Passport and Name Change.

rikkiandjulie

So J and I are going to Cabo in December, and we need passports. So I was wondering should we file for the name change with our court first? Then get the passport, or get the passport, and wait till after our trip to file the name change. Any suggestions?

ctbride08

its a tough call. because i'm super paranoid and dont trust the courts or the passport agency to move quickly, I opted to book our november HM in my maiden name w/ my current passport and wait until we get back to change my name.

you have a bit more time than i do, but there is always the chance of running into a snag....

did you already book the travel in your maiden name?

rikkiandjulie

I haven't started yet.

Two*True

I think it depends on your court system.  Some you walk in and out in the same day, others, like NY take anywhere from 2-3 months.  My opinion is that you do the court change, then send all the paperwork to get your new passport.  My new passport arrived in 8 days and that was not a rushed order.  If you get a passport now with your current name you'll just have to get a new one and pay the same price for the new name.  It'll save you money to get the court order first, then passport.  Hope that makes sense.

Mrs._F

I would do the court order first. Look up the probate court in your county and find out how long a court-ordered name change usually takes.

Once you have your court order, you can Expedite your passport app if need be. Your new passport will arrive within 3 weeks of sending in the app if you expedite and pay for overnight shipping. Check out the passport website travel dot state dot gov for updated info on how long processing takes and for all the info you need to get your new passport.

My 2 pieces are advice are: get started ASAP and check and triple check that you are doing everything by the rules - crossing all your t's and doting all your i's.  Any mistake in the process causes delays.