From the Altar to the Airport: The Truth About Changing Your Name and Travel
The "Paperwork Hangover"
The cake has been cut, the dancing is over, and you are officially married. Congratulations! Now comes the slightly less romantic part: The Name Change.
For many couples, the transition from "Fiancé" to "Spouse" involves a mountain of bureaucracy. And if you are planning an international honeymoon or business trip soon after the wedding, things can get tricky fast.
At Wilton Vida, we don’t just officiate your wedding; we help you navigate the life that comes after it—including the travel. Here is how to handle the name change process without grounding your honeymoon.
Step 1: The "Golden Ticket" (The Marriage License)
Before you can change anything, you need proof. As your officiants, our first job is to sign and notarize your Marriage License immediately after the ceremony and file it with the Clerk of Courts.
About 1–2 weeks later, you will receive your Certified Copy in the mail.
Important: This certified copy is your "Golden Ticket." You cannot change your Social Security, Driver’s License, or Passport without it. Treat it like cash.
Pro-Tip: We recommend ordering 2 or 3 certified copies. Some agencies (like the Passport office) require you to mail in the original, and you don’t want to be left without one while you wait for it to be returned.
Don’t let a name change ruin your honeymoon
An incomplete name change can end your honeymoon at the TSA line before you ever get on baord.
Step 2: The Order of Operations
You can't do everything at once. There is a specific order you must follow to avoid rejection:
Social Security: This is always first. You need your new card to change almost everything else.
Driver’s License: Once the Social Security Administration system updates (usually 24–48 hours after your visit), you can head to the DMV.
The Passport: This is the big one for travelers.
Step 3: The "Honeymoon Trap" (Read This Before Booking!)
This is where our Wilton Vida Travel division sees couples make a common (and expensive) mistake.
The Rule: The name on your airline ticket MUST match the name on your passport exactly.
Scenario: You get married on Saturday. You want to be "Mr. & Mrs. NewName" on your honeymoon flight on Monday.
The Problem: Your passport still says "OldName."
The Fix: You must book your honeymoon travel in your maiden name/current passport name.
Do not try to be romantic and book the ticket under your new married name unless you have already updated your passport (which takes weeks or months). TSA agents do not care about your marriage certificate; they only care that the ticket matches the ID in your hand.
Step 4: Updating the Passport
Once you are back from the honeymoon, it’s time to update the blue book.
If your passport was issued less than a year ago: You can update it for free (Form DS-5504).
If your passport is older: You effectively have to apply for a renewal (Form DS-82) and include your certified marriage certificate to prove the name change.
Where does the Notary fit in? While standard passport renewals often don't need a notary (just your own signature), many other name-change tasks do.
Bank Accounts & Investments: Many financial institutions require a notarized letter of instruction or affidavit to change the name on an account, especially if you are doing it by mail.
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck: You will need to go in person to update these, often bringing your certified docs.
We Are With You for the Long Haul
From the moment you say "I Do" to the moment you board the plane for your anniversary trip, Wilton Vida is your partner.
Need an Officiant? We make the legal marriage part seamless.
Need Travel Help? Our travel specialists (Christopher & Daniel) can ensure your flights are booked correctly so you don't get stuck at the gate.
Planning a wedding and a honeymoon? Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the romance. Contact Wilton Vida for Ceremonies & Travel Planning Today!