Change Back to Maiden Name UK

When you need a deed poll instead

The two-certificate route only works for an exact return to your pre-marriage surname after a divorce. You need a deed poll if you want to go back to your maiden name while you are still married or separated, if you want a name that is not exactly your maiden name (a double-barrelled version, for example), or if the name you used before marrying was not the one on your birth certificate. It is also the simplest option if you have been married more than once and want to go back to an earlier name, rather than producing a chain of certificates.

Some people choose a deed poll even when the certificates would do. It is one document instead of two, nobody needs the relationship between them explained, and some banks and insurers process it faster.

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You do not need a reason, or a deadline

A deed poll does not mention divorce, separation or anything else about your circumstances. It states your current name and the name you are going to use. You can go back to your maiden name the week your divorce is finalised, years later, or without divorcing at all. The deed poll is valid as soon as you sign it in front of two witnesses.

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £19.99 My childUnder 16 — £19.99

Name you are changing from

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Name you are changing to

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

A few details about you

Email address

Only used to retrieve your deed poll if you lose it. No marketing emails.

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

Your current address

Address line 1

Address line 2 optional

Town / City

Postcode

Date of deed

Your witnesses

A UK deed poll requires two witnesses. They must be adults, not related to you, and present when you sign. They do not need to be a solicitor.

Legally recognised across the UK Secure payment via Stripe Instant PDF download No account needed One-off payment — nothing renews Accepted by DVLA & HM Passport Office

Add the letter pack All 9 letters written for you and filled in with your details — ready to print, sign and post. £6.99

See the 9 letters

Address included, ready to post

HMRC — tax and National Insurance
DVLA — driving licence

You add the address

HM Passport Office
Bank or building society
GP surgery / NHS
Employer — HR and payroll
Local council — council tax and electoral register
Utilities & broadband
Pension provider

Being straight with you: the DVLA and passport letters are cover letters — a driving licence is changed with the free D1 form, and a passport needs a new application. The letters make the paperwork easier, not different.

Post me printed copies 2 copies on heavyweight 100gsm paper, 1st class next working day — as well as your instant download. £7.99

Deed poll £19.99

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Your deed poll

A4, print-ready Updates as you type Yours to keep

Common questions

Do I need a deed poll to go back to my maiden name after divorce?

Not always. If you want the exact surname you had before marriage, most organisations accept your marriage certificate plus your final order or decree absolute. You need a deed poll for anything else, or if you would rather use one document.

Can I go back to my maiden name while still married?

Yes. You can change your name at any time with a deed poll, whatever your marital status. You do not need to be divorced or separated.

Can I go back to my maiden name before my divorce is finalised?

Yes, with a deed poll. It does not depend on the divorce, so you do not have to wait for the final order. Some people wait anyway so their records only change once.

Can I go back to my maiden name after my spouse dies?

Yes. A deed poll lets you take any name at any time. Some organisations will also accept your marriage certificate with the death certificate.

What if I have been married more than once?

You can go back to any earlier name by deed poll, including one from before a previous marriage. It is usually clearer than presenting several marriage and divorce certificates.

Does going back to my maiden name change my children's surnames?

No. Your children's surnames are unaffected. Changing a child's surname needs a separate deed poll with the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility.

Changing Back to Your Maiden Name

When you need a deed poll instead

You do not need a reason, or a deadline

What about your children's surnames?

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

Do I need a deed poll to go back to my maiden name after divorce?

Can I go back to my maiden name while still married?

Can I go back to my maiden name before my divorce is finalised?

Can I go back to my maiden name after my spouse dies?

What if I have been married more than once?

Does going back to my maiden name change my children's surnames?

Changing Back to Your Maiden Name

When you need a deed poll instead

You do not need a reason, or a deadline

What about your children's surnames?

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

Do I need a deed poll to go back to my maiden name after divorce?

Can I go back to my maiden name while still married?

Can I go back to my maiden name before my divorce is finalised?

Can I go back to my maiden name after my spouse dies?

What if I have been married more than once?

Does going back to my maiden name change my children's surnames?

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