Changing Your Surname?

Everything you need to get for your new last name

In the United Kingdom, you can change any part of your entire name, including your surname, by Deed Poll.

The process for changing your surname is very straightforward and simple. You can also change the surname of your child if you have parental responsibility for the child.

There are a few options to consider when changing surnames, let's examine them now.

If you don't have any questions about changing your surname and you want to get started on your deed poll order, click on the button below. 

Reasons for Changing Your Surname

If you are a British citizen, you have the right to use and be known by any name you choose as long as you have proper documentation to prove your new name.

You can decide to change your surname for a wide variety of reasons. One of the common ones is marriage, where one partner might choose to take the surname of the other partner, or they both decide to create a new double-barreled surname.

If you decide to add your partner’s name next to your own, you can choose whether to use a hyphen between or not. 

Also, you might decide to change your surname after a divorce or separation, if you want to revert back to your maiden name.

How to Change Your Surname

Luckily, changing a surname is a simple and quick process. As a result of marriage or a civil partnership, all that is necessary is to provide a copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate to the record holders, including the passport office, bank, DVLA, etc. 

Although some organization will accept a marriage or civil partnership certificate as a proof of the surname change, others might require an official document, such as a Deed Poll, to prove your change of name.

When changing your name by Deed Poll, it will confirm that you have given up your old name and decided to use a new name instead. This new name should be used for all future purposes.

How can you change your surname on your documents and records? The Deed Poll needs to be signed and witnessed, and it will be used when changing your name on your passport, driving licence and other important documents.

However, to get a Deed Poll, you will need to be aged 16 or over, under most circumstances. Those who are below that limit will need to get consent from everyone with parental responsibility. 

Anybody who is 16 years old or above should send their documents, include a copy of the Deed Poll, evidence of British citizenship and their marriage or divorce documents to the Royal Courts of Justice. The process of changing a surname by Deed Poll can be completed within just a few weeks.