Marriage Name Change: Do I Need a Deed Poll?

A common question we receive is how to change surname after marriage in the UK. The short answer is: usually you do not need a Deed Poll, but there are exceptions.

Taking Your Spouse's Surname

If you are simply taking your spouse's surname (or they are taking yours), your marriage certificate is sufficient evidence. You do not need a Change of Name Deed.

You can send your original marriage certificate to the Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and other organisations to have your name updated. They will return the certificate to you once processed.

When You DO Need a Deed Poll After Marriage

There are specific circumstances where a marriage certificate is not enough, and you will need to execute a Deed Poll:

1. Creating a Double-Barrelled Surname

If you and your spouse decide to combine your surnames (e.g., Smith and Jones becomes Smith-Jones), the HM Passport Office and DVLA typically require a Deed Poll to legally establish the new double-barrelled name.

2. Meshing or Blending Surnames

If you create an entirely new surname by blending parts of your previous surnames (e.g., Smith and Jones becomes Smijone), you must use a Deed Poll. Your marriage certificate does not cover creating a new name.

3. Changing Your First or Middle Names

A marriage certificate only covers a change of surname. If you decide to change your first name or add a middle name at the same time you get married, you will need a Deed Poll.

Reverting to a Maiden Name After Divorce

If you are divorcing and wish to revert to your maiden name, you generally do not need a Deed Poll. Your Decree Absolute (or Final Order) alongside your original marriage certificate and birth certificate is usually enough evidence for most organisations.

However, some women prefer to use a Deed Poll because it is a single document and saves them from having to send their sensitive divorce papers to multiple organisations.