Accepted by the UK Government
A deed poll is the standard way to legally adopt a double-barrelled or hyphenated surname in the UK. Create yours for free — a printed version is optional.
A double-barrelled surname combines two surnames into one. It can be written with a hyphen (Smith-Jones), with a space (Smith Jones) or as a single unhyphenated compound (SmithJones). The most common style in the UK is hyphenated.
A double-barrelled surname is a new name that combines two existing ones. Marriage or civil partnership certificates only evidence the straightforward adoption of a spouse's existing surname, so they cannot be used for hyphenated names. HM Passport Office, the DVLA and banks will ask for a deed poll for anything that isn't a direct switch to a spouse's surname.
There is no legal rule about the order of the two surnames. Couples often put the surname they use most frequently second (so it becomes the 'main' name in everyday use) but the choice is entirely personal. Once the deed poll is signed, that order is your legal name and appears on all documents.
A hyphen is not legally required. Some organisations treat hyphenated and unhyphenated versions as the same name, others as different. Using a hyphen removes any doubt: the two surnames are unambiguously part of one name and appear together on documents.
You can double-barrel a child's surname using a deed poll signed by everyone with parental responsibility. Any combination is possible — one parent's surname, the other's, both parents' names hyphenated, or an entirely new combination.
Yes. A double-barrelled surname is a new name that combines two existing ones, so it can't be evidenced by a marriage certificate alone. HM Passport Office, the DVLA and banks all ask for a deed poll for a hyphenated name.
Prepare a deed poll setting out your current surname and your new double-barrelled surname in the order you want. Sign it in both names in front of an independent adult witness. That is enough to make the new name legally yours.
Legally, either works. A hyphen removes ambiguity — some computer systems treat 'Smith Jones' and 'SmithJones' as different names. Hyphenated is the most common UK style and the most reliably accepted across records systems.
There is no legal rule. Many couples put the more frequently used surname second so it functions as the day-to-day name. Whatever order the deed poll records is your legal name.
Yes. Both partners need their own deed poll — you cannot double-barrel through the marriage certificate. Many couples prepare the deed polls at the same time so both records update in parallel.
Yes, using a deed poll signed by everyone who holds parental responsibility. The child's new surname can combine the two parents' surnames in either order, or any other names entirely.
Yes, subject to the consent of everyone with parental responsibility. There is no rule that both parents' surnames have to be included, or in any particular order.
No. You can choose any two surnames or entirely made-up names, provided the resulting name complies with the general UK naming rules (nothing offensive, no numbers or symbols, no unearned titles).
Prepare a new deed poll dropping one half of the name. There is no separate process — a deed poll can add, remove or change any part of your name.
Yes. Both organisations issue documents in double-barrelled names on receipt of a deed poll. The hyphen is normally included as printed on the deed poll.
Only if the other parent does not hold parental responsibility. If they do, their consent is required in writing, or a court order is needed if they refuse.
Yes. A deed poll can adopt any surname of any length within the general limits (not unreasonably long, not offensive, and so on). Triple-barrelled names are less common but legally valid.
No. A marriage certificate is a record of the marriage at the time it took place. Your deed poll is the current legal proof of your name — the two documents work together.
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Note: This site provides general information about UK unenrolled deed polls and is not a substitute for legal advice. We are independent and not affiliated with HM Government. If you need an enrolled deed poll, apply through the UK Government website.
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