Random international travel question...
 

OK, here's the situation:

I got married a few years ago. I sent in my passport with my marriage certificate for a name change, and got it back with a typewritten note on the back cover reading "Effective <date>, the bearer's name was changed to read <my full married name>." The inside front cover is unchanged, with my photo and maiden name.

In one week's time, I'm going to take my first international trip using this passport. (Not my first ever, just my first where I'm traveling under my married name.)

So - how much trouble am I gonna have?? The tickets are in my married name. I don't want to get to the airport and be turned away, or (worse) get to the other end of a transpacific flight and be turned back because my passport isn't "really" in my married name...!

Anyone been in this situation? Should I carry a photocopy of my marriage certificate? or the original?

(I did say it was a random question... :) )

You shouldn't have any problems. When you present your passport in customs control, they don't normally ask for other forms of ID like your driver's license or anything. If the passport is valid, has a picture that looks like you, there should be no delay.

The only problem could be at the ticket check-in counter. They might see that your surnames don't match. In that case, kindly direct them to the official notation in the back of your passport on the "Ammendments and Endorsements" page. Trust me, you won't be the first married woman to go through with her maiden name on her passport. :)

There shouldn't be any harm in carrying a copy of your marriage certificate with you if it makes you feel better.

Enjoy your trip!

.....Kelly :)