Passport Office, Washington DC - Boating & Fishing Information and Reports Forum

FairWeather · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 07:45 AM

As some of you might know my wife and I have a trip planned to the Dominican Republic leaving on the 20th of April.

When I first booked the trip (atleast a month ago) I called the passport office and they told me my wife would have NO PROBLEMS traveling with her old Passport with her Madien name as long as she had a copy of our Marriage License.

Well just to make sure, I called to check once again and now they are saying that the laws have changed and that since it is in her Madien name it is no longer a valid passport & as a result they "might not" let us leave the country.

Ok, I understand so I guess we are going to have to make a trip up to DC to go to the passport office.

What I am wondering is have any of ya'll ever done that before. Seems like that way you get your passport the same day is that correct?

Anyone know?

Matt

vettnman · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 08:32 AM

Matt, I belive you can go by your local post office that does passports and pay a little extra to get it done quicker. That's what we did 2 years ago. Of course, 2 years ago they also let my wife into mexico with her maiden name on the passport. I don't see how they could change that law because people get married all the time and immediatly leave on a honeymoon. So how is their passport valid? I would check with the post officebefore I went all the way to DC. Good luck

Legend · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 08:35 AM

This happens all the time. Problem is you waited too long for an expedited delivery. Now you need to go to the office. Her old passport - you mean it has expired already? Go to the state departments website Welcome to Travel.State.Gov and make an appointment. Take all the paperwork with you. Make sure you bring cash.

side note: starting in June, everyone needs a passport or passport card to travel.

FairWeather · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettnman

Matt, I belive you can go by your local post office that does passports and pay a little extra to get it done quicker. That's what we did 2 years ago. Of course, 2 years ago they also let my wife into mexico with her maiden name on the passport. I don't see how they could change that law because people get married all the time and immediatly leave on a honeymoon. So how is their passport valid? I would check with the post officebefore I went all the way to DC. Good luck

I'm assuming their passports are still valid, because although they are married they have not "legally" changed there name at that point.

As for what Legend said, yes that is correct we have an appointment at the passport office.

My main problem is that I had to send off for a new passport for myself (since my old one was expired), and when I called to get all my stuff straight they told me that my wife would be fine with her marriage license and old passport (still valid dates), but then when I called again "just to check" the person I spoke with said she "might not be allowed" so now I have to take a trip to DC. YEAH!!

Prodigal Son · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 11:36 AM

On the upside, DC does have some nice bars...

FASTFJR · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 11:37 AM

You can't get this cleared up at your local Post Office? Even paying the extra $$$?

Legend · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FASTFJR

You can't get this cleared up at your local Post Office? Even paying the extra $$$?

Not if you're leaving in two weeks!!

FASTFJR · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:31 PM

One of my coworkers just got a passport in 3 days. Went to the Post Office Monday morning and received it back Wednesday. I needed to send him to Switzerland for 5 days of training next week.

FairWeather · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FASTFJR

You can't get this cleared up at your local Post Office? Even paying the extra $$$?

Legend is right.

They are saying right now it takes between 2-3 weeks for the "fast service" and 4-6 for normal service.

It's a risk I'm not willing to take as I am really looking forward to getting away for awhile!

Ryan - Agreed, but we are heading up in the morning and then coming home that night!

Matt

FASTFJR · #10 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairWeather

Legend is right.

They are saying right now it takes between 2-3 weeks for the "fast service" and 4-6 for normal service.

It's a risk I'm not willing to take as I am really looking forward to getting away for awhile!

Ryan - Agreed, but we are heading up in the morning and then coming home that night!

Matt

That really sucks