Changing Your Name After Marriage

When you DON'T need a Deed Poll

You do not need a Deed Poll if you are simply taking your spouse's surname. You can send your original marriage or civil partnership certificate to the passport office, DVLA, banks, and HMRC. They will accept it as proof of your name change.

When you DO need a Deed Poll after marriage

You must use a Deed Poll to change your name after marriage in the following scenarios:

• Double-Barrelling (Blending Surnames): If you and your spouse decide to create a new double-barrelled surname (e.g., Smith-Jones), a marriage certificate is often not accepted by HM Passport Office unless the specific double-barrelled name is clearly documented. A Deed Poll is the easiest way to guarantee acceptance.
• Creating a completely new surname: If you and your partner decide to choose a brand-new surname together (meshing your names or picking a new one entirely), the marriage certificate does not cover this. Both of you will need a Deed Poll.
• Changing your first or middle names: A marriage certificate only gives you the right to change your surname. If you want to change your first name or add your maiden name as a middle name, you must execute a Deed Poll.
• Married abroad: If you were married outside the UK and your marriage certificate is not in English, or does not clearly state the surname change convention, many UK institutions will reject it. A UK Deed Poll resolves this immediately.

Changing name after divorce

To revert to your maiden name after a divorce, you can usually show your decree absolute (or final order) alongside your marriage certificate (to show the link between the names). However, if you have lost your marriage certificate, or if you want to change to a completely different name, you will need a Deed Poll.