Why Choose a Double-Barrelled Surname?
People may choose a double-barrelled surname for several reasons:
- Marriage or civil partnership: Combining both partners’ surnames
- Blended families: Reflecting the surnames of multiple family members
- Cultural or personal identity: Honouring family heritage
- Professional reasons: Keeping recognition from both family names
A double-barrelled surname can help maintain connections with family heritage while providing a clear legal identity.
How to Change to a Double-Barrelled Surname
For Adults:
- Decide on your new surname
- Choose the two names you want to combine and decide on the order
- Prepare a deed poll
- A deed poll is the legal document used to formally change your surname
- You can use an online service like Change My Name or a solicitor
- Sign and witness the deed poll
- Adults must sign the deed poll in front of a witness for it to be valid
- Update your records
- Notify banks, employers, the HM Passport Office, the DVLA, and other organisations
For Children:
- All parents or guardians with legal responsibility must consent
- The process is similar but requires additional proof of consent
- Children’s records, including schools and passports, should be updated
Key Considerations
- Hyphen vs no hyphen: Decide whether to use a hyphen, as some organisations prefer one form over the other
- Legal compliance: The new surname must not be offensive or misleading
- Official documents: Keep a copy of your deed poll to update official records
- Children: Consent from all parents or legal guardians is required
Benefits of Using a Professional Deed Poll
While DIY name changes are possible, using a professional service like Change My Name offers:
- Legally correct deed polls that are accepted by all UK organisations
- Step-by-step guidance for signing and witnessing
- Support when updating passports, bank accounts, and other official records
- Peace of mind that the change is recognised without complications
Why Choose Change My Name?
At Change My Name, we specialise in providing professionally prepared deed polls for adults and children, including double-barrelled surnames. Our service is:
- Fast, simple, and legally recognised
- Supportive of personal, family, and cultural motivations
- Trusted by UK individuals for official name changes
Get Started Today
Changing to a double-barrelled surname can be straightforward with the right guidance. Contact Change My Name to create a legally recognised deed poll and ensure your new surname is accepted across all official records.
