Use Passport in Maiden Name
Mar 13th, 2006, 04:53 PM
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Use Passport in Maiden Name
Hello there! I will be staying in St. John and believe from reading the State Department's website that I can just use my drivers license to enter the USVI and return to the U.S. (please alert me if this is wrong!). However, I'd like to take a day trip to the BVI and wanted to see if I can leave STJ on a boat and clear customs using my US passport that has my maiden name. It has not expired, but has my maiden name. I am in the process of getting a new one, but I neglected to expedite it and it might not arrive in time. So, since I won't have airline tix with my married name with me on the boat to the BVI, will they even be aware of the maiden name issue? The picture is me (obviously) and the date is still goood. thanks!
Mar 14th, 2006, 08:34 AM
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A few thoughts.
Pay the extra fee to expedite the Passport update so you'll have it in time for your trip.
At the very least bring the passport and your marriage certificate and be prepared to be denied entry to the BVI's.
Although passports are not "required" for going back and forth from the mainland US to the USVI's yet, they will be soon. The USVI's are potentially easy point of entry to the US, so they are being more careful than ever.
I'd rather be prepared than take the chance.
I travelled to St. John in 2003 for my honeymoon. My plane tix were in my maiden name and I had my passport updated as soon as I returned. I did not attempt to visit the BVI's during that trip.
When are you going? Is there time to expedite the Passport?
Pay the extra fee to expedite the Passport update so you'll have it in time for your trip.
At the very least bring the passport and your marriage certificate and be prepared to be denied entry to the BVI's.
Although passports are not "required" for going back and forth from the mainland US to the USVI's yet, they will be soon. The USVI's are potentially easy point of entry to the US, so they are being more careful than ever.
I'd rather be prepared than take the chance.
I travelled to St. John in 2003 for my honeymoon. My plane tix were in my maiden name and I had my passport updated as soon as I returned. I did not attempt to visit the BVI's during that trip.
When are you going? Is there time to expedite the Passport?
Mar 14th, 2006, 06:36 PM
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I'm leaving April 15th, and the airline tix are already booked so I can't change them (besides my drivers license is my married name). i'm just going to pay the extra $$ to expedite and stop worrying about it!
Mar 14th, 2006, 07:18 PM
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This is exactly why I chose to keep my maiden name and just tack on my husband's last name to the end like a third name (no hyphens) on most of my identification like driver's license and passport. I continue to be known by my maiden name professionally. My husband didn't put me through school and I didn't have to change my letterhead. When I travel or use my ID's, they include both maiden and married names so no matter what the context, it is accepted that I am that person. I think if you just bring the marriage certificate as other posters have mentioned, you'll be able to explain it readily.
Mar 15th, 2006, 04:20 AM
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<clear customs using my US passport that has my maiden name. It has not expired, but has my maiden name. I am in the process of getting a new one, but I neglected to expedite it and it might not arrive in time.>
Are you saying you are waiting for your new passport to arrive and you still have your old passport? Did you know that you need to turn your old passport in while applying for a new one? The moment your new passport is issued your old passport is canceled. This situation may create some problems when traveling with your old passport and at the same time the new is issued. Regardless what name is on your passport your personal data is going to show you have two passports and that would be a big problem. In those days international immigration offices have an access to your date as well.
Your driver license is not enough to travel internationally. From my personal experience marriage certificate along with driver license wasn't enough and that was before September 11. Have birth certificate instead or to make this trip worry free just get your new passport quickly Or carry your birth certificate along with driver license and forget about your current passport. Keep in mind you cannot use your old passport once your new one is issued. It may arrive at your home during your stay in St. John or BVI. What about if the new one is issued while traveling? Good luck
Are you saying you are waiting for your new passport to arrive and you still have your old passport? Did you know that you need to turn your old passport in while applying for a new one? The moment your new passport is issued your old passport is canceled. This situation may create some problems when traveling with your old passport and at the same time the new is issued. Regardless what name is on your passport your personal data is going to show you have two passports and that would be a big problem. In those days international immigration offices have an access to your date as well.
Your driver license is not enough to travel internationally. From my personal experience marriage certificate along with driver license wasn't enough and that was before September 11. Have birth certificate instead or to make this trip worry free just get your new passport quickly Or carry your birth certificate along with driver license and forget about your current passport. Keep in mind you cannot use your old passport once your new one is issued. It may arrive at your home during your stay in St. John or BVI. What about if the new one is issued while traveling? Good luck
Mar 15th, 2006, 06:02 AM
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Helton, when did you apply for your passport? I applied for my renewal on February 2nd and I just checked the official website to find out my passport is on the way and I should receive it by March 19th. So maybe you shouldn't worry too much. You still have a full month before your trip.
