Post # 1
Member
906 posts
Busy bee
Hello! Its been ages since I’ve written a post but I had a question and I hope someone can help me. Back in 2012 I got a passport card and I’ve never really used it. I got it before I got married so it has my maiden name, but I changed my last name soon after I got married in December 2012. I never updated my ID until recently so if I ever crossed over into Mexico I didnt feel like I would have any trouble since my ID and passport both had the same last name. Well now my cousin is getting married in Mexico in April and since I’ve officially changed my last name everywhere but my passport I just wanted to know, would I have a problem if I crossed over with the passport card I have now with my maiden name, or should I update my passport? I called and asked but the guy pretty much said that if I didnt want any problems to just get a new one, but he also sounded like it wouldnt be a problem if I left it how it is now. Anyone been through this before? Have you used your passport with your maiden name to cross somewhere and had no problems? Please help!
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This topic was modified 5 years, 11 months ago by lioness_89.
Post # 2
Member
9519 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Darn it! I didn’t even think of that. Yes, just to be safe you should.a maiden name probably wouldn’t be a big deal but crossing borders, especially coming back from Mexico, is a sensitive issue. Better safe than sorry
Post # 3
Member
1212 posts
Bumble bee
lioness_89: if you have to fly, the passport card isn’t valid. Had some friends almost miss their son’s wedding because of it.
Post # 4
Member
5081 posts
Bee Keeper
lioness_89: I haven’t gone through this myself, but I would assume that the official policy is probably that the passport and ID have to match. Depending on who you get at the border, you may get away with the different names by showing your marriage license, but I wouldn’t risk it if I were you. You may end up getting the guy who got in a fight with his wife that morning and wants to be a dick to everyone that day. Even if you get into Mexico, who’s to say that you won’t have a problem getting back? I would just order a new passport if I were you.
Post # 5
Member
628 posts
Busy bee
If you’re driving, there shouldn’t be an issue. Bring an official copy of your marriage license just in case.
ETA: but then again, I’m not familiar with a passport card. If it were the booklet, then I’m 99% sure there wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve gone into Canada with my passport with my maiden name, and used my passport to fly under a ticket purchased in my maiden name after I had legally changed my name. Having your marriage license with you is key for this though.
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This reply was modified 5 years, 11 months ago by sunshine809.
Post # 6
Member
906 posts
Busy bee
fscarlett: No we are driving there so the passport card is all I need I believe.
Post # 7
Member
609 posts
Busy bee
I got married Sept. 2012 and I’ve changed my name everywhere but my passport. I have traveled many times since then including to Mexico in Feb. 2013, and I just take my marriage license with me. I’ve never had a problem with it at all – never even given a suspicious look or anything. I’m planning on waiting until my passport expires to get a new one with the right name, which isn’t for a few more years.
Post # 8
Member
906 posts
Busy bee
sunshine809: I thought of doing that, but I’m scared of losing the marriage license while I’m there. If taking my marriage license is what will help me cross without a problem then I’ll just take it instead. Thanks!
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This reply was modified 5 years, 11 months ago by lioness_89.
Post # 9
Member
906 posts
Busy bee
Kayla0416: Yeah mine still has a good amount of years before it expires thats why I was thinking of just waiting but if the marriage license is the only thing I need then I may just have to carry it with me and make sure I dont lose it over there. Thanks!
Post # 10
Member
1323 posts
Bumble bee
lioness_89: if you’re pressed on time, just bring your marriage license. if not, change your name ASAP
Post # 11
Member
1644 posts
Bumble bee
lioness_89: Honestly if you have the time, change your passport card and passport if they still have your maiden name. Minimize your chances of having issues and also because it is a primary form of identity. Most passports are processed in ~6 week so you have time
Post # 12
Member
906 posts
Busy bee
melonseeds: the wedding is the second week of april so I should receive it on time, but I’m afraid something may happen and it will arrive late. :/
Post # 13
Member
11517 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
lioness_89: get a new one. You want everything to match.
Post # 14
Member
906 posts
Busy bee
SithLady: you have a very good point! Since the fee to get another passport isnt much thats why I was leaning more towards just getting a new one, but how can I be for sure that it will arrive back on time?? It should though since it takes 4-6 weeks to arrive but with how crazy the weather has been everywhere that can become a problem and it can arrive later than planned.
Post # 15
Member
5081 posts
Bee Keeper
lioness_89: If you want to be sure, you can pay to have it rushed.