Double-Barrelled Surname UK | Deed Poll

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 to create a double-barrelled name?

Yes. Your marriage certificate only covers taking your spouse's existing surname as a direct replacement. Any hyphenated or double-barrelled name requires a deed poll, regardless of whether you are married.

Can any two names be combined, or does one have to be my existing name?

Any two names can be combined. There is no legal requirement for one of the names to be your current surname. However, most people combine their existing surname with a partner's, a family name, or another name they have a connection to.

Does the hyphen have to be there?

No. You can have two surnames as two words with a space (e.g., Jane Smith Jones) rather than a hyphen. However, some IT systems handle this inconsistently. A hyphen is strongly recommended for clarity, consistency, and to avoid administrative issues.

Can I create a triple-barrelled name?

Technically yes, though triple-barrelled names cause significant practical issues with many official databases and IT systems. Some organisations may struggle to record them accurately. It is legally possible, but worth thinking carefully about the ongoing practical implications.

Does both partners' old name disappear from records once we change to a double-barrelled name?

No. Your old records remain as historical records, but each organisation will update their active records to your new name once you present your deed poll. Your old name is not erased; the deed poll simply establishes your name going forward.

How long does the process take?

The deed poll itself is instant: fill in the form, pay £14.99, and download immediately. Updating each organisation varies: banks are often same-day if you visit in person; the DVLA takes 2–4 weeks; the Passport Office takes up to 10 weeks for a standard application.