USA Passport Renewal/Biometrics

Hi all!!! It has been awhile since I have posted due to receiving my UK ILR and Biometrics back in September 2013. My query is regarding renewing my USA Passport and a name change and what needs to be done about my Biometrics permit.

My USA Passport expired in January 2014, four months after receiving my UK ILR Visa (Biometrics Residence Permit). I moved to the UK in April 2011 on a Fiance Visa with my USA Passport with ex-married name so my first and latest Biometrics reflects that same name. I was told I could not change my name until I also changed my USA Passport as the Biometrics needed to match the passport. I had no problems in obtaining my UK ILR with my ex-married name even though I use my new married name as my legal name in the UK. I am totally confused if I need to do anything with my Biometrics permit or can I just renew the USA Passport and keep the expired Passport with my Biometrics permit that shows my ex-married name? I would like to make matters less complicated and with the least money possible as we are living from paycheck to paycheck. Another option I have heard some people discuss on other forums, they didn't bother to change their name on their passport or biometrics, they carry their marriage certificate with their passports when they travel. Help, which is the best way to go?

Thanks all!!!

I am totally confused if I need to do anything with my Biometrics permit or can I just renew the USA Passport and keep the expired Passport with my Biometrics permit that shows my ex-married name?

The name on your new US passport MUST match the name on your BRP.

So, if you renew your passport in your new married name, then you have 3 months in which to also change your name on your BRP, or you could be fined £1,000.

Or, if you renew your passport in your ex-married name, then you don't need to do anything with your BRP and you can just keep everything as it has been for the last few years.

If you do leave your passport and BRP in your ex-married name, then you must book all travel in that name too... because the name on your plane ticket must match your passport and BRP exactly. So, you don't carry your marriage certificate when you travel, you just book everything in the ex-married name.

So it's up to you which you would prefer to do. To be honest, I'd advise renewing your passport in the ex-married name so you don't have to worry about the BRP. There are many people here on UK-Y who have their passport and BRP in their maiden name and use their married name for everything else in their lives.

If you decide to apply for UK citizenship (which you qualified for in April 2014) you can just get your UK passport issued in the new married name. At this point your BRP will be cancelled, so once that has happened, you can change your name on your US passport without having to do anything else.

Thank you for such a quick response ksand24!!!  I am thinking I will be taking your advice and leave the names as they are for the time being.  Maybe in the future I will change the name or as you mentioned if I apply for UK citizenship and get a UK Passport, I won't have to worry about the Biometrics   

Thanks again!!!