Can I renew my passport book to get a passport card and a name change?
by Estela
(Westminster, CA USA)
Question: I will be traveling this February to Mexico (cruise) and would prefer to renew my passport just in case of an emergency. I have two children who will be needing passports as well and would like to get them passport cards.
My passport book does not expire until June next year. However, it's in my maiden name not my married name. Can I renew it as a passport card instead of a book and still make the name change? If yes, how do I do that?
I am told we don't really need passports for a cruise. But if we have to leave the country on an emergency, will we have any issues if we do not have passports? Thank you.
Answer: You can
renew your passport and
change the name at the same time. There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both.
Note,
passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book.
The fee for a passport card for an adult is $30. To get a passport card for a minor, you must pay two fees. The application fee is $15 and the execution fee is $25 for a total of $40 per child.
Passports are not required of passengers on a
closed-loop cruise. Please check the regulations of your
cruise line. If you need to obtain passports before the trip and the cruise is schedule for the beginning of February, it may be necessary to
expedite your passport.
Standard processing of passport applications can take up to six weeks. Expedited services can reduce the processing time to 2 or 3 weeks.
Return to Passport Card FAQ.
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.
Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.
Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC.
A registered expedited passport courier can often assist in obtaining a passport as quickly as the same day. You can learn more about this service here.
Latest Passport & Travel Updates
Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.
Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.
Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.
Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.
10 Benefits of Expediters
What are the advantages of employing the services a qualified expediter?
How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.
Passport Renewal Videos
Watch step-by-step instructional passport videos of how to renew a passport in 3 steps.
Make Your Own Passport Photos
Use the online Passport Photo Wizard tool to make your own passport photos in minutes. Save money and time.
Travel Warnings
The latest alerts to help you prepare for a safe and secure trip abroad.
Travel Documents
List of the most important travel documents and information about how and where to get them.
Travel Safety
Discover practical advice on how to keep safe during international trips.
23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, Lodging & More
Cool ways to make your money stretch farther on travel expenses so that you can go more often and stay longer.
Expedite Your Passport Now!