How to Change Your Name on Your British Passport

There are many reasons why you might need to change your name on your passport.

Some of the most common reasons are:

  • You got married
  • You got divorced
  • You changed your gender
  • You just decided it was time for a change

If you want to change you name via deed poll click on the button below

START AN ADULT DEED POLL - £18.50

If you’re unfamiliar with the process, the task of changing your name on your passport can seem complicated.

However, this article will help simplify the process and will provide you with everything you need to know.

Pro Tip: We have all the forms and instructions laid out for you in our easy name change kit.

How to Update Your Passport After a Name Change

You’ll have to apply for a new passport from HM Passport Office. We have included information on contacting HM's Passport Office below.

When you get your new passport, it’ll be valid for ten years, and the time left on your current passport won’t be added on. So, even though you’re only changing your name, it’ll be like getting a brand new passport.

You can apply for a new passport online or through a paper application.

Online application

    Here’s a link to the online application for a new UK passport. The cost is £ 75.00.

    You can also use the post office’s Check and Send service for digital applications. On the branch finder page, select “Passport Check & Send- Digital” under services.

    The Check and Send costs an additional £16.00 on top of the regular passport application fee

    Paper application

    The cost of the paper application is £ 85.00.

    You can visit a post office near you that provides Check and Send services to get the process started.

    With the Check and Send service, you get the following from the post office

    •       They make sure that you’ve filled out the application correctly.
    •       They make sure you’ve included all the required documents and photos.
    •       They make sure you’re paying the right fee.
    •       Special delivery of your passport application to the HM Passport Office.

    To get started with Check and Send, visit the Post Office branch finder page to find a post office location with passport services near you.

    On the branch finder page, do the following:

    •       Enter your postcode, town, or street name
    •       From the drop-down menu of services, choose “Passport Check & Send- Paper.”

    Once you find a post office in your area with Check and Send, visit them to get the application process started. They will be able to provide you with a paper application form.

    The Check and Send service costs £16.00 on top of the application fee. You can pay with cash, credit or debit cards, or by postal order.

    How to contact the HM Passport Office

    The passport advice line is set up by HM Passport Office for people who need help with the application process, or for those who have any complaints.

    So, if you have any questions about your application, whether it’s regarding filling out the form, or about the documents you need for changing your name in your passport, you can get in touch with them.

    Phone number: 0300 222 0000

    From outside the UK: +44 (0) 300 222 0000

    By textphone: 18001 0300 222 0222

    Operating hours:

    Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM

    Weekends and public holidays: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

    Postal address:

    Her Majesty's Passport Office

    PO Box 767

    Southport

    PR8 9PW

    Otherwise, you can also use HM’s online inquiry form for help with your application.

    Required Documents for a Name Change on Your Passport

    Typically you will have to send in your current passport, passport photos, and a document proving your name change, such as a:

    • Deed poll
    • Marriage certificate
    • Civil partnership certificate
    • Court order confirming a name change

    We will discuss each one in more detail below:

    1) Changing Your Name on a Passport with a Deed Poll

    What is a deed poll?

    A deed poll is a document that makes your new name official, so you can start using it at the bank, and on forms of identification like driver’s licence, passport, etc.

    A deed poll is a document that demonstrates the following:

    •       You have chosen a new name
    •       You have given up your old name
    •       The date you started using your new name

    When is a deed poll necessary for a passport name change?

    We’ll discuss each situation in further detail below, but here is a quick summary of when you’ll need a deed poll for a passport name change.

    You need a deed poll for a passport name change:

    •       If you’ve decided to change your name for any reason with a deed poll
    •       In case of a separation where the divorce isn’t finalized
    •       Your first passport where your name is different than that on your birth certificate
    •       Change of name on your child’s passport

    You typically do not need a deed poll in the following cases to update your name on your passport:

    •       After a marriage or civil partnership
    •       Following a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership

    If you’ve changed your name only using a deed poll (without marriage, divorce, etc.), then you’ll require one of the following additional documents in your new name (along with the deed poll) to prove that your name change is genuine.

    •       Driver’s licence
    •       Tax record
    •       Payslip from your employer
    •       Educational certificate or record
    •       Voting card
    •       Bank statement
    •       Medical card
    •       Official government letter

    Another thing to note is that if you’re a dual citizen, you may want to check with the embassy of the other country about the impact of your deed poll on your other passport.

