Change Name After Marriage UK

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £14.99 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

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 £14.99

Make your deed poll — £14.99

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Common questions

Do I need a deed poll if I am just taking my spouse's surname?

Not necessarily. For a simple adoption of your spouse's existing surname, your marriage certificate is accepted by most organisations including the Passport Office, DVLA, and most banks. A deed poll is needed if you want to double-barrel, choose a new surname, or change your first name at the same time.

Can my husband take my surname using just a marriage certificate?

Yes. The marriage certificate works equally for either spouse. A husband taking his wife's surname can use the certificate in exactly the same way a wife would use it to take her husband's. There is no legal distinction.

Can we both change to a completely new surname after marriage?

Yes, but both of you will need a deed poll. A marriage certificate only covers taking an existing surname. If you want a new shared surname that neither of you currently holds, each partner needs their own deed poll. This is increasingly popular among couples who want a truly shared identity.

How long after the wedding do I have to change my name?

There is no deadline. You can change your name immediately after the wedding or years later. Your deed poll is valid whenever it is signed, and organisations will process it at any point after your marriage.

Can I change my first name at the same time as my married surname?

Yes, but this requires a deed poll; your marriage certificate only covers surname changes. A deed poll can cover any combination: first name, middle name, and surname, all in a single document.

What if I want to keep my maiden name professionally but change it legally?

Your deed poll establishes your legal name, which you use for official documents. How you present yourself in a professional context is a separate matter; many people keep a maiden name for work purposes while using their married name legally. There is no legal barrier to using a different professional name.