Change Your Name After Marriage in the UK

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is a personal and exciting step, but it can also be confusing when it comes to documents and official processes.

At Change My Name, we help you change your name quickly, with expert guidance and guaranteed acceptance of your new name by all major UK organisations. Whether you’re taking your partner’s surname, creating a double-barrelled name, or adopting a completely new identity, our recognised Deed Polls ensure your name change is fully valid and accepted across the board from HM Passport Office and DVLA to banks, HMRC, and your employer.

Our standalone Name Change Kit is designed to take the stress out of updating your details after marriage. It provides all the essential forms, step-by-step instructions, and personalized checklists you need to notify government agencies, banks, employers, utilities, and more. Whether you’re changing your name on your driver’s license, passport, or payroll records, this kit simplifies the process and ensures nothing gets overlooked. With easy-to-follow guidance and ready-to-use templates, you can manage your name change quickly and confidently—all in one convenient package.

Do You Need a Deed Poll to Change Your Name After Marriage?

The answer depends entirely on the type of name change you’re planning. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scenarios and whether a Deed Poll is required in each case:

Taking Your Spouse’s Surname

If you are adopting your spouse’s surname (e.g. Jane Smith becomes Jane Jones), this is the most straightforward option.
Your marriage certificate acts as official evidence of your name change and is accepted by UK authorities, including:

• HM Passport Office
• DVLA
• HMRC
• Banks and building societies
• Employers and payroll departments

You won’t need a Deed Poll if you’re simply taking your spouse’s surname after marriage. Just ensure your marriage certificate clearly shows your full maiden name and your partner’s full surname.

Creating a Double-Barrelled Surname

If you want to combine surnames (e.g. Smith and Jones become Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith), you can also use your marriage certificate to support this name change, provided the change clearly reflects both surnames.

A Deed Poll isn’t required when creating a double-barrelled surname after marriage. This applies whether just one partner changes their name or both partners do.

When You Can Use a Marriage Certificate to Double-Barrel Your Name:

• If your marriage certificate shows both surnames (yours and your spouse’s) clearly, you can often use it to double-barrel by combining them.
• Example: If the certificate shows “Smith” and “Jones,” you may be able to adopt “Smith-Jones” using just the marriage certificate.

When You Likely Need a Deed Poll:

• If your marriage certificate only shows your existing surname and your spouse’s surname separately (which is typical), and you want to create a new double-barrelled name (e.g., “Taylor-Brown”), you usually need a Deed Poll to formalise this.
• Government bodies like the Passport Office, banks, and DVLA often require a Deed Poll if the name change goes beyond simply taking your spouse’s surname.

Keeping Your Maiden Name as a Middle Name

If you’re planning to move your maiden name into your middle name. For example, changing Jane Smith to Jane Smith Jones, then a marriage certificate won’t be sufficient. That’s because it’s considered a change to your forename, not just your surname.

A Deed Poll is required if you’re changing your name beyond what your marriage certificate allows. You’ll need to provide it when updating official documents such as your passport and driving licence.

Creating a Brand-New Surname

Want to invent a completely new surname as a couple, either by blending your names or choosing something unrelated to your original names?

If you’re creating a completely new surname after marriage, both partners will need a Deed Poll. This choice is becoming more popular among couples who want a shared identity or a fresh start together.

Using a New Name Officially but Your Maiden Name Professionally

You might want to change your name, but use your maiden name in a professional setting still. For example, you become Jane Jones but continue using Jane Smith professionally, especially in work contexts like LinkedIn, publications, or email.

Using your maiden name professionally while officially taking your partner’s surname is allowed in the UK. When applying for a new passport, inform HM Passport Office of your professional name use and depending on the structure of your new name, a Deed Poll may still be required.

Changing Your Name on Your UK Passport After Marriage

Once you’ve changed your name after marriage, whether through your marriage certificate or a Deed Poll, you’ll need to apply for a new UK passport if you want to travel under your new name.

Even if you’re only updating your name, the Passport Office will issue a completely new passport with 10-year validity.
Your old visas may still be valid, but it’s important to check with the relevant embassy or consulate to confirm whether they’ll accept your old visa alongside your new passport.

You can use your marriage certificate for passport changes if you’re taking your partner’s surname or creating a double-barrelled name.

If your name change is more complex, such as creating a new surname or changing your forename, you’ll need a Deed Poll.

Do I Have to Change My Passport?

There’s no requirement to update your passport after changing your name. However, if you plan to travel under your new name, it’s essential that the name on your passport matches your travel bookings.

Mismatched names can lead to boarding issues, delays at immigration, or denied entry at your destination.

Travelling Soon After Your Wedding?

If you’re heading off on your honeymoon shortly after your wedding, you have two main options:

Order Your Deed Poll Before the Wedding

If your name change requires a Deed Poll, it’s a good idea to order it ahead of your wedding day. That way, you can sign it and begin the passport update process in advance. Just be sure to leave enough time before you travel in case of any delays.

Apply for a “Newlywed Passport”

You can apply for a post-dated passport that becomes valid on your wedding day. However, your current passport will become invalid once your new one is issued, and some countries don’t accept visas on post-dated passports.

To apply early, you’ll need to complete a ‘passports for newlyweds and civil partners’ form, signed by the minister or registrar officiating your ceremony.

Tip: If you’re travelling shortly after your wedding and want to avoid complications, the simplest option may be to travel under your current name and update your passport after your honeymoon.

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