new passport requirements as of 10/2014

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I have no idea why someone wouldn't be a reference. They don't call them or anything. Wow! You used to have to find a doctor or lawyer that had known your for 2 years but I think the doctors in Canada got tired of doing all these passport applications so they made it easier. I'm sorry your ex is such a jerk. My ex-boyfriend (my daughter's father) was my guarantor because I knew he had a valid passport! YEESH!

Yes, they do check references. Especially if it's a first or emergency passport. I do agree finding a guarantor is generally easier now. I never had that issue growing up in the church. I always knew a pastor who could act as guarantor.

[bmc 7]

They need all of your travel documents under the same name. If you're traveling with your maiden name in your passport, your tickets will also need to be in that name.

And to change it on your passport is a pain - you have to re-apply and pay the full fee, not just renew.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

There is no special renewal fee for Canadians as well. Same fees for first passports and renewals sadly.

[NikLR 13,220]

Yes, they do check references. Especially if it's a first or emergency passport. I do agree finding a guarantor is generally easier now. I never had that issue growing up in the church. I always knew a pastor who could act as guarantor.

Huh.. never had them do that for either passport I have.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Perhaps it's a regional thing? My co workers all had theirs checked too.

[LiliBurd 85]

They need all of your travel documents under the same name. If you're traveling with your maiden name in your passport, your tickets will also need to be in that name.

And to change it on your passport is a pain - you have to re-apply and pay the full fee, not just renew.

Oh no Bad timing! Oh well hopefully my picture is good (as good as passport pictures can be) I'll ask for a few extra copies. Ugh and it`s more expensive when you file from the USA. That`s what you get for falling in love with an American!

[NikLR 13,220]

They need all of your travel documents under the same name. If you're traveling with your maiden name in your passport, your tickets will also need to be in that name.

And to change it on your passport is a pain - you have to re-apply and pay the full fee, not just renew.

Your travel docs should be but you can travel in your maiden name and have your green card in your married name. Just bring your marriage certificate when you travel. But yes, you're not renewing if you change your name, you have to reapply. I had to do the same thing but I was still in Canada so it was significantly easier. Well beyond the fact that I had no passport when my husband's grandma died and I was stuck in Canada vs going with him to the funeral. Felt like the world's most non-supportive wife at the time.

[moemac59 192]

Geesh...I kept my maiden name because it would have been too much of a hassle to change everything over to my husband's last name and used my maiden name on our marriage certificate. Was going to change it when I become a US citizen in the next year and half which will also be about the time that I will need a new Canadian passport. What a headache!!

[bmc 7]

It really is!!

I had to give up use of my nexus card to change it into my married name as well. Feeling the pain of the long lines on my home from work now while I wait for the new one!

[Lemonslice 4,555]

Reason #238 why I kept my name... Two passports, professional accreditations, Nexus and all... Plus some documents that would forever be in my maiden name. I had no interest to do it, but time and cost to change it all completely convinced me not to change it at all.