By Erin Celletti, Brides
For those who are looking forward to
changing their last name after marriage, it’s tempting to get started
right away. After all, it’s a bit of a lengthy and often complicated
process.
[post_ads_2]
It’s easy to forget, though, that changing your last name can have immediate implications on your travel plans. To avoid any unwanted surprises at the gate or check-in, here’s what you need to know about changing your name and traveling.
For Timely Travel
If you’re heading off on your honeymoon in the immediate days or weeks following your wedding, book your travel
in your maiden name. (Name changes don’t happen overnight; in fact,
it’s quite the opposite.) It’s the easiest way to travel, and it will
buy you some extra time to enjoy wedded bliss before standing in long
lines at the Social Security office, DMV, bank—you get the idea.
For Future Travel
If
you’re planning on taking a trip a few months or more after your
wedding, then it is safe to book in your married name, provided you are
proactive and timely in changing your name legally, then acquiring the
necessary documents. Remember that your best bet is to have all
your documents changed and set to go before you embark on your
journeys, so ensure you will have ample time to make that happen.
[post_ads]If
there’s any question, it might be best to play it safe and book in your
maiden name, and wait until you return home to make your name changes.
(It will also give you something special to look forward to!)
A general rule of thumb for international travel
is that your passport is your primary source of identification. Many
times, U.S. citizens forget this, as your driver’s license is often all
you need for domestic travel. It’s imperative to remember that the name
on your airline ticket must match your passport name. Sometimes, newlyweds change their license first and neglect to change their passport, so this is important to keep in mind.
Changing Your Documents
Your
first stop in changing your name is to make it official via Social
Security, then you’ll have to move forward with changing it everywhere
else.
For many, this will begin with a driver’s license and passport, and then you can tackle your bank, credit cards, professional licenses, etc.
Be
as prepared as possible and ensure you have proper forms of
identification, your birth certificate, certified original copies of
your marriage license, a check or money order to cover fees, and any
necessary forms.
[post_ads_2]- To change your name at Social Security, it will have to be done in person. More information on the requirements and procedure are available online.
- For U.S. citizens and passport holders, details on the easy-enough process can be found here.
- To change your name on your state driver’s license, you’ll have to pay a visit to your local DMV website for state-specific protocols.
A
good rule of thumb, if you have any questions or concerns regarding
your name change, is to directly contact your airline or hotel to ask
for its specific policies and procedures. Also, it can’t hurt to keep a
copy of your marriage license handy while adjusting to all the formal
changes.
A little bit of information, preparation, and some peace of mind can go a long way.
