Passport Name Change

[canada_socks 97]

I have tried to find what I am looking for on here, but I am finding everything but what I need to know!

Ok, so I am sending in my passport application to get my new one in my married name. I know it has been a while, but because I had a few trips to Canada in the last year, I wanted to wait until I had a good few months before going back to send it in. That and I would rather get my money's worth and wait till it is almost expired!

I am using the General Application, not the renewal form. I always thought you had to send in your old passport...or is that just for when you renew? I realize that the answer to my question is on the passport Canada site, however, the form I have states to enclose a valid travel document in Section J of the instructions. The FAQ on the site was just updated a few days ago, so I wondering if this a new thing?

Basically, I just want to know if I am supposed to send in my old passport with my application or not. I am getting mixed messages here! Also, if I do send it in, will I get it back?

Edited March 7, 2013 by sherrybaby

[hikergirl 277]

The way I read the FAQs you linked was it is required to be sent in if it’s currently valid, however it cannot be used as supporting documentation due to the name change.

In Section 3 of the form (where you put your current passport info) there is a checkbox asking if you want your old passport returned to you.

They should have put their “Note” on a separate line to make it clearer IMO.

[canada_socks 97]

Gotcha. I was just confused by the FAQ. I would rather not send it in, but I get that if I have to, then I have to! I didn't want to NOT sent it and make the process longer than it needs to be!

Thanks!

[Ms Hogan 295]

You do need to send it in as you can't have 2 Canadian passports. Unless it has expired. Then it isn't valid and can't be used anymore anyway. If they return it to you, it will come back with the corner cut or a hole in it showing it has been cancelled.