LaraCS

Whilst here in South Africa my British passport has expired and I tried to renew it in my married name. Because I now use a double-barreled name it didn't reflect on my marriage certificate and was sent back requested some form of identification. I applied for my updated South African I.D book and have not yet received it but have received my South African passport.

Question is this - can I use my South African passport as a form of identity for my married name when renewing a British passport? I am just so worried if I use it they wont renew my passport. If I can use it do I send it with or supply a certified copy?

Any help would be so appreciated. Time is ticking for me and I'm starting to feel like I'll have a heart attack with the stress.

Elvira

Why not just renew your passport in your current name and reserve all that name-changing for later? There is no law that requires you to change your name!

Just make sure your airline ticket matches your passport.

Alternatively, you could try emailing the Consulate which is dealing with your renewal and ask them for advice.

Mallory

Depends how long ago her pp expired. Mine had been expired over 10 years, and I had to renew as a first time pp application. My previous pp had been in my married name, so thought that was cut and dried.

Not so. I had my application sent back to me so that I could send them my marriage certificate. They needed a paper trail to see what name I was born with, when and whom I married, and when I changed my name (even though I had done that previously). Plus I had to send a copy of the pic page in my US pp, and I believe my driver's licence. Moral of story - don't let your pp expire!

Elvira

I'd feel naked without my British passport!!!

Worse than naked, actually. Bereft, totally at sea, out in the wilderness .... are just a couple of words that come to mind!

Mallory

Young people like to feel naked, when you get older you start looking for cover!

LaraCS

I must be honest I also feel naked without mine!

It expired Sept 2008 so not really that long ago. I'm going to the bank today to try and change my details. On the returned letter from my last attempt to renew it says I can use a bank statement to prove I'm using this surname so I'll give it a go.

Mallory

Well 2008 should be fine, because your photo won't have changed too much. If it's over 10 years you have to start from scratch, because your appearance will have changed so much. Good luck with it.

LaraCS

Crikey! My pic was taken when I was 15 years old! HAHAHAHAHA! You really can tell its me though. I've got a far rounder face now and alot of wrinkles but nothing drastic in my appearance.

Mallory

Was it considered a "child's passport." That might be a problem. I don't think they last as long as an adult passport.

LaraCS

Oh no, it was a 10 year passport.