Home / How to Notarize a Document in the US

How to Notarize a Document in the US

To apostille a document in the USA, you’ll need to meet specific requirements set by each state in the US. First, you need to notarize each document in front of a notary public.

What Is the Notarization of Documents?

Some documents require a higher level of clarity and verification before processing. For instance, when you want to buy a home or establish a power of attorney over a certain estate, presenting signed documents may not be convincing enough to the relevant authorities. This is because some of these documents may be forged or presented without the consent of other parties involved.

To avoid this, the US government requires that such documents be signed and verified by a state-appointed clerk. This fraud-deterrent process is what is commonly known as the notarization of documents. In addition, the government-appointed official witnessing the signing of such crucial documents is referred to as a notary public.

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How to Notarize a Document

According to the US Department of State, the following requirements must be met when notarizing each document in front of a notary public:

If the notary public has been commissioned through the county, the:

Documents must be certified by the clerk of the county court where the notary is commissioned.
Documents should then be certified by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was notarized.

If the notary public has been commissioned through the state, the:

Documents must be certified only by the Secretary of State in the state the document was notarized.

After meeting the requirements above, you’ll also need to follow these additional steps:

Additional Requirements for Document Notarization

To verify that your documents have been properly notarized, ensure that they:

Show the correct dates, especially if they required certification from both the court clerk and Secretary of State. In this case, the documents must first be certified by the court clerk before being sent over to the Secretary of State for further certification.
Contain original seals and signatures of the certifying individual or agency.
Are accurately translated into English (if not originally in English).

Steps to Apostille a Document in the United States

The exact procedure to apostille a document in the US depends on the type of document and the issuing authority. For example, federal documents must be apostilled by the US Department of State, as explained below.

To submit a request, fill out a Request Authentications Services form (DS-4194) available on the US Department of State website. You’ll also be required to provide the country’s name where you intend to use the document before submitting it to the Department of State.

To apostille state-issued documents, such as birth certificates, follow these steps:

Ensure that the document has been notarized by the appropriate authorities as explained above.
Contact your Secretary of State where the document was issued.
You’ll find the contact information of your Secretary of State by using the search tool provided on the National Association of Secretaries of State website.

Hiring an Apostille Service for Faster and Hassle-Free Processing

It is also possible to apostille a document in the USA via a reputable apostille service provider, such as Travel Visa Pro. Given that the apostille process can be quite complicated, TVP ensures your documents meet various apostille requirements before submission. This helps speed up the process and avoid disappointing delays that could ruin your travel plans.

Home / How to get a court order for a Child Passport?

How to get a court order for a Child Passport?

When it comes time to take your family on an international trip, there are naturally a few boxes you’ll need to check. In addition to accommodations and airline tickets, children usually fall under a different category of passports than adults.

In the United States, any citizen under the age of 16 qualifies to receive a passport book or card valid for five years from the time they are born. Between the ages of 16-18, minors can obtain a ten-year “adult” passport, but might still need permission from both parents or legal guardians.

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What do parents need to do to get a Child Passport?

There are a few conditions under which children may need neither parent, both parents, or just one parent present to get their passport. No matter what, applying for a passport for the first time can mean bringing in a number of documents. Let’s look at some of these cases.

If the child is emancipated or has no legal guardians able to apply

In some cases, neither parent may be available to appear in person to apply for their child’s passport. This does not include circumstances like mental incompetence or imprisonment.

If the child has two parents or legal guardians, they may fill out form DS-3053 (statement of consent) in front of a notary public with their photo IDs. This does not usually allow children to apply for passports on their own, but rather authorizes a third-party agency like Travel Visa Pro to apply on their behalf.

Suppose a child is legally emancipated and can provide documentation with their passport application. Passports can be issued at the discretion of the Department of State.

If the child has only one parent or legal guardian able to apply

Form DS-3053 also allows for only one parent to appear in person with the child at the time of the application. Work schedules may not allow one parent to escape during normal business hours, or the child may only have one legal guardian in the first place.

