Changing a Child's Surname After You Remarry (UK)

Whose agreement do you need?

Usually that means you and the child's other parent. If the other parent has parental responsibility, they have to agree, or you need a specific issue order from the family court. If they do not have parental responsibility, their consent is not legally required. Our guide to changing a child's surname without the father's consent explains how to tell which applies, and what to do if they say no.

Your new spouse's agreement is not legally needed, although you will obviously want it if the child is taking their name.

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The options most families choose

Some families give the child the step-parent's surname, so everyone at home shares one name. Others double-barrel, combining the child's existing surname with the new family name, which keeps a link to the other parent and is often easier to agree. Some parents who divorced go back to their maiden name and want their child to share it.

For a double-barrelled name there is no rule about which name comes first, and you can choose whether to use a hyphen. Our guide to double-barrelled surnames covers the practical side.

Think about your child's view

A surname is part of a child's identity, and the courts give weight to what older children want. A child who has used one name for years at school may feel strongly about it either way. If they are 16 or 17, they can make their own deed poll and decide for themselves; see changing your name at 16 or 17.

Making the deed poll

The form on this page is set to "My child". You sign it as the parent, confirm that everyone with parental responsibility agrees, and download it for £19.99. Each child needs their own deed poll. Then use it to update the child's passport, school, GP and bank account. See our guide to a deed poll for a child.

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

Make your child's deed poll — £19.99

Your deed poll

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

Common questions

Does my child's surname change when I remarry?

No. Your marriage only affects your own name. Your child keeps their surname unless you change it with a deed poll.

Can my child take my new husband's or wife's surname?

Yes, with a deed poll for the child and the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility, usually including the child's other parent. A step-parent does not have parental responsibility automatically.

Does the step-parent need to sign anything?

No. The deed poll is signed by a parent with parental responsibility. The step-parent's agreement is not legally required.

Can we double-barrel my child's surname instead?

Yes. A child's deed poll can give them any surname, including a double-barrelled one combining their current surname with the new family name. The same consent rules apply.

Do I need a separate deed poll for each child?

Yes. Each child needs their own deed poll, because each one names one child's old and new names.

Changing Your Child's Surname After You Remarry

Whose agreement do you need?

The options most families choose

Think about your child's view

What about school?

Making the deed poll

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

Does my child's surname change when I remarry?

Can my child take my new husband's or wife's surname?

Does the step-parent need to sign anything?

Can we double-barrel my child's surname instead?

Do I need a separate deed poll for each child?

Changing Your Child's Surname After You Remarry

Whose agreement do you need?

The options most families choose

Think about your child's view

What about school?

Making the deed poll

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

Does my child's surname change when I remarry?

Can my child take my new husband's or wife's surname?

Does the step-parent need to sign anything?

Can we double-barrel my child's surname instead?

Do I need a separate deed poll for each child?

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