"Changing Your Name on Your Passport: What You Need to Know Before Your Honeymoon with the Same Last Name as Him ♡"
2020.01.09 published
I Want to Change the Name on My Passport! ♡
One thing to be careful about when going on a honeymoon is the 'passport name.' If you haven't registered your marriage yet, it's fine to keep it as is, but in many cases, honeymoons are taken after 'registering the marriage,' right? ◎
This time, we will introduce the method for changing the 'passport name' that you should know before going on your honeymoon.*
What You Should Know Before Your Honeymoon: Passport Name Change Method ① Amendment Passport
The first method we will introduce is called the 'Amendment Passport.' This method allows brides who already have a passport to create a new one while keeping the original passport's expiration date unchanged. ◎
This method is recommended for brides whose current passport has plenty of validity left. The necessary items are as follows ♡
✓ Application form for general passport issuance (for name amendments) 1 copy ⇒ Available at passport center windows or local government offices* Be careful as the forms differ between 5-year and 10-year passports!
✓ Family registry extract or family registry certificate ⇒ Limited to those issued within 6 months. (If it takes time to issue a new family registry after submitting the marriage registration, it is also possible to submit a marriage registration acceptance certificate instead.*)
✓ Resident register ⇒ Also limited to those issued within 6 months. Some prefectures may require it while others do not, so be sure to check in advance with the prefecture where you are applying.*
✓ Valid passport
✓ Passport photo ⇒ 4.5cm x 3.5cm ♩
✓ Fees ⇒ Revenue stamp of 4,000 yen and prefectural revenue certificate of 2,000 yen.*
If you take these six items to the passport center, you’re all set! The amendment passport can be completed in about a week. ♡
What You Should Know Before Your Honeymoon: Passport Name Change Method ② New Issuance Application
The next method we will introduce is how to apply for a new passport issuance. This method is recommended for brides who do not have a passport or for those whose current passport has little validity left, and feel it’s wasteful to pay 6,000 yen for an amendment passport! ◎
Here are the necessary items for a new issuance application ♡
✓ Application form for general passport issuance (for new applications) 1 copy ⇒ Available at passport center windows or local government offices* Be careful as the forms differ between 5-year and 10-year passports!
✓ Family registry extract or family registry certificate ⇒ Limited to those issued within 6 months. (If it takes time to issue a new family registry after submitting the marriage registration, it is also possible to submit a marriage registration acceptance certificate instead.*)
✓ Resident register ⇒ Also limited to those issued within 6 months. Some prefectures may require it while others do not, so be sure to check in advance with the prefecture where you are applying.*
✓ (If you have one) Valid passport
✓ Passport photo ⇒ 4.5cm x 3.5cm
✓ Identity verification documents ⇒ Such as a driver's license
If you're going on a honeymoon right after registering your marriage, it’s often the case that the process for issuing a new passport with your new surname won’t be completed in time for departure…!
So what should you do in that situation? Let’s discuss the options. ◎
There Are Risks, but.. Brides Who Can't Change Their Name Can Travel Using Their Maiden Name Passport
If your schedule doesn't align, and you absolutely can’t change your passport name before departure, some brides may travel using their maiden name passport.*
In that case, it’s important for the 'name on the passport' and the 'name on the airline ticket (the name you registered for tours, etc.)' to match. ◎
Keep your credit card and travelers checks under your maiden name as well. *(Make sure to state your name exactly as it appears on your ID, which is your passport.)
Additionally, you might be concerned about whether travel insurance would be applicable in such a case. It's important to explain your situation clearly to the insurance company and confirm if coverage will apply.*
If the names don't match, in the worst-case scenario, there's a possibility your seat on the airplane or hotel room may be different from your partner’s…!
Also, if by any chance there’s a problem, explaining the situation to local people can be troublesome.
To avoid these kinds of risks, it’s best to change your passport name to match your partner’s as much as possible before your honeymoon. ◎
Enjoy Your First Trip Together With the Same Last Name ♡ Be Careful With Your Passport Name!
We explained how to change the name on your passport and whether you can still use your maiden name passport if you couldn’t change it after registering your marriage.
Your honeymoon with your partner is a special occasion. Be sure to go with your shared last name and enjoy your honeymoon to the fullest! ♡