However, the other parent or legal guardian must have completed the form in front of a notary public. This authorizes the other parent to apply for the child’s passport on their own.

If the child has two parents or legal guardians able to apply

All three — two parents, one child — should appear in person at a regional passport office, whether they are renewing their child’s passport or applying for one for the first time. They can apply for the child passport using form DS-11.

When is a court order required for a Child Passport?

Form DS-3053 may be used when both parents are considered legal guardians to the child. However, there are times when additional documentation is required: emancipation, loss of custody, death of one parent.

For example, if one parent has a restraining order against the other, is in prison, or has sole custody of the child for other reasons, a court order may be required. Under these circumstances, form DS-5525 (statement of exigent/special family circumstances) may also be used in lieu of one.

Should you have a court order reflecting sole custody or granting one parent permission to obtain the child’s passport, DS-5525 may be unnecessary. Essentially, if any legal guardian of the child is unable to appear, then there must be documentation included with the DS-11 passport application form.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of State cannot assist in any matters requiring a court order. Hiring a lawyer or filing a claim in court pro se is the only way to get supporting documentation for a child passport application.

What other documents are needed for a Child Passport?

In addition to form DS-11, DS-5525 or DS-3053 may be required (see above). Bring these forms along with your child to a regional passport agency with proof of the child’s US citizenship (birth certificate), proof of the relationship to the parents, and the parents’ original photo IDs. For children under 16 obtaining a passport renewal, photos of an age progression are necessary.

There is an $80 processing fee for child passport applications, whether you’re applying for the first time or getting a renewal. This excludes the $35 execution fee required for all in-person applications. Expedited service is also available for an additional $60.

Does that answer your question about getting a court order for your child’s passport? Let us know in the comments.

Home / How to fill out your Passport Renewal form

How to fill out your Passport Renewal form

Congratulations on holding on to your U.S. passport for a decade. Is it full of all the visas and stamps you wanted?

Now that it’s time to renew your passport book or card, you may have a few concerns. Just like renewing a state-issued ID, passport renewal applications only need to be completed once every ten years. Nevertheless, making sure your book or card is still valid before a holiday or business trip is always a good idea.

Should you need to renew your passport, how do you fill out the forms?

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How much time do you have?

You’ve checked the expiration date or noticed that all the pages in your passport book are completely full, so what’s the next step?

Check how much time you have before your next international trip. The number of weeks, days, or even hours you have affect which way you’ll want to renew your passport.

For example, having a passport renewal application processed in person might be faster, but there’s no guarantee you live close to a regional passport agency or can schedule an appointment. Sending in a renewal application by mail may slightly reduce the cost, but waiting on a package that doesn’t arrive in time can disrupt travel plans. In some cases, expedited processing of your passport renewal may be the best option.

Filling out your Passport Renewal Form

Form DS-82 from the Department of State is the correct document for passport renewals. To use it, your current passport must be completely undamaged and issued in the last 15 years.

Children’s passports, valid for five years, cannot be renewed with DS-82. If the holder has “aged out” of a child’s passport — i.e. turned 16 years old — then he or she would need to present their application in person at a regional passport agency using form DS-11.

Form DS-82 is fairly straightforward. It contains six pages on the Department of State website, four of which are instructions. These do not need to be presented with the application; only the other two must be mailed in.

Fill in the form with information like your name and address. If you’ve recently gotten married or divorced, or changed your name for whatever reason, your passport renewal application must be accompanied by the appropriate legal documents. Should you have any immediate travel plans, it’s a good idea to print out the details and send them in with your application.

Filling out other required forms

In some cases, your passport renewal application form must be accompanied by proof you owe no child support or back taxes with the IRS. Should these records reach the federal government before your application, your passport renewal may be delayed or outright rejected.

Aside from that, applicants must include a check or money order for $110 made out to the Department of State, a passport-sized photo, and their expired US passport.

