Change Your Name After Marriage in the UK

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is an exciting personal step, but it can also be confusing when updating documents and official records. At Change My Name, we make this process simple, providing expert guidance and legally recognised Deed Polls accepted by all major UK organisations.

Whether you are:

• Taking your spouse’s surname

• Creating a double-barrelled name

• Adopting a completely new surname

…our services ensure your name change is fully valid and accepted across HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, HMRC, employers, and more.

Name Change Options

1. Taking Your Spouse’s Surname

• Marriage certificate is sufficient for legal recognition.

• Accepted by passports, driving licence, banks, HMRC, and employers.

• No Deed Poll required.

2. Double-Barrelled Surname

• Marriage certificate may suffice if both surnames are clearly listed.

• Deed Poll required if creating a new combination.

3. Maiden Name as Middle Name or New Surname

• Requires a Deed Poll.

• Needed for official documents like passport, driving licence, and payroll.

4. Professional Use of Maiden Name

• Allowed alongside your new official name.

• Inform HM Passport Office; a Deed Poll may still be needed.

Updating Your Documents

• Passport: Use marriage certificate or Deed Poll depending on the change.

• DVLA & HMRC: Notify to update driving licence, tax, and NI records.

• Banks, employers, utilities, insurers: Update all accounts.

Tip: Your passport name must match travel bookings to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name After Marriage

Changing your name doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how it works when you use Change My Name:

Decide on Your New Name

Think carefully about what name you want to use moving forward, including spelling, middle names, and any professional considerations.

Use our free online guide or contact our support team if you’re unsure.

Apply for a Deed Poll (If Required)

If your name change involves more than just adopting your spouse’s surname or hyphenating, you’ll need a valid Deed Poll document.

You can apply online in minutes via our secure portal.

• Fully recognised and certified
• Printed, signed and delivered to your home
• Same-day processing if submitted before 3 PM (Mon–Fri)

Update Your Official Documents

Once your Deed Poll or marriage certificate is ready, you’ll need to inform all relevant institutions. This includes:

• HM Passport Office (apply for a new passport)
• DVLA (update your driving licence)
• HMRC (for tax and National Insurance records)
• Your employer (payroll and HR)
• Banks, credit cards and lenders
• Utilities and insurance providers

Changing Your Name on Your UK Passport

When applying for a new UK passport in your new name, you’ll need:

• Your marriage certificate OR a certified Deed Poll
• Completed passport application
• Supporting ID documents

You’ll receive a brand new passport in your new name.

Who Should You Inform About Your Name Change?

Here’s a helpful list of institutions you may need to notify:

• HM Passport Office
• DVLA
• HMRC
• Your employer and HR department
• Banks and financial institutions
• Credit card and loan providers
• Land Registry (if you own property)
• Electoral Roll
• Local Council
• Utilities (gas, electricity, water)
• Mobile phone and internet providers
• Mortgage providers and insurers
• Doctors, dentists, and healthcare providers
• Will and valid documents