Planning a trip abroad, how long will it take for my passport to be changed ?

[NomDePlume]

DH and I are planning to take a weekend break just the 2 of us, at the end of this month. I haven't been abroad since we married (July '03) and so my passport is still in my maiden name. How long will it take if I send it off for a name change ? We plan to holiday 22 - 24th Oct.

TIA

You don't need to change your passport. It's not a legal requirement. Just book the trip in your maiden name. It will save the 'changing passport' expense. Just change it when it next needs renewing.

not sure how long it takes NDP but you could always book your ticket in your maiden name and change your passsport when you get back.

great minds Oooggs

Great, thanks for that, Oooggs

I used my passport in my maiden name after I was married (we were only just married so my ticket was also booked in my maiden name), it didn't cause any problems but if you want to change it you might be better to use the Express service, think you have to pay extra for this. Give the passport agency a call and ask about using it in your maiden name, you may have to book your ticket in your maiden name to avoid confusion, would be best to check.

Look here but it would seem that you now have to surrender your current passport in order to do this. Hmm - looks like more money for the passport agency then!

Doh, I'm waaaay too slow!

have just had to renew passports for my 3 kids,we used the post office check and send service it cost 6 quid and we got the new ones in a week and they were delivered by courier.

Agree with not bothering to change until it runs out and you have to, NdP - just make sure that the name on your travel docs matches the name on your passport - that's all they're bothered about.

dont bother....i have travveled 4 times since i was married and it is in my maiden name
just take your wedding certificate and be sure to book your hols in your maiden name....