How to send in your Passport Renewal form

Offices with the U.S. Postal Service accept passport renewal applications, and you always have the option of mailing the forms by yourself from home. The address can vary depending on your home state, and whether you are requesting expedited service. Applications can even be accepted from Canada, provided they are mailed to the appropriate office in Philadelphia.

Travel Visa Pro can expedite any passport renewal application both by mail and in person at one of our U.S. offices. If you’re unwilling to wait for your application, or just need assurances your passport will be ready before you travel, come to TVP first.

After your Passport Renewal is completed

Once you have your new — well, renewed — passport book in hand, don’t remember to take care of a little housekeeping prior to travel. You’ll need to sign your name on the information page and write your address in pencil. Don’t forget to check any existing reservations to make sure your new passport expiration date and number match.

As you’re getting an existing passport renewed, you may still have some valid visa stamps in the expired document. The U.S. Department of State cannot move these valid visas into your renewed document, but embassies and consulates for the respective countries usually can. However, if you’re planning to travel and need your passport renewed, it’s best to wait until you have your new document to apply for visas.

Do you have any questions about how to fill out your passport renewal form?

Home / How to Fill out your Passport Application Form

How to Fill out your Passport Application Form

There are few facts about the passport application process of which every traveler should be aware before a big trip. The U.S. passport remains high on the list of those that can access other countries without a visa and holds a great deal of influence worldwide.

As a result, the time and effort needed to apply for one or renew an old one increases accordingly. Make sure you know how to fill out a passport application form long before you need to fly abroad.

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Filling out Passport Application forms for the first time

Form DS-11 is the standard application required by the U.S. Department of State for first-time passport applicants.

First-time applicants need to bring their proof of US citizenship – usually in the form of a birth or naturalization certificate – a color passport photo, and their photo ID to attach to the form. Unless you’re planning on expediting your application or going through a third-party agency like Travel Visa Pro, you will also need to make an appointment at a regional passport agency to apply in person.

When it comes time to fill out Form DS-11, remember to double and triple check your application. Any mistake may result in the form not being immediately accepted, resulting in another appointment or a missed trip. As with all travel, the more time, the better your chances of getting your documents ready.

Filling out Passport Renewal forms

Form DS-82 is the standard application required by the U.S. Department of State for those renewing their passport books or cards.

Assuming your passport hasn’t been expired for more than five years, applicants qualify to use this form. They have the choice of mailing in their application or applying in person at a designated regional passport agency.

Just like with other passport application forms, remember to check for any errors prior to submission. Mail-in applications with DS-82 have the benefit of letting you apply for a passport renewal from the comfort of home, but offers little communication between you and the State Department. Often, applicants won’t know something is wrong until their application is returned with a request for corrections days or weeks later.

Filling out Children’s Passport forms

Children’s passport applications require the same form used by adults for the first time – DS-11 – but also additional supporting documentation. While DS-11 allows adult applicants to apply for a ten-year passport, it grants five-year passport books and cards for children.

Form DS-3053 is required to be included in any child’s passport application when one parent cannot appear in person for the application. All applicants under the age of 16 must have both parents or legal guardians appear in person for their passport application to be processed. This form must be filled out in front of a notary public with the photo ID of the parent intending to be absent.

Form DS-5525 may be used if one parent or legal guardian is in prison, subject to a custody order, or subject to a restraining order which leaves them unable to sign DS-3053. Specifically, it is a Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.

At a minimum, any parents or legal guardians applying for their child’s passport must include Form DS-11, photos showing age progression, $80 in fees for a passport book, photo IDs for both parents, proof of U.S. citizenship, and proof of relationship to the child. For anything beyond that, the aforementioned forms may be added.

Filling out Emergency Passport forms

There is no special form for applying for an expedited or emergency passport application. DS-11 and DS-82 still apply for first-time applicants and renewals, respectively. However, additional documents may be expected to be included with these forms, including proof of immediate travel, a doctor’s note for medical emergencies, or even a death certificate of a family member.

