How to Change Your Name with HMRC (2026 Guide)

How to tell HMRC about a name change

Employed on PAYE? Give your employer a certified copy of your deed poll. They update payroll, and HMRC is notified automatically through the Real Time Information (RTI) system, so you do not need to contact HMRC at all. Call 0300 200 3300 only if you want to confirm the change has landed. If you are self-employed or file a Self Assessment return, update your details yourself: sign in to your Personal Tax Account on the Government Gateway, or call the same number with your deed poll to hand.

Changing your name with HMRC after marriage or divorce

The process is the same whatever the reason. If you married or formed a civil partnership and took your spouse's surname, HMRC accepts your marriage or civil partnership certificate as evidence instead of a deed poll. For any other change, including reverting to a maiden name after divorce, a double-barrelled surname, or a new first name, your deed poll is the document to use. The route, employed or self-employed, does not change.

Tax credits and Child Benefit

These are run by separate teams inside HMRC and do not update when your income tax record does. Tell each one separately. For Child Benefit, contact the Child Benefit office; for tax credits, report the change through your tax credits account or helpline. Updating your PAYE or Self Assessment record will not carry across to them.

What about National Insurance?

Your National Insurance number never changes, and the name on it sits in the same HMRC record as your tax details, so updating one updates the other. There is a separate step if you claim benefits through the DWP. Our guide on changing your name on National Insurance covers that side in full.

One last thing. Until your record is updated, your old name may still show on P60s, P11Ds and other correspondence. That is normal. Future documents come through in your new name once the change is made, and there is no need to reissue anything historical.

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.

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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

How do I change my name with HMRC?

If you are employed, give your employer your deed poll and they update HMRC through payroll automatically. If you are self-employed, sign in to your Personal Tax Account on the Government Gateway or call HMRC on 0300 200 3300. There is no fee.

Do I need to contact HMRC directly if I am employed?

Not usually. When you give your employer your deed poll, they update payroll and HMRC is notified automatically through RTI. Call 0300 200 3300 or check your Personal Tax Account only if you want to confirm it has gone through.

How do I tell HMRC about a name change after marriage?

The same way as any other name change. If you took your spouse's surname, HMRC accepts your marriage or civil partnership certificate as evidence. For any other change, use your deed poll. Employed people go through their employer; self-employed people update their Personal Tax Account.

Does my National Insurance number change when I change my name?

No. Your National Insurance number is permanent and never changes, whatever the reason for the name change. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference stays the same too. Only the name on the record is updated.

Do Child Benefit and tax credits update automatically?

No. These are run by separate teams within HMRC and must be updated on their own. Contact each one directly; updating your tax record does not carry across to them.

Will my old P60 and P45 need to be reissued?

No. Documents issued under your old name stay valid records for tax purposes. Future documents come through in your new name once your record is updated.