Can I drive there and have my name changed on my passport?

by Jeannie
(Zeeland, Michigan)

Question: A group of us are leaving for Mexico in 4 weeks. Three of the girls have passports in their maiden names. Can we drive down there and have their names changed on their passports instead of sending them away and paying the $60 expedite fee?

Answer: Regular passport processing takes 4-6 weeks so you must expedite the name changes if you want to get the passports in time for your trip. Whether you send the request by mail or submit the application at a regional Passport Agency, the $60 fee will have to be paid for each passport. Note, you can only visit a regional agency if your trip is within two weeks or less. Expedited services by mail takes 2-3 weeks. Also, if the names were changed more than one year ago, the girls will have to apply for a passport renewal. There are additional requirements and fees for this service. If the person was a minor when she received her current passport, she would have to apply for a new passport.