Passports

I haven't renewed my passport since I got married as its still got a few years left so is still in my maiden name.

Can I travel on my old passport with my maiden name or do I HAVE to renew it to travel?

Its so expensive and we need to get Lauren one aswell, so it will end up costing a few hundred dollars just for new passports! Obviously Lauren will still need one though.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

TIA

i sent mine away and they authorised it in my married name by printing a page inside the passport I think it cost me around $15 give internal affairs a ring and ask them.

I think they stopped amending them but I could be wrong. I seem to recall a thread on here about it.

I got married in 2005 and left for the Uk 2 weeks later - I managed to get mine amended but have a feeling they stopped doing that in 2006.

When did you do yours, MorgansMum?

I know in Ireland they stopped amending it in 2003, the year before I got married *grumble*

I'm still using my maiden name on my passport.
Legally you can use both names.

If you are travelling on your maiden name, make sure you take Laurens birth certificate with you or something that can prove you are her mother.

Found this on www.smartraveller.com.au

When you are travelling with children, local authorities, including customs and immigration officers, may ask you to produce documents to prove that you are the lawful parent or guardian of a child travelling with you. To avoid running into difficulties make sure you always carry proper identification for yourself and your children, including any documents that might be required by the authorities of the country you intend to visit and by Australian authorities on your return.

When travelling outside of Australia, proper identification includes, but is not limited to, a valid passport for a child. The following are examples of additional documents that you may be asked to provide:

• documentary evidence or letter that proves the child has the permission of an absent lawful parent(s) or guardian to travel
• a copy of any separation, divorce or custody decree that proves that you have custody of the child
• a court order granting you guardianship of the child
• a copy of the child’s birth certificate, particularly if only one parent’s name appears on the birth certificate, and the child is travelling with the other parent.