Planning to travel outside of the United States for your honeymoon? No matter the destination, you will need valid passports. The only exception is if you plan to go on a closed circuit cruise. Read on for a concise explanation of what is required to obtain a honeymoon passport.
Passport book vs. passport card
If you plan to travel by plane, your only option is a passport book. However, if you will be traveling by land or sea to your honeymoon destination, you may only need a passport card, which is less expensive. Passport cards can be used to travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region.
One thing to consider is future travel plans. Even if you can use a passport card for your honeymoon, it would be in your best interest to get a passport book if you plan to travel internationally by air for the next 10 years. You can also request both the book and the card in one request if you prefer.
What name to use for the passport
Really, there is no option. The name on the passport application form must be your current legal name, not the future name you will take once you marry. Unless there is a significant gap between the wedding and the honeymoon, you will need to apply for a passport in your current name. You can apply for a passport name change after the honeymoon.
Please note that the ticket purchased for your honeymoon must have the same name as it is on your passport. This is required by the TSA Secure Flight Program. This means that you must make reservations in your name before the marriage.
Request the Passport
New passport applications must be submitted to a nearby passport office along with evidence of US citizenship, an identification document, a copy of your identification, and two passport photos. You pay an execution fee to the passport agent at the acceptance facility and mail the application fee with your package to the Department of State.
Routine service usually takes 4-6 weeks. You can request an expedited service to speed up the process. If you use this method, you should receive your passport within 2-3 weeks. Processing times may vary depending on the time of year, natural disasters, holidays, and other factors.
If you need to get a honeymoon passport much faster, then you can send the application and other documents to a regional agency or hire a professional issuance service to do it for you. These are the fastest ways to get a passport. Of course, the extra time spent or extra fees paid are probably nothing compared to missing out on your honeymoon.
