The timing of this move is insane.
If we didn't have our honeymoon coming up, I could easily get everything done in time, but with the honeymoon, we have a week less to pack and get documentation in order.
But boy, do we need this honeymoon. If we can manage to take our minds off of the move, it'll do us both a lot of good. "If" being the operative word...
So, if you find yourself having to change your name on all of your identification (due to marriage, or whatever else), but are leaving the country within a few weeks, here are a few helpful things that I have learned:
1. The US Passport Agencies not only have the ability to expedite getting you your new passport by mail, but if you're really in a crunch you can make an appointment to talk to them in person at the passport agency. Keep in mind, though, you can't even make the appointment unless you are leaving the country within 14 days (or leaving within 30 days and need a visa as well). Once at the appointment, you and the agent will discuss options, one of which is actually having them issue a new passport with your updated information that very day.
2. The RMV (or DMV depending on your state) also has the ability to issue licenses the same day. Sort of. The woman I spoke to over the phone (after a good half hour on hold listening to music that made me want to do the Carlton dance) told me that, if you pay an extra fee for expediting, and go to another office, they also have a machine that can cut your new license that very day. Trouble is... she tells me the machine breaks a lot. So... there's that.
3. The folks at the Social Security office are surprisingly nice and helpful! I expected it to be a lot like waiting at the RMV. Depressing to sit there, and even more depressing to talk to the agents who obviously hate life and everyone who bothers to show up in theirs. But, no, the social security folks were lovely! Though, I didn't ask if they expedite, as my new card with my updated name should arrive well before we leave.
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