Hyphenate Surname After Marriage? You'll Need a 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

Can I create a hyphenated name using just my marriage certificate?

No. Your marriage certificate only entitles you to take your spouse's existing surname as a direct replacement. A hyphenated name (combining your surname with theirs) requires a deed poll.

Does my partner need to change their name too?

No. Each person's name is independent. Your partner can keep their own name, adopt the same hyphenated name with their own deed poll, or make any other choice. There is no requirement for both partners to have matching names.

Can we use either order for the hyphenated name?

Yes. Smith-Jones and Jones-Smith are both equally valid. The order is entirely your choice; there is no legal convention about which surname comes first in a hyphenated name.

Are there any restrictions on hyphenated names?

No specific restrictions beyond the general rules for any name change (no fraudulent intent, no inherently offensive names). The name must be in Roman script for UK passports. Very long hyphenated names may be truncated by some IT systems, which is worth bearing in mind practically.

Can I change back to just one surname if I later change my mind?

Yes. You can change your name again at any time with a new deed poll. There is no legal limit on how many times you can change your name.