My passport will expire in a couple of years but I recently got married and need to do a name change on my passport.

by Crystal
(San Diego, CA, USA)

Question: Is there a way to get an updated name on my passport without having to pay for a new one for the next year and then having to pay again in 2012?

I am wondering if I can instead pay $20 for a passport card for now, since my current is still valid, and then pay for a renewal in 2 years. Would the card work if I want to travel to the Carribbean or Bahamas?

Answer: Since your passport was issued more than a year ago, you are required to apply for a passport renewal in order to change the name. This means you will have to pay the fee.

Note, if you apply for your renewal now, your new passport will have a validity of 10 years. You will not need to renew it again in 2012.

You can also choose to apply for the passport card now and renew your passport book in 2012. Since you already have a passport, you would complete form DS-82 which is used to apply for a passport renewal by mail.

For more details, click the link below.

Apply to Renew Passport