Do I have to renew my passport after my name changes before taking a honeymoon?

by Candice
(Milwaukee, WI USA)

Question: My current passport expires 10/29/10. I am getting married 6/5/10 and will be changing my name. We will be taking a honeymoon outside of the US sometime in June.

If I renew now, will I be able to travel with the passport after my name changes? (Can you use your passport if your name has changed due to marriage?

Or Can I travel in June with my current passport and wait to renew later or is it too close to expiration?

Answer: Concerning the name in the passport, you can wait until after the honeymoon to request a change. However, you should consider some of the following matters.

Passport holders are encouraged to renew their passports approximately 9 months before the expiration date. Whether you actually need to renew yours before your honeymoon depends on the country or countries you plan to visit during the trip.

Many countries require your passport to have at least six months validity remaining beyond your stay before they will allow you to enter or issue a visa. To discover the requirements for your destination(s), click the link below.

Foreign Entry Requirement

In the case that you need to renew your passport, click the link below for instructions.

How to Renew Passport

If you request a passport renewal before the wedding and the passport has your maiden name in it, you should book your flight in your maiden name. The Secure Flight Program requires the name on your ticket and boarding pass to match that of your government issued travel document.

If you plan to renew your passport after the honeymoon, you should consider the fact that passport fees will be increasing soon. Presently, the fee to renew a passport is $75. When fees increase, you will have to pay $110.

If you do renew your passport before your honeymoon, you should apply for a name change soon after returning to the U.S. If the request is made within the first year from the passport's issuance date, there is no fee. If you wait longer than a year, you will be required to apply for a renewal and pay the applicable fees.

Renewing your passport after the wedding but before your honeymoon will only be possible if there are at least a few days interval. If you want to travel on your honeymoon with your married name in your passport, you will be required to expedite the process.

You can do this by either visiting the nearest regional passport agency or submitting the application through a professional passport expediting service.