Passport Info for honeymoons

[Spin2010]

Hey guys, I just wanted to pass on some information regarding getting your passports prior to your wedding day (that's my regular job, executing passports)... routine processing times is generally 4-6 weeks, and passports did recently go up. (You can get expedited processing, but it's $60 per application, and the return time is 2-3 weeks). There are two different passports you can get, the book (which is $110 for adults) or the passport card ($30 for adults). You'll notice the big difference in price, and that's because you cannot board an international flight using the passport card. You can use the card for cruises, but if you were to need to fly back to the states, you would not be able to with just the card. To apply, you'll need to submit your original birth certificate or a certified copy. (The passport agency doesn't accept the hospital ones with the little feet on it). Now the good part is, if you get a passport in your maiden name before the wedding, you have up to one year to submit it FREE of CHARGE and they'll change your name to your married one by submitting the passport and your marriage certificate. I hope this helps guys!

[The Proper Wedding]

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing! :)

Question. Would I only need the passport card if I live in the US and am just driving over the border into Canada? My mom was talking about wanting to take a trip to Niagara Falls. It's been years since we've been there. But now that you need passports to get over the border, we just haven't done it yet, but we're thinking maybe next summer if we can get everything in order.

[Spin2010]

It's so funny that you should ask that, because we just got back from Buffalo where my wife's hometown is and Niagara Falls is like 20 minutes away. My wife and I didn't have passports, but the card is all your mom would need to go across the bridge there. And it'll be good for 10 years. When we went we had the best time! I'll post a link for you though so you can find a passport place around where you live... usually some post offices do it, and we charge $25. When you do get them though, you can actually save money on passport photos by getting them done at Walgreen's. (Hope no postmasters are reading this post lol)!

http://www.travel.state.gov

[The Proper Wedding]

Awesome thanks for the info! I'll have to pass that on to my mom!

[Spin2010]

You're quite welcome! So are you all set for the big day and have the nerves set in yet?? If you don't mind me asking, what music did you pick out for the events?

[sandy03]

I wish I'd known about the free name change a few months ago! That's the only thing I haven't changed since we've gotten married (because we didn't need it) and the only thing keeping me from doing it was the cost! Now it's been over a year. Boo hiss!

[SkippyNXC]

Hmm i'm not so sure about the free name change thing...

i've been looking into changing my passport and everything i've found says that the only way the name change is free is if your original passport is less than a year old...

[prettypinktress]

Hmm i'm not so sure about the free name change thing...

i've been looking into changing my passport and everything i've found says that the only way the name change is free is if your original passport is less than a year old...

Nicole, you're right. The one-year clock starts when your last passport was issued, NOT the day you get married... though I wish it was the latter!!

[SkippyNXC]

Nicole, you're right. The one-year clock starts when your last passport was issued, NOT the day you get married... though I wish it was the latter!!

me too... i woulda done my passport already if it were free... but no it's another like 90 bucks or however much passports are going for these days!

[Spin2010]

Right, from date of passport issuance, it's one year free for the name change.

[hleef]

this is awesome news! i lost my old one so i reported it lost and my FH and i are going to apply next weekend for passports. Thats awesome that itll be free to change my name. I was going to use the site ms now mrs to changed everything that i needed to, so i dont have to stand in lines and whatnot.

Thanks for the info!!