passport process?

Erin.Patrice

Can someone fill me in? We have to apply for ours withing the nest week and I don't even know where to start. Whats the difference between the card and the book? Do I need both? Which is better since I'm going to change my name? We're getting married in November and not going on our honeymoon until the second week of December or maybe even spring break 2010..... Should I wait to change my name until after the honeymoon? can you hear the confusion in my frantic questions? Hahaha. Thanks Ladies!

BrittBritt22

There is no reason to have both because the book is like the card+.  The card is for entry to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean only (and I think only by land or sea).  The book is for international air travel. The card is much cheaper so if you can get away with that, I would.I would apply for the passport with your maiden name and do it early... it is so unpredictable when it will come.  I got mine in 2 mos. and my sister who applied on the same day got hers in two weeks.  The rule used to be if you changed your name within a year of issuance you didn't have to pay any fees to get the passport changed.You can go to the Department of State's website for more info.  They have a whole section on passports.Hope this helps!

KermitClin06

I agree with what Britt's already said and add, you can use your passport with your maiden name and have your name changed after the wedding, but from what my friend has told me (her husband is a border patrol guard) you will need to carry your marriage certificate (or a copy??) with you. I think it's up to you whether you change your name right away or not, but to let you know, I just had to renew my passport this past spring and changed my name on my passport at that time as well (1 year after the wedding) and it was easy as pie and I had my new passport in 2-3 weeks! I was shocked. So if you've got months after you change your name before you plan to travel internationally, you just might be able to get your passport changed over in plenty of time.

Erin.Patrice

Thanks girls!     p.s. I just noticed all the typing errors and yes I'm aware that I should never NEVER be allowed with in 5 feet of a keyboard. Sorry everyone!

adaptableapple

If you are flying anywhere, you need the book.Keep in mind that when you apply for a passport, they take your birth certificate and send it in with your application. So if you're gonna need your birth certificate for anything in the next 4-6 weeks, you may want to get that out of the way before applying for a passport (we learned this the hard way!).