For expedited passport applications, mail-in applications are not recommended. Rather, travelers should make an appointment at the closest regional passport agency and provide proof of the emergency, or contact their nearest Travel Visa Pro to private assistance when needed. Travel Visa Pro also has dozens of pick up and drop off locations in major and minor cities to accommodate these last-minute passport requests.

Do you now know how to fill out your passport application form? Let us know if you have any other questions!

Home / How long is a Passport Card good for?

How long is a Passport Card good for?

If you’ve decided a passport card is the best document for your travels, then you should be aware of all the benefits and restrictions it offers.

While passport books grant the holder access through any immigration checkpoint — except where visas are required or travel is otherwise banned — passport cards may only be used in particular situations. Often, the reason travelers choose a card over a book is because they are very aware of their needs and see no reason to spend more time and money than necessary.

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Advantages of a Passport Card over a passport book

Unless you’re planning to fly outside of the United States for work or leisure for the next ten years, then you may see no reason to pay $110 for a new passport book or a renewal on your old document. Passport cards still allow the holder to travel internationally by land or sea, and cut down the costs significantly: as of 2020, the fee is $30.

In addition to the lower price tag, passport cards have the advantage of greater portability. While books are relatively small and can easily fit into any bag, they are a tad bulky when it comes to pant or shirt pockets. Traveling abroad means you may not always be wearing a jacket big enough to comfortably house your 52-page passport book. In this case, a card the size of your photo ID may be preferable.

How long is a Passport Card good for?

The application process and validity of a U.S. passport card is the same as that of a passport book. Any U.S. citizen over the age of 16 qualifies to receive a ten-year document whether they’re renewing or applying for the first time.

However, children under the age of 16 qualify for cards or books valid for only five years. While the adult price is $30, a child’s passport card costs only $15.

Can the validity of a U.S. Passport Card be extended?

The validity of passport cards and books are fixed for adults and children at ten and five years, respectively. Though there are certain circumstances under which a U.S. citizen may be issued a document valid for four years — second passports — or even less than a year — emergency and limited validity passports — these are the exceptions, not the rule.

The good news is both adults and children can legally hold both a valid passport book and card at the same time, and stagger the times at which they applied to affect the expiration dates. For example, you may keep a passport book in your safe at home that expires in 2022, and have applied for a passport card that expires in 2024. All perfectly legal and handy for the international traveler.

How long can I travel with a Passport Card?

Unfortunately, no passport card may be used for international air travel at this time, even to a country that might allow entry with one by land or sea, e.g. Mexico. Travelers on international trains, buses, cruises, and even small boats can use passport cards around the Caribbean and North America.

While the card may still allow the holder to travel for ten years, using both the card and the book is a winning combination when it comes to international travel. Entry to a country like Japan — where visitors are required to have ID on them at all times — can be achieved with the passport book, while the card can be carried around Tokyo to comply with local laws.

In addition, with the Real ID Act continuing to take effect in the United States, residents of certain areas may no longer be allowed to use their old state-issued IDs for domestic air travel. Passport cards, issued by the federal government, are cheap and easily available alternatives to waiting in line at the DMV for a replacement.

While considering whether a passport book or card might be right for you, stop by your nearest Travel Visa Pro office. One of our experts will discuss your trip and work with you to determine which document is best.

Do you have any questions about how long you can use a passport card? Leave them in the comments!

Home / Flight passenger rights in US

Flight passenger rights in US

So you’ve got your passport in hand (courtesy of a rush job by Travel Visa Pro!) and are headed to the airport. As a frequent or even a first-time traveler, you’re going to have to jump through a number of hoops just to move between the drop off point and your gate: check in counters, 1-3 layers of security, and possibly immigration. Though these each come with their own challenges and laws to govern them, we’ll be focusing on what happens specifically when it comes to air travel.

