 16 years of age or older.
• Have been issued within the last 15 years.
• Have your current name or include documentation of your name change.

Along with Form DS-82, you will need to submit your current passport, proof of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate), one colour passport photo, and the applicable fees. If you are not eligible for renewal by mail, you will need to apply in person and provide additional documentation, such as evidence of U.S. citizenship and a valid ID.

Additional considerations:

• If you are unable to provide proof of your name change through official channels (court order, marriage certificate, etc.), you may still apply for a passport in your new name. However, you will need to submit Form DS-60: Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name. This form must be completed by two people who know you by both names, and you must provide three certified or original public records showing exclusive use of your new name for at least five years.
• If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to update your passport address if it changes.
• If you are renewing your passport, you will receive your new passport first and your old passport later. Your old passport can still be used if it has a valid visa, but you must travel with both documents.

Travelling without a passport

If you're a US citizen, there are many places you can travel to without a passport. Here are some options:

US Territories

The US Virgin Islands—St John, St Croix, and St Thomas—are US territories, so a passport is not required for US citizens. The same goes for other US territories like Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Cruises

You can also go on a closed-loop cruise, which starts and ends at the same US port. For this, you'll need a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Cruises like these go to Bermuda and Curacao.

By Land

If you're travelling by land, you can visit Canada, Mexico, and countries in the Caribbean and Central America without a passport. However, you'll need either a passport card, an enhanced driver's license, or a trusted traveller card like NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST.

Within the US

Of course, you can always explore the US without a passport! Some popular destinations include San Francisco, San Diego, Key West, Washington, D.C., and Catalina Island.

Travelling with a maiden name on a passport: a summary

If you've changed your name since getting your passport, you may be wondering if you can still use the same passport for travel. The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport. This is a requirement of the TSA Secure Flight Program, which states that there should be no discrepancies between the name provided when booking travel and the name on the government ID used for travel. Small differences, such as a middle initial instead of a full middle name, should not be an issue. However, a completely different last name may cause problems.

If your passport has your maiden name and your ticket is booked under your new name, you can get yourself re-ticketed under your maiden name. Alternatively, you can carry proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court documents. This is especially important if you are travelling internationally, as some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport does not match your current legal name.

If you want to change the name on your passport to your new name, the process differs depending on when your passport was issued. If it has been less than a year, you can use Form DS-5504 to request a correction free of charge. If it has been more than a year, you will need to apply for a renewal using Form DS-82 and provide proof of your name change. Standard fees apply for renewals, and you may also have to pay an execution fee if you apply in person at a regional passport office.

If you are unable to change your passport or ticket name in time for your travel, there are a few other options. You can travel by car or cruise to Canada or Mexico, as these forms of transportation do not require you to enter your current legal name. Closed-loop cruises, for example, only require a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Additionally, US citizens entering the US by land or sea border crossings do not need a passport and can use other forms of eligible ID, such as an enhanced driver's license or a Trusted Traveler card.

Frequently asked questions