Blog from Destination Affairs, Inc. for Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Thank you Hoffmann Photographer, Inc. for the beautiful picture!

Important travel information for Brides-to-be and your honeymoon!

Today we have guest blogger Kristin O’Reilly from Destination Affairs with us to talk about your travel documents and getting your name changed once you’ve tied the knot!

As you are shipping out on your honeymoon, take note of these important passport tips:

Unless you are traveling six plus months after you tie the knot, make your honeymoon reservations using your maiden name. You won’t have a passport or drivers license in your new name yet, so you’ll need your tickets to match your documentation.

Follow these tips to change your passport with your new name:

1. Get the marriage license! You will most likely receive this in the mail or issued to you in a government office.

2. Get a new social security card
Once you get your marriage license (which usually takes a couple of weeks to arrive in the mail), take that completed form, the license and your identification to your local social security office to get a new card. (if you’ve gotten creative with your last name, you may also need to go through more formal name change procedures.)

3. Get a new drivers license
You’ll also want to change your name on the other main form of identification – your driver’s license. Most DMVs will change it with a copy of a marriage certificate, although others require you to wait until your social security card has been changed. Check with your local DMV for their rules.

4. Once you have the above three pieces of documentation, you can visit this link, download a passport form and apply for a name change for your current passport in your new name! If you have had a passport issued or renewed in the last year, there is not fee. Click here for Form DS-5504.

(Note, this is a different application than if you were applying for the first time or renewal. If your U.S. passport was issued more than one year ago, you will not be eligible for the Form DS-5504)

Click here if you have not renewed or have had issued a passport within the past year.

Check the state website for estimated wait times issuing you a new passport.

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html

Thanks for your insight Kristin, great information for our brides-to-be!