For example, let’s say there are no hiccups and you successfully board your flight. How long can an airline legally delay you before it has to shell out some cash for a hotel room, if ever? What kind of flight compensation are you entitled to if you’re bumped off an overbooked flight? Let’s look at some of the issues affecting flight passenger rights in the US.

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Overbooked or Oversold Flights in the US

Colloquially known as “bumping”, this process involves an airline selling more than the number of available seats on board (which it regularly does), and all the passengers arriving on time to board the flight. In this scenario, airline staff usually make an announcement at the gate requesting volunteers give up their seats in exchange for a combination of food vouchers, frequent flier miles, an airline voucher, or possibly a hotel room and taxi voucher.

What is being offered depends on whether the flight is domestic or international (passengers on international flights aren’t bumped as often, but it does happen), and the expected time of delay to your original travel plans. If said airline can have you reach your destination between 1-4 hours after your original arrival time for international flights, or 1-2 hours for domestic flights, you are entitled to 200% of the one-way fare to your destination, up to $675. Any delay beyond that? 400%, up to $1350.

Unfortunately, passengers who are delayed by less than one hour, even in overbooking situations, are not entitled to any compensation. That having been said, in light of negative PR as a result of situations like United Airlines forcibly removing passengers from overbooked flights (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Express_Flight_3411_incident), airlines are becoming more reluctant to take passengers off flights without providing enough compensation to avoid being the subject of another viral video.

How long you can wait on the tarmac

What’s the longest time you’ve had to wait with your seatbelt fastened, your luggage stored, and your seatback fully upright and locked? We all have our stories. Though there is no compensation provided for flights delayed between the gate and takeoff, flight passengers in the US do have certain rights for this particular situation.

The US Department of Transportation has mandated that airlines are not allowed to keep passengers on a plane waiting on the tarmac for more than four hours for international flights and three hours for domestic flights unless there are extenuating circumstances. After this deadline has passed, passengers must be given the option to return to the terminal. Even before then, food and water must be provided after two hours’ wait.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Unlike waiting time on the tarmac, flight delays aren’t quite as quantitative when it comes to refunds. Usually, airlines consider a substantial delay as grounds for compensation. However, these delays are arbitrary in length, and causes vary from weather to technical issues. When it comes to passenger rights in the US, a substantial delay means a full refund or a new ticket to your original destination, even for nonrefundable tickets.

Because there is no set definition of a delay, each airline has their own policies for different compensation offered. For example, many airlines offer meal vouchers good for shops and restaurants across the terminal for delays of several hours, while some do consider offering passengers a free night in an airport hotel for overnight delays. In some cases, you may even be allowed to be rebooked on a different airline at no additional charge. Regardless, these policies can vary considerably by airline, and flight passengers in the US aren’t entitled to them so much as given them to avoid unleashing a social media firestorm.

Whether you’re waiting on the tarmac reading this with time to kill or staring in dismay at the delay announcement in the international terminal, we hope you’ve chosen Travel Visa Pro to facilitate your visa and passport applications prior to travel. With our team of trained staff in offices nationwide, we can not only get you your passport in a hurry, but difficult-to-obtain visas to a number of countries.

Home / Flight disruption compensation explained

Flight disruption compensation explained

We all have our airline horror stories. Whether you’re flying domestic for just an hour or planning on an overnight flight to Sydney, disruptions and delays affect every traveler at some point in their life. It’s rare for flights to be delayed while they’re airborne, but problems on the ground can lead to missed flights, extra nights in a hotel, and being trapped somewhere you don’t want to be. When airlines are faced with passengers experiencing delays, what is usually their response?

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Compensation for Flight Cancellations or Delays

When you’re staring at an airline timetable and the notice changes from “on time” to “delayed” or “cancelled”, what can you expect in terms of compensation? Usually, not much.

Substantial delays to flights are considered as grounds for compensation by airlines, but the definition of them is erratic at best. Each airline has their own policy for offering compensation for said delays. For example, some consider giving passengers a voucher for a free night in an airport hotel if your delay lasts well into the night. Shorter delays like those just a few hours long during the day may earn you an airport meal voucher.

