Table of Contents:
- Can I Travel With My Maiden Name on My Passport?
- Traveling With a Maiden Name on a Passport: Common Examples
- Just Got Married
- Haven’t Changed the Name on Your Passport
- Booked Tickets Under New Name, Passport Has Maiden Name
- Avoiding Issues While Traveling With Your Maiden Name on Your Passport
- How Long Does It Take to Change the Name on Your Passport?
The name you were born with — often called a maiden name — is the last name you used before marriage. Although it’s common, taking your partner’s surname isn’t required. Some people prefer to keep their original name. Others, going through a divorce, may wish to shed that connection and drop their ex’s last name.
Still, many don’t realize this detail can quietly interfere with future trips. A mismatched name on official papers might cause unexpected problems down the road.
Many people wonder, “Can I travel with my maiden name on my passport?” We have the answer to this critical question.
Can I Travel With My Maiden Name on My Passport?
Yes. However, there’s a caveat. You can travel with your maiden name on your passport if the name on your passport and travel documents match.
If you plan on traveling with your maiden name on your passport, ensure this same name is also on your:
- Flight reservation
- Hotel bookings
- Automobile rentals
- Travel insurance
- Visa applications
- And any other travel-related documents
Let’s use the name Susan Smith as an example. Susan marries a man named Mark Johnson. After deciding to take his surname, Susan Smith became Susan Johnson. If Susan Johnson’s passport still used the name Susan Smith, and so did her plane ticket, she could travel with the maiden name on her passport.
If the surname on Susan’s passport is Johnson, but her airline ticket and visas are under Susan Smith, she could encounter significant problems attempting to travel. These issues can include experiencing delays at airports and immigration checkpoints. It may even result in a boarding denial or being barred from entering a country.
Traveling With a Maiden Name on a Passport: Common Examples
For several reasons, someone would ask, “Can I travel with my maiden name on my passport?” It’s a more common situation than you might think. Here are a few examples of common scenarios.
Just Got Married
Gearing up for a honeymoon? Great! If so, it’s perfectly fine to travel using your maiden name as long as it’s the one on your travel documents. Make sure all your documentation reflects the same name as what’s on your passport.
Haven’t Changed the Name on Your Passport
Not all passport delays are marriage-related. You simply may not have had enough time to complete the process of changing the name on your passport. As is the case if you’re a newlywed, you shouldn’t encounter problems if your passport and travel documents contain the same name.
Booked Tickets Under New Name, Passport Has Maiden Name
This example can be one where you encounter the most travel problems. It’s human nature to feel excited picturing yourself soaking up the sun on the beach. However, having a passport with your maiden name and travel documents under your married name will likely cause travel-related issues.
Avoiding Issues While Traveling With Your Maiden Name on Your Passport
It can be challenging to avoid passport-related issues, especially if you recently changed your name. Fortunately, following a few tips can help save you lots of name-related confusion.
Consult Your Passport
Rather than guessing, double-check the current name on your passport before making any travel arrangements. This quick step can spare you a lot of travel-related headaches.
Contact in Advance
Sometimes, reaching out to airlines, hotels, and other travel-related authorities before they discover a name-related discrepancy is best for finding out if you can travel with a maiden name on your passport.
This simple step can prevent costly mistakes. Some airlines and similar travel-related entities will allow you to correct your name immediately for a fee, while others will not.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be able to make changes or accept a customer when a name mismatch exists, but it’s worth trying. At worst, it could save you a trip from being barred from traveling in person.
Have Your Relevant Documents on Hand
It’s understandably frustrating to face delays or rejections due to a mismatch. However, having relevant documents on you could help you avoid travel-related problems. Always carry proof. Such information can include a divorce decree or marriage certificate.
How Long Does It Take to Change the Name on Your Passport?
The time it takes to change a passport depends on the U.S. Department of State’s workload. Processing times vary. You can choose a routine name change, which typically takes four to six weeks. Expedited services can speed up this process, generally providing an updated passport in two to three weeks.
This process is lengthy. Double-check all requirements before submitting your application. If not, you risk repeating the entire process and traveling with your maiden name on your passport.
In some cases, you can travel with the maiden name on your passport. However, name mismatches can spell disaster. Have immediate post-marriage travel plans? Hold off on changing the surname on your passport. Taking these simple precautions can help ensure you enjoy smooth travels.