    If you have any questions about your application process or required documents, you can reach out to the passport advice line, as explained above.

    How do I get a deed poll?

    You could use our simple online application process to apply for your deed poll. Our application process is fast, secure, and easy!

    2) Changing Your Name on a Passport after Marriage

    When you get married or join a civil partnership, you will get a certificate with your new name.

    You can use your marriage or civil partnership certificate to apply for a new passport from HM's Passport Office.

    As we explained before, you don’t need a deed poll if you have your marriage or civil partnership certificate, as the certificate itself serves as proof of your new name.

    One of the unique things about a “newlywed passport” is that you can apply for it up to three months before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

    But your old passport will no longer remain valid, and your new passport will be post-dated. Some countries may not issue visas for post-dated passports.

    If you want to get a head start on your new passport and apply in advance, you have to send in a ‘passports for newlyweds and civil partners’ form. The form has to be signed by a religious minister or registrar who is planning on conducting the ceremony.

    Exceptions when you may need a deed poll after getting married

    There are some exceptions where you may need a deed poll even in the case of your name change due to marriage or civil partnership.

    For example, if you’ve lost your certificate and don’t want to apply for a new one, you can change your name with a deed poll. Or if you got married in a different country and your certificate is not in English, it might be simpler to get a deed poll instead of having your certificate translated.

    Once you get a deed poll, you can have your name changed in your passport.

    3) Changing Your Name on a Passport after Divorce

    If your divorce is finalized, you won’t need a deed poll to change your name on your passport.

    You can apply for a new passport from the HM Passport Office and include the following documents:

    •       A statement with your signature saying you’ve gone back to using your previous surname “for all purposes” and that you will not be using your married or civil partnership name for any reason
    •       Your birth certificate
    •       Proof that you’re using your new name (Payslip, bank statement, official letter, etc.)
    •       A marriage or civil partnership certificate displaying both names
    •       A final order or decree absolute with both names

    Remember that if you have any questions about the process, you can always make use of the passport advice line.

    You do have the option to apply for a passport name change with a deed poll after a divorce since you’re allowed to get one for any reason.

    4) Changing Your Name on a Passport after a Gender Change

    When you apply for a passport with your new name following a gender change, include the following with your application.

    Send one of the following documents with your passport application:

    •       A new birth or adoption certificate that shows your acquired gender
    •       A Gender Recognition Certificate
    •       A letter from your medical professional to confirm that your gender change is likely to be permanent

    If you pick the option to send a letter from your doctor, you’ll also need to include both of the following documents to change your name in your new passport.

    •       Proof of your name change (deed poll, for example)
    •       Proof that you’re using your new name (bank statement, payslip, official letter, etc.)

    Will my new passport mention my previous name?

    Your new passport will typically not mention your previous name, except in some very limited situations. For instance, if you got married and continued to use your maiden name professionally, or if your new name would not normally be considered by HM Passport Office to be a name, then your previous name will be noted as an observation in your new passport.

    How do I change the name on my child's passport?

    To change the name on your child’s passport, you’ll need to send in a child deed poll along with the passport application.

    You’ll also need to send the following, in addition to the deed poll.

    •       Your child’s old passport
    •       Proof that your child is using the new name (NHS record, school record, child benefits, etc.)
    •       Written consent from anyone who has parental responsibility for your child
    •       Two new photos of your child if applying through post

    Final Thoughts

    Changing your name on your British passport can be straightforward with the right guidance.

    Whether your name change is due to marriage, divorce, personal choice, or any other reason, following the correct steps and providing the necessary documentation will ensure a smooth process.

    Remember, your passport is a vital document for international travel, so making sure it reflects your current legal name is essential.

    If you're ready to begin, take the first step by applying for a deed poll or by contacting HM Passport Office for support.

    Safe travels under your new name!

    The UK Deed Poll Office is not a government agency. Our function is purely as a document provider for the self-declaration of an unenrolled deed poll. We are here to assist in your name change journey, as we have done for over 100,000 UK residents.

    READY TO CHANGE YOUR NAME?

    Join the thousands who have trusted the UK Deed Poll Office to help change their name. Fill out our fast, simple, and affordable online application to receive your Deed Poll in no time!
    LET'S GO!
    linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram