Changing Your Name After
Marriage or Civil Partnership
While many people can update their records using just a Marriage Certificate, there are several common scenarios where a Deed Poll is legally required to ensure your new name is accepted by the Passport Office and DVLA.
Certificate vs