Deborah Chan
Planning your honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding process, but it can also be stressful. One of the most important things to get right is your passport. If your honeymoon is abroad, you will need one, and it needs to be in the correct name. If you are taking your partner's surname, you should wait until you have your marriage certificate before applying for a new passport. This is because the name-change process can be lengthy, and you don't want to risk your passport not arriving in time for your honeymoon. It's best to book your honeymoon flights in your maiden name and carry your marriage certificate with you if you want to be addressed by your new surname.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passport requirement for honeymoon | Yes, for international air travel. |
| Passport type | Book (not card) |
| Where to get the application form | Download from travel.state.gov or pick up at a passport acceptance facility like a post office or county clerk's office |
| Documents required | Official form of ID (e.g., driver's license), proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate), passport photos (2x2 inches, no smiles, plain background) |
| Submission process | First-time applications must be submitted in person at locations like post offices, county clerk's offices, or official passport agencies |
| Cost | $135 for a new passport (valid for 10 years); $130 for renewal |
| Processing time | Standard: 4-6 weeks; Busy season (May-August): up to 8 weeks; Additional time for obtaining a birth certificate |
| Name on passport | Use maiden name if the ticket is booked under it; carry proof of name change if needed |
| Post-honeymoon name change | Send a certified copy of the marriage certificate, Passport Amendment/Validation Application, and new passport to the nearest passport agency within a year of the wedding for free |
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What You'll Learn
Getting a passport in your maiden name
When planning your honeymoon, it's important to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents, especially your passport. Here are some detailed and instructive steps to help you obtain a passport in your maiden name:
First, download the passport application form (DS-11) from travel.state.gov, or pick up a paper copy at locations such as a local post office or county clerk's office. This is a crucial step, as you'll need the correct form to initiate the passport application process.
Next, gather your identification documents. Along with the completed application form, you'll need an official form of ID, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship, typically a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Make sure you have these documents readily available to support your application.
Obtain passport photos that meet the specific requirements. Your photos should be 2x2 inches, have a plain background, and no smiles, among other requirements. These photos will be placed on your application and ultimately on your passport, so ensure they adhere to the guidelines.
Now, turn in your application. If this is your first passport, you must submit your application in person at locations like post offices (by appointment), county clerk's offices, or official passport agencies. Make sure to double-check that you have all the required documents before submitting to avoid any delays or inconveniences.
The standard processing time for a new passport can range from 4 to 6 weeks, but it's advisable to plan ahead and allow for potential mailing times. The cost of a new passport is $135, which includes application and processing fees, and it will be valid for 10 years, making it a worthwhile investment for future travel plans.
If you're applying for a passport in your maiden name, it's important to note that your travel tickets and passport should match. Since you won't have your marriage license before the honeymoon, your passport and travel bookings should be in your maiden name to avoid any issues at airport security or with flight cancellations. Once you return from your honeymoon and have your marriage certificate, you can apply to update your name on your passport at no charge if done within a year of your wedding.
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Getting a passport in your married name
When planning your honeymoon, it's important to remember that you will need a passport for international air travel. While you can get away with a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate for some cruises, it's always better to have a passport. Here's a guide to getting a passport in your married name.
Firstly, it's important to note that you should book your tickets and apply for your passport under your maiden name. This is because you won't have your marriage license until after the wedding, and you need this as proof to legally change your name. Mismatched names on travel documents can cause issues, so it's best to keep everything in your maiden name before your honeymoon.
After your honeymoon, you can begin the process of updating your name on your passport. You have up to a year after your wedding to do this for free. You will need to send in your marriage certificate, current passport, and a completed amendment application to the nearest passport agency. You can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the vital records office of the state in which you were married.
The standard processing time for a new passport is 4 to 6 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks to receive your passport by mail during the busy travel months of May through August. If you need to expedite your passport name change, you can do so for an additional fee of $60. You can also schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency or authorize a registered passport expediter to submit the application for you.
