Once you have changed your name by deed poll, updating your British passport is usually the first priority — particularly if you travel regularly or need the passport as ID. His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) accepts deed polls as standard evidence of a name change. The process is straightforward, though it takes time.
What you need to apply
To update your British passport following a deed poll name change, you will need:
- Your signed deed poll (original or certified copy)
- Your current passport (it will be cancelled and returned with a corner cut off)
- Completed application form (online via the HMPO website, or paper form LS01 from Post Offices)
- Two recent passport photos meeting HMPO specifications
- The application fee (currently £88.50 for an adult online or £100 by post)
HMPO accepts both original deed polls and certified copies. If you send the original, it will be returned to you along with your cancelled old passport. Many people prefer to send a certified copy and keep the original safe.
How to apply
You can apply for a new passport online at the HMPO website (passport.service.gov.uk) or by post using a paper form.
Online applications are faster and slightly cheaper. During the online process, you will be prompted to upload a digital photo and pay the fee. You then post your current passport and deed poll to HMPO separately.
For paper applications, complete form LS01 (from any Post Office), attach your photos, and post everything together to the address on the form.
How long does it take?
Current HMPO processing times for standard applications are up to 10 weeks. During busy periods (school holidays, early in the calendar year), this can stretch longer.
Do not book international travel based on having your passport before the 10-week window has passed. If you need to travel within that time, you will need the Fast Track or Premium service.
Fast Track
The 1-week Fast Track service is available at designated HMPO passport offices. You book an appointment, attend in person with all your documents, and receive your passport within one week. The current fee is approximately £177 in addition to the standard passport fee. Appointments can be hard to get at short notice.
Premium (same-day)
A same-day service is available at certain passport offices for urgent cases. You attend with all your documents and receive your passport the same day. This service is more expensive and requires a face-to-face appointment — check the HMPO website for current fees and availability.
What if your name changed due to marriage?
If you changed your name after marriage (taking your spouse's surname), you do not need a deed poll — you use your marriage certificate instead. A deed poll is for name changes that are not evidenced by a marriage or civil partnership certificate.
If you changed your name to something other than your spouse's surname, or if you hyphenated or otherwise modified a marriage-related name change, a deed poll is the correct document to use alongside your marriage certificate.
What name goes on your passport?
Your passport will show your new full name exactly as declared in your deed poll. HMPO records middle names if they are provided — unlike the DVLA, which does not include middle names on driving licences.
Make sure the name on your deed poll matches exactly what you want on your passport. Inconsistencies between the deed poll and your passport application may cause delays.
What happens to your old passport?
HMPO cancels your old passport and returns it to you with a corner cut off. This confirms it is no longer valid. Some people keep old passports for sentimental reasons or as an additional form of historical identity evidence — there is no requirement to destroy them, but they cannot be used as valid travel documents.
Updating other documents after your passport
Once your passport arrives in your new name, it becomes your primary identification document. Use it (along with your deed poll) to update your driving licence, bank accounts, and other records. If an organisation is not sure what a deed poll is, showing them your updated passport alongside the deed poll makes the process much smoother.
Read our complete guide on updating your passport after a name change for a step-by-step walkthrough of the full application process.
Children's passports
Updating a child's passport after a name change requires additional documentation, including consent from anyone with parental responsibility. The child's deed poll must be signed by all those with parental responsibility, not by the child. If there is any dispute about the name change, the passport office will not proceed without evidence of consent or a court order.