Accepted by the UK Government
Most spouses can update their name using a marriage certificate. A deed poll is needed for double-barrelled names, meshed names or a completely new surname. Create yours for free.
If you are taking your spouse's surname, or reverting to your maiden name in future, your marriage certificate is enough on its own. HM Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, banks and most other UK organisations accept a certified copy of the marriage certificate as proof of the change.
A deed poll is needed if you want to combine or hyphenate both surnames into a new double-barrelled name, create a 'meshed' or blended surname (letters from each partner's surname), take a completely new surname unrelated to either spouse, or change your first or middle name at the same time.
A marriage certificate can only evidence a straightforward switch to a spouse's existing surname. Anything else requires a deed poll.
The rules are identical. Either spouse or civil partner can take the other's surname on the strength of the marriage or civil partnership certificate, or use a deed poll for a double-barrelled, meshed or new name.
You can prepare a deed poll before the wedding but it should be dated on or after the wedding day if the new name is being taken as a consequence of the marriage. If you want to use your new name from the wedding day itself, some couples prepare the deed poll in advance and sign it on the day.
Update your passport first (HM Passport Office allows an application up to three months before the wedding using a form PD2 signed by the vicar or registrar, so the new passport is ready for the honeymoon), then the DVLA, then HMRC and your employer, then your bank. Many organisations now accept a scanned copy uploaded through online banking or an app.
Not usually. If you are simply taking your spouse's existing surname, a certified copy of the marriage certificate is accepted by HM Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, banks and most other organisations. You only need a deed poll for anything more complex.
A deed poll is required if you want to double-barrel or hyphenate both surnames, mesh or blend letters from each partner's name, take a completely new surname unrelated to either spouse, or change your first or middle name at the same time.
Yes. Either spouse can take the other's surname on the strength of the marriage certificate alone. There is no legal difference in the process for either partner.
Yes, but you will each need a deed poll because a double-barrelled surname is a new name that combines two existing ones — a marriage certificate cannot evidence it. Many couples prepare their deed polls together shortly after the wedding.
No, unless they want a double-barrelled or completely new surname. A civil partnership certificate carries the same weight as a marriage certificate for straightforward name changes.
Apply for a new passport through GOV.UK and include your original marriage certificate. If you want the new passport ready before the wedding, apply up to three months in advance with a PD2 form signed by the person conducting the marriage — the passport is then post-dated to your wedding day.
No. There is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage in the UK. Many people keep their original name for professional, personal or practical reasons.
Yes. A deed poll can change any combination of first name, middle names and surname in a single document. A marriage certificate can only evidence a change of surname to your spouse's existing surname.
While the marriage is intact, use a deed poll — the marriage certificate cannot evidence reverting to your previous name during marriage. After divorce, most organisations accept the decree absolute or final order alongside your original birth or marriage certificate; some banks may still ask for a deed poll.
You can prepare a deed poll before the wedding but the change legally takes effect on the day the deed poll is signed and witnessed. If you want the change tied to the marriage, sign it on or after the wedding day.
A foreign marriage certificate is accepted by UK organisations provided the marriage was legally valid where it took place. You may be asked for a certified translation if the certificate is not in English. The process for changing your name is otherwise the same.
There is no time limit. You can change your name immediately after the wedding, years later, or not at all. Each organisation has its own process but none impose a deadline related to the wedding date.
No. Credit reference agencies link records by date of birth and address history, not by name alone. Once your bank and lenders update their records, the change flows through to your credit file within a few weeks.
Yes. Notify HMRC through your Personal Tax Account online or by post so your tax records, National Insurance record and any tax credits are updated. Your National Insurance number does not change.
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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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