Because the cause of these delays may vary from bad weather to a staff change to technical problems with the plane itself, compensation isn’t often forthcoming. When it does come, a substantial delay means passengers can receive a new ticket to their destination (sometimes on another airline) or a full refund. Regardless, these policies can vary considerably based on the airline and the circumstances surrounding the delay. Passengers on US-based airlines aren’t entitled to them so much as given them to avoid unleashing hell on social media. If you had a delay or cancellation with any European airline (from or to the US), then you are entitled to compensation under EC Regulation 261/2004.

Compensation for Flights Overbooked

Bad news first: passengers who are kicked off an oversold flight and delayed by less than one hour rarely receive any form of compensation. However, even with relatively short delays caused by overbooking, airlines are becoming more reluctant to pull passengers off flights. Negative PR campaigns against major airlines only need one minor incident to cost the company millions of dollars in revenue, and forcibly removing a passenger from an overbooked flight certainly qualifies.

An airline typically has to “bump” a passenger when the number of people who arrive at the gate is more than the number of available seats on board, which happens quite often. Employees at the gate (and sometimes on board) usually make an announcement calling for volunteers to accept a later flight in exchange for an airline voucher, or possibly some of the program’s frequent flier miles.

Passengers on international flights rarely get the perks of being overbooked, as airlines are required to provide a certain level of compensation for such flight disruptions. If you should be bumped and land 1-4 hours after your original arrival time on an international flight, you can receive 200% of the original cost of the one-way ticket, up to $675. The same applies to delays of 1-2 hours for domestic flights. If you’re delayed any longer? 400% of the price of the original ticket, up to $1350.

Compensation for Wait Time on the Tarmac

Flight disruptions aren’t limited to time spent staring at the gate or being bumped to a next-day flight. Sometimes you may find yourself trapped on the airport tarmac with your seatback fully upright and locked and your seatbelt fastened for hours. Compensation is never offered when planes are delayed taxiing for takeoff – the airline is fined instead – but passengers do have certain rights in this situation.

According to legislation enforced by The United States Department of Transportation, flights cannot have passengers waiting on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights, and four hours for international ones. The only exception is for matters of security which rarely apply to commercial passengers. After two hours, flight attendants must provide food and water. Once passengers have waited longer than the time limit, they are given the choice of returning to the terminal.

Compensating passengers for delayed or cancelled flights isn’t always pretty, but knowing your rights will ensure you get an optimal outcome for an unpleasant travel situation. Of course, having travel insurance for such disruptions is another good option. When you’re in the market for visa and passport assistance, or just need a recommendation when it comes time for your trip, we hope you’ll choose Travel Visa Pro for all your needs.

Home / How often do you have to renew your passport?

How often do you have to renew your passport?

Many travelers don’t often pay attention to the expiration date on their passport between trips, but this can be a mistake. Some countries only allow entry if you have at least six months’ validity left on your passport book. Though most adults have ten-year passport books and cards, there are some passports that require earlier renewals for different reasons. How often do you have to renew a passport?

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How often to renew children’s passports

Anyone who applies for a passport before the age of 16 must do with both parents or guardians. Children qualify for both passport books and cards, which are only valid for five years. Therefore, anyone traveling internationally with a children will probably need to renew their documents every 4.5 years (making sure to always keep six months’ validity).

The latest any US citizen could hold a child’s passport would be just before their 21^st birthday – if their parents happened to apply just shy of one’s 16^th birthday. Many people choose to renew earlier to get the application process for a ten-year document out of the way.

How often to renew second passports

Many US citizens hold more than one passport, especially since the requirement was enforced to no longer add pages to an existing passport. These second passport books or cards are valid for only four years, and have the same restrictions for entry to foreign countries as any ten-year document; after 3+ years, keep a close eye on the expiration date.

