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Changing Your Last Name – Legal Process & Requirements
In the UK, your last name does not change automatically—you must follow the correct legal process to update your records.
The process for changing your last name varies depending on your circumstances. You may be able to use official documents, such as a marriage certificate or decree absolute, but in many cases, a Deed Poll is required to ensure your new surname is legally recognised. To avoid complications when travelling, banking, or dealing with government institutions, it is essential to update your records correctly.
This guide explains the legal process for changing your last name and how to ensure all official documents reflect your new identity.
If you are applying for your first passport and the name you currently use is different from the one on your birth certificate, you must provide legal proof of your name change. The most common way to do this is with a Deed Poll, which acts as official evidence of your name transition.
Even if you have used your current surname for years, HM Passport Office requires formal documentation. A Deed Poll ensures that your new name is recognised and accepted when applying for a passport and updating your other identification records.
If you’ve married or entered a civil partnership and want to take your partner’s surname, your marriage or partnership certificate is legal proof for your passport application. A double-barrelled surname may also be accepted, but some institutions, like banks, may require a Deed Poll. For any other name change, a Deed Poll is needed.
You can apply for a new passport up to three months before your ceremony, but it only becomes valid on the day of marriage or registration.
If you want to change your child’s last name on their passport or apply for a first passport in a different surname than what appears on their birth certificate, parental consent is required. Everyone with parental responsibility must provide written consent before a child’s name can be legally changed using a Deed Poll.
When submitting a passport application for a child, you must include the Deed Poll document along with a signed consent letter from all parents or guardians. Without full consent, the child’s surname cannot be changed on official documents.
A Deed Poll is the most recognised legal document for changing your last name in the UK. It is accepted by all UK government departments, financial institutions, and other official bodies. If you are changing your last name for any reason other than marriage or divorce, a Deed Poll is required.
Benefits of a Deed Poll for Changing Your Last Name:
Ensures all government and private institutions accept your new name.
Allows you to update your passport, driving licence, and financial accounts seamlessly.
Provides a clear legal record of your name change for future reference.
Once issued, your Deed Poll document serves as official evidence of your name change and allows you to update your passport, bank accounts, and other records without complications.
If you have previously changed your last name but lack documentation, a Deed Poll is required to confirm the name change legally.
UK Deed Poll Service is not a government agency. We are a specialist deed poll agency that has issued over 800,000 unenrolled deed polls since 2001. We do not offer enrolled deed polls as an unenrolled deed poll is quicker, cheaper and confidential. You can make your own unenrolled deed poll yourself should you wish to.
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