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How do I legally change my name after marriage UK?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 15, 2026

To update your new name, you'll need to apply for a new UK passport with supporting documents as evidence of your name change. The document could be a marriage certificate or a deed poll, depending on your new name. You'll apply for a new passport from HM (Her Majesty's) Passport Office.

Is there a time limit on changing your name after marriage UK?

The good news is that there is no time limit to changing names after marriage. While most brides make the transition to their new name within 2-3 months of their wedding, some brides may take years. If you decide to take your spouse's name in place of your own surname the process is very straightforward.

How much does it cost to change name after marriage UK?

'Enrolling' a deed poll means that you're putting your new name on public record. You must apply to the Royal Courts of Justice to get an 'enrolled' deed poll using the deed poll process. It costs £42.44. You can only enrol your own name change if you're 18 or over.

Is there a time limit to change your name after marriage?

How long do you have to change your name after getting married? There's no exact time limit for changing your name after getting married. People change their names whenever they are ready to. However, some workplaces request to be informed within 60 days or so after the change of name.

Who do you need to notify when you change your name UK?

Driving licence: You will need to inform the DVLA if you have changed your name by filling in the relevant form and providing supporting evidence of the change. The police: If you have a criminal record the police will also need to be notified of your new name.

29 related questions found

How do I go about changing my last name after marriage?

How to Change Your Name in 10 Steps

  1. Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies. ...
  2. Update Your Social Security Card. ...
  3. Get a New Driver's License. ...
  4. Get a New Passport and Travel Documents. ...
  5. Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts. ...
  6. Change the Name on Your Credit Cards. ...
  7. Provide Your New Name and Banking Information to Your Employer.

Can I use both maiden and married name UK?

Traditionally in the UK, women take the husband's surname, but they may also choose to keep their maiden name as a middle name, continue using their maiden name, change to a double barrelled version of both spouses' surnames, or create a new surname to reflect their union.

Do I need to inform HMRC when I get married?

As well as informing HMRC of any name, address or income changes, you also need to inform them of any changes to your relationship or family circumstances. So, if you get married or enter into a civil partnership, or if you divorce, separate or stop living with your husband, wife or partner, HMRC Need to know.

Do I have to tell HMRC when I get married?

You'll need to tell HMRC if you: get married or form a civil partnership. start getting a second income. become – or stop being – self-employed.

Do I need to change my passport after marriage?

You can get a new passport in your new name either before or after the ceremony. The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.

Who do I need to inform when I get married UK?

Relationship or family changes

Tell HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) if: you get married or form a civil partnership. you divorce, separate or stop living with your husband, wife or partner.

What documents do I need to change after marriage UK?

Here's a Handy Name Change Checklist For You

  • Passport.
  • Driving license.
  • Bank accounts.
  • Credit, debit and store cards.
  • HMRC.
  • Your employer.
  • Car registration.
  • Electoral roll.

Do you have to change passport after marriage UK?

You'll need to get a new passport to travel abroad or prove your identity if you change any of the following: your name.

Do I have to change my name on my bank account after marriage?

You aren't legally required to change your name on your bank account after getting married. However, you'll likely run into practical complications if you choose to keep your maiden name on your bank account while using your married name elsewhere.

Do I pay less tax if married?

The tax benefits of marriage include saving income tax, minimising capital gains tax and avoiding inheritance tax. In their wisdom, the Government deemed it fair that married couples can transfer assets between themselves without any tax implications.

Do I need to inform revenue when I get married?

If you get married, it is important you tell Revenue, as soon as you can. You will need to give details of: your own and your spouse's Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) the date of your marriage.

What tax breaks do married couples get?

Couples filing jointly receive a $24,800 deduction in 2020, while heads of household receive $18,650. The combination of these two factors yields a marriage bonus of $7,399, or 3.7 percent of their adjusted gross income.

Does your tax code change when you get married UK?

The tax code of the partner receiving the Marriage Allowance will usually change to 'M'. This shows they're getting Marriage Allowance from their partner. If the partner who transferred their Personal Allowance is employed, their tax code will change to 'N'. This shows they've elected to use the Marriage Allowance.

What do I need to update when I get married?

Here are the accounts and documents you want to be sure to update after saying “I do”:

  1. Your Social Security card. ...
  2. Your driver's license. ...
  3. Your credit union/bank account information. ...
  4. Your payroll information. ...
  5. Your life insurance and retirement accounts. ...
  6. Your insurance policies. ...
  7. Your creditors.

Can I double barrel my name after marriage UK?

Upon marriage, while it is traditional for the woman to take the man's surname, it is also perfectly acceptable for the woman to keep her maiden name or the couple to create their own 'double-barrelled' or hyphenated surname by using both of their original surnames.

Can I change my last name to my boyfriend without getting married?

Advice for couples who don't want to get married

If as a couple you do not want to get married (or enter into a civil partnership), it is entirely within your rights for one or both of you to change your surname to match your partner's, giving the appearance of a married couple.

Can you have two last names after marriage?

A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application.

Can I keep my last name and add my husband's?

As we discussed in length above, hyphenation will allow you to keep your maiden name while still adding your spouse's. Many spouses choose hyphenation because they feel it's the best of both worlds because they don't lose their name and they're able to take their spouses.

How do I change my marital status on my passport?

Therefore, in order to change the marital status in the passport of a candidate, you need to apply for re-issuance of a new passport. Select the 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport' option available at the 'Applicant Home' section after you have successfully logged in into your account.

Can I travel on my old passport after getting married UK?

The answer is: it depends. If during your marriage you had your passport renewed in the new last name, then you cannot go back to the old one. This is due to the fact that once you renew your passport, it has an indication as to which document it's replacing – making your previous passport invalid.