How often to renew standard passport books

For travelers who already have a ten-year passport – assuming it wasn’t issued more than fifteen years ago – there is the option of applying for a renewal in person at a regional passport agency in the United States or any embassy or consulate abroad. Both applications abroad and in the US can also be accepted by mail.

Unlike first-time applicants, who must provide proof of citizenship in person for verification, those needing a renewal can present their expired passport book or card every 10-15 years as proof. Those who wait more than five years from the date their passport expires no longer qualify for a renewal and will have to go through the same application process as first timers.

How long does a passport renewal take in an emergency?

Passport renewal applications can be expedited in just a few business days if you provide proof of immediate travel, especially if these reasons include a medical emergency or a death in the family. In-person applications like these allow you to verify the start date of the passport, while you may lose a few days for a passport renewed submitted through the mail.

If you do need to leave the country within a few business days, make an appointment at the closest regional passport agency and provide proof of travel and documentation surrounding the reason. The time for processing your application is still dependent on the number of applicants at that location and whether it’s peak travel season, but sometimes renewed passport books can be returned within 1-3 business days.

Passport book and card applications processed in an emergency are still valid for the full ten years, despite their expediency. The sole exception to the expiration date of emergency passports are limited validity documents issued abroad at a US embassy or consulate; these documents cannot be renewed, and are only used to finish an international trip or return home.

Shorten the time to renew your passport with Travel Visa Pro

The bottom line? You should renew your adult passport every 9-10 years, but can wait up to fifteen years from the day it was issued to get a renewal without any further complications. Next to checking your passport’s expiration date and getting an up-to-date photo, filling out Form DS-82 and making an appointment at a regional passport center agency are probably the most time consuming tasks for a passport renewal.

If you’re unsure about which documents you need to gather to apply for a passport renewal or would like more information about whether you need six months’ validity traveling to certain countries, call one of the nine staffed Travel Visa Pro locations and a travel expert will get back to you quickly. With TVP, passport renewals take only as long as you want them to take.

Have you checked the expiration date on your passport recently?

Home / Can I use my passport with my maiden name?

Can I use my passport with my maiden name?

After you get married, do you need to update your personal documents, like your passport and driver’s license? Obviously both parties have the choice whether or not to legally take the other’s name, but if you choose to do so, what becomes of your old passport book or card?

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Using a US passport with your maiden name

The issue with traveling internationally isn’t necessarily the fact that you have a valid passport with invalid information (i.e. your maiden name), but rather that you would knowingly enter an incorrect name on your airline, bus, or cruise reservation and then travel with a document not reflecting this change. If you’re planning to drive across the border to Canada or Mexico, or otherwise take a form of transportation that does not require you to enter your current legal name, then using a passport with your maiden name should not be a problem.

However, this does not apply to travel by air. The TSA requires that the name on your ticket – your current legal name – match the one in your passport.

How to change your passport to reflect your current name

When your name change occurred is critical information when it comes time to update your passport. If you have gotten married in the last year, then you can send your passport book or card along with your marriage certificate and a new photo through the mail with Form DS-5504 to request a name change for no additional charge. Both standard and expedited processing are available for this service.

However, if your passport had been issued for at least a year prior to your nuptials, you’ll most likely have to apply for a name change using Form DS-82. The process is the same as applying for a standard renewal for a ten-year passport book or card, with one exception: you must provide proof of the name change with a court order or marriage license. As long as you can send in your most recent US passport issued as an adult and it is undamaged and has not been expired for more than five years, then Form DS-82 is acceptable to change your maiden name.

For other situations like passports that have been lost or stolen and passports expired for more than five years, all applicants must go through the process of applying for a “new” passport using Form DS-11. This requires them to apply in person at a regional passport office or entrust their application to a third-party agency like Travel Visa Pro.

Fees for changing the maiden name on your passport

As long as your passport was issued less than one year ago and you apply to change the name on your passport using Form DS-5504, there is no additional charge, save postage. However, for passports issued more than a year ago, standard fees apply: $110 for adults. There will also be a $35 execution fee should you want to apply in person at a regional passport office.

