Do I need to change my drivers license?

[mainewmn]

I have e tickets through US air, and it is my understanding that I will need to provide a picture ID with my name on it in order to obtain boarding passes. My drivers license still has my maiden name and old address on the back I have a sticker showing my married name and a new address, do I need to get a new license or is the sticker sufficient?

 

[NotUrsula]

If you have time to do it, I would. I had to beg to be allowed to go on my own honeymoon, b/c my ID and ticket didn't match, and that was 14 yrs. ago. (DH had purchased the honeymoon tickets with what he thought would be my married name. He foolishly assumed without asking that I was going to change it; I did not.) I remember it clearly as a VERY annoying experience.

If the sticker looks official enough, they would probably let it by, but they will almost surely mark you for extra security scrutiny. If it were me, it would be worth it to get the new license if I could do it in time.

 

[crzy4dsny]

I agree, I would change it before you go. You don't want to have any problems at the start of your trip.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

From what I understand the name on the ticket and the ID has to match, no stickers allowed. Perhaps if you brought your ID and marriage license they would let it go.
Personally, I would go get it changed, they reissue immediately in Maine, right?

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I thought the sticker on the back is how some states handle some changes to ID/DL without reissuing a new one? I mean you CAN get them totally new- but lots of places if you renew, change name, etc. they just do the sticker thing- so if it's valid enough to use AS a valid driver's license like if you were stopped/etc- why won't it work in this case?

(ps. if you are going to get a new one- you better hurry up! Usually takes 6-8wks to get it in the mail!)

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by BibbidyBobbidyBoo
I thought the sticker on the back is how some states handle some changes to ID/DL without reissuing a new one? I mean you CAN get them totally new- but lots of places if you renew, change name, etc. they just do the sticker thing- so if it's valid enough to use AS a valid driver's license like if you were stopped/etc- why won't it work in this case?

(ps. if you are going to get a new one- you better hurry up! Usually takes 6-8wks to get it in the mail!)

Cause the FEDS don't make the driving laws.

We cannot renew in CT except in person and they issue a new photo every 4 years. We are allowed to change address via sticker, but, we need to notify the DMV, also, a name change requires a new license.

The best way to get an answer on this is to contact the specific airline. See what they require, which will be equal to or more than the TSA requires.

 

[katerkat]

I would get it changed if you can in time, or take your marriage license. DCL let me on the ship with my passport in my maiden name and the marriage license. When I got my new license in Virginia, it took about ten minutes. (But did cost...something. I can't remember what because I was also doing the car title and some other things and it was a while ago...)

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I did not say that EVERYWHERE they do it that way with the sticker- so I really don't understand the point of telling us all about how your state does it. I'm just saying that some DO it with a sticker and some renewal is every 6yrs not 4- everywhere is different. My point was if SOME places use the sticker- it's considered a valid dl.... a valid dl is a valid dl and should be considered valid with the airlines also.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by BibbidyBobbidyBoo
I did not say that EVERYWHERE they do it that way with the sticker- so I really don't understand the point of telling us all about how your state does it. I'm just saying that some DO it with a sticker and some renewal is every 6yrs not 4- everywhere is different. My point was if SOME places use the sticker- it's considered a valid dl.... a valid dl is a valid dl and should be considered valid with the airlines also.

The point was illustrative.
Nothing more.
The feds have different rules than the states, they can require anything they want, and the feds are who makes the airline rules. Not the states the leave from.
As I said, it is best to check with your specific airline. Or go to your DMV and get it changed.

 

[mainewmn]

Well, I called the USair and was told by the rep that she strongly suggests I get this change before we leave however if I’m unable to do that then a copy of my marriage license and the old ID. So I went to DMV first thing this morning and they will reissue me a new one which I should get in 3-4 weeks.

Thank you all for the immediate assistance, this is why I love this place so much!

 

[kdibattista]

I just called USAir also because I booked the ticket for my sister as:

"Kelly maiden name" while her license reads "Kelly maiden name -married name"

I thought it would be okay (especially if she brought her marriage license) but customer service told me the ticket needed to match exactly. Luckily, I fell within the 24 hour period and they were able to change it with no problems.

 

[kdibattista]

DUH...

Note to self: Always read all the posts before answering

 

[NotUrsula]

Just thought I'd toss this out while we're discussing ID:

Americans tend to forget the option of using a passport as photo ID when travelling domestically. It's actually even better than a license because it is federally issued, so if you have a valid passport, and the info on it is correct, then consider that as an alternative.

Passport issuance can be expedited for a fee. You can get it as quickly as 48 hrs. if you're willing to pay the expedite fee; it normally takes about a month otherwise. An adult US passport is valid for 15 yrs.

 

[SillyOldBear66]

Originally posted by mainewmn
So I went to DMV first thing this morning and they will reissue me a new one which I should get in 3-4 weeks.

I am SO GLAD you asked this question!!!
I'm in the same situation and hadn't even thought about the name and the sticker.
My Lic. has been like that for years so I don't even think about it.
It's not due for renewal for another year but I'm going to get a new one before our trip in January.

THANKS!!!

-Tabitha

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by kdibattista
DUH...

Note to self: Always read all the posts before answering

Personally, I am thrilled that you posted that information. It was a great back up, thank you.

 

[mcnuss]

Ok,yet another excellent reason that women should not change their names when they get married!

 

[mainewmn]

I been married since 2001 but since my license did not expire till 2005 I just had a sticker put on the back and forgot all about it. Well the sticker sort of faded, got washed a few times, etc. This morning when I went to DMV the only resemblance of the old sticker was traces of glue on the back. One of my coworkers said that she had to get a license renewed and it only took her one week before she got it in the mail and that was last month so I guess I should be safe since we are leaving in 49 days. I feel so relived and a little shook up because it could have put a pretty big damper in our vacation.

 

[mcnuss]

I will not complain about DMV here in NH again. We get our new licenses on the spot.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mcnuss
I will not complain about DMV here in NH again. We get our new licenses on the spot.

Same here in CT and we can even get them at AAA.