Remember to update your name with other government agencies, such as Social Security and the motor vehicle office, after changing your name on your passport.
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How to get a passport quickly
If you need to get a passport quickly for your honeymoon, there are a few things you can do to expedite the process. Here are the steps you can follow:
Download the Application or Pick Up a Paper Copy
Head to travel.state.gov to download the application form (DS-11). Alternatively, if you prefer paper copies, you can pick one up at a passport acceptance facility, such as your local post office or county clerk's office.
Gather the Necessary Documents
You will need an official form of identification, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. If you are changing your name within a year of getting married, you will need to fill out Form DS-5504 and include your marriage certificate.
Get Passport Photos
Your passport photo must meet specific requirements, including a 2x2 inch size, no smiles, and a plain background. You can usually get these photos taken at a one-hour photo shop, Mail Boxes Etc., Kinko's, or your local drugstore.
Submit Your Application
If it is your first time getting a passport, you must submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility, post office (by appointment), or county clerk's office. Make sure to double-check that you have all the required documents before submitting your application.
Pay the Expedite Fee
If you need your passport urgently, you can request expedited service for an additional fee of $60. This can be done by writing "EXPEDITE" on the envelope when mailing your application or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Opt for Faster Shipping
In addition to the expedite fee, you can choose faster shipping options for sending your application and receiving your passport. Pay for Priority Mail Express when sending your application, and select 1-2 day delivery for returning the passport to you. These fees will vary depending on your location.
It's important to note that the total time to get a passport includes processing and mailing times. If you are travelling within the next 2-3 weeks, it is recommended to make an appointment at a passport agency or center. They offer two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
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What documents do you need to apply for a passport?
To apply for a passport, you must be either a US citizen by birth or naturalization or a qualifying US non-citizen national. You will need to fill out Form DS-11, which can be done online, or you can download it and fill it out by hand. You can also pick up a copy at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, library, or local government office.
Along with your application, you will need to submit an official form of ID, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. If you are submitting a current or expired US passport as proof of citizenship, it may take up to four weeks to get it back after receiving your new passport. You will also need to provide a photocopy of your ID. If your photo ID is from a other state than the one in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID.
Your photo must meet specific requirements, including being 2x2 inches, having no smiles, and featuring a plain background. You can get these photos taken at a one-hour photo shop, Mail Boxes Etc., Kinko's, or your local drugstore.
If this is your first passport, you will need to apply in person. Applications must be submitted at a passport acceptance facility, and some facilities require appointments.
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Where to submit your passport application
If this is your first time applying for a passport, you will need to submit your application in person. Common locations for submitting your application include post offices (by appointment), county clerk's offices, and official passport agencies. You can also use a professional passport expediting service to help you get your updated passport as fast as 24 hours.
If you are renewing an existing passport, you can typically mail your application instead of going to a passport office. The fee for renewing a passport by mail is $110 for a passport book. If your name change request is made within a year of your current passport's issuance, you are not required to pay the fee.
Standard processing times for a new passport range from four to six weeks, but it can take up to eight weeks to get your passport by mail during the busy travel months of May through August. If you need to travel within 14 calendar days, you can request expedited service at a Regional Passport Agency for an additional fee.
Remember to make a checklist and double-check that you have all the required documents before submitting your application to avoid any delays in processing.
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Frequently asked questions
If your honeymoon is outside of the country, you will need a passport. For domestic travel within the US, a passport is not required, but it is still recommended.
Your passport must match your travel documents, so book your honeymoon tickets in your maiden name if your passport is in that name. You can travel with a passport in your maiden name, and it will remain valid until it expires.
Standard processing times range from 4 to 6 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks to get your passport by mail during busy travel months. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay for expedited services, which can get your passport to you in as little as 24 hours.
You will need to fill out an application form (DS-11), gather identification such as a driver's license and birth certificate, and get passport photos that meet the specific requirements (2x2 inches, no smiles, plain background, etc.). You will also need to submit your application in person if it is your first time getting a passport.
