Is it possible to get across the border with a maiden name on your passport?

Question

My wife and I want to travel to Canada this summer. Her SS card and Driver's license have been updated with her married name however her passport still has her maiden name. Are we going to be able to get back/forth across the border? Please give experience/references and not just opinions.

Answer 1

current requirements:

CANADA – Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else’s custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor’s record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. HIV testing required for resident applicants who are over 15. A temporary resident applicant requires immigration medical examination if stay exceeds 6 months or seeking to work in Canada. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2701), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1375). Internet: www.canadianembassy.org

New Requirements for Travelers


The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

Answer 2

I frequently cross the border and use my passport with my maiden name. I also carry photo ID (driver's license with married name) and birth certificate. I can't recall a border guard ever requesting to see my birth certificate however, I highly recommend bringing it along (better safe than sorry).

A social security card is not a valid form of ID.

Answer 3

Many women keep their maiden name. No reason you cannot use that passport unless you are flying...then you just have to be sure the ticket has your maiden name too. You really have no need for an enhanced license since you already have a passport.

Answer 4

Have her bring her Birth Certificate as well. They aren't that bad if you are just visiting for the day, trust me, we want your money

Answer 5

you only need your license to get into canada if you are a us citizen. leave the passport in the glove box " just in case"

Answer 6

She should bring a copy of her marriage certificate.