Court orders or marriage certificates for updating your passport

If you have had enough time following your union to update your state-issued ID with your new legal name, then you don’t need to provide anything more than this ID and an explanation as to why your name has changed by providing the date of marriage and your maiden name. However, it never hurts to have a copy of your marriage certificate handy when renewing your passport.

How long does it take to change the maiden name on my passport?

There’s no major difference in processing time between changing the maiden name on your US passport and getting it renewed. Applying by mail may take up to several weeks, or days if you’re lucky. Those applying in person at a regional passport office can pay for expedited service and provide proof of immediate travel.

When it comes to updating your passport, getting a new one, or needing help with a visa, going through a third party agency like Travel Visa Pro can help cut down on any processing time.

Do you currently need to update your passport? Come by one of our offices!

Home / How to pay for a passport

How to pay for a passport

If you’ve waited until the last minute to check the expiration date of your passport and panic over the cost of a renewal, or are concerned about paying for one for the first time, it’s important to do your homework on applicable costs and fees. It’s difficult to keep down costs prior to an international trip, but taking the time to check your passport and prepare document weeks in advance can make the difference between a smooth start to your holiday or a costly delay… possibly a cancellation. The cost and time applying for passports varies, but here some of the options available.

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Paying for a passport renewal by mail

First-time applicants must present themselves at a regional passport agency or third-party agency for their passport book or card (see below), but sending all your documents directly to the US Department of State for a renewal is possible by mail. In this case, passport books for adults cost $110, and passport cards are $30, payable by check or money order.

Applying for a renewal by mail isn’t very fast if you’re considering leaving the US in a matter of weeks. During peak season, passport renewals by mail can take up to several weeks, with no updates or expected return date provided on receipt.

Paying for a passport application or renewal in person

If you’re currently in the United States, regional passport agencies are available at 26 different locations in major cities to process expedited passport applications. Staff on site usually require proof of immediate travel, your expired passport, and expediting fees. Like renewals, standard passport book applications cost $110, but there’s an additional $35 Execution Fee for applying in person. In addition, a $60 expediting fee is available; some applicants can get their new documents in a window as short as a few business days, others in a week or two.

Money orders are accepted at all regional passport offices for all fees, but some will not accept personal checks or cash. When cash is accepted, exact change is required. Credit cards may be accepted at some USPS offices with passport services, but there is no guarantee; call your local post office to see what is available.

Paying for a passport outside the US

If you’re currently living in another country or planning to stay in one country for more than two weeks, it is possible to turn in all the necessary documents – Form DS-82, passport photos, old passport, fees – to a nearby US embassy or consulate in person or by mail (depending on the country).

The standard $110 fee applies in the form of an international money order in USD – NOT the local currency. Many US consulates and embassies do not allow expedited renewals, so this fee and the $35 Execution Fee are waived. However, check to see what your options are on the consulate website; some do accept cash in the local currency and credit cards.

Paying for your passport with Travel Visa Pro

The fees charged by the US Department of State ($110 processing + $60 expedited service) are no guarantee of a quick turnaround if the offices are flooded with applications. When these offices aren’t capable of picking up the slack and your date of departure is quickly approaching, Travel Visa Pro is there with expedited passport processing and renewal services.

Your only limit when it comes to renewing a passport with Travel Visa Pro is based on the time you want or the price you want. If you’re leaving the next morning, our team of travel experts can process a renewal application with our 8-hour Emergency Service. Unlike some passport acceptance facilities, all TVP offices accept credit cards for payment in person, and over the phone.

All of Travel Visa Pro’s services are designed for business and leisure travelers who need their applications expedited, or are uncomfortable handling the paperwork themselves. Whatever the case, Travel Visa Pro is standing by with a team of experts ready to work for you and get your passport payment processed.

Do you now know how to pay for your passport application? Leave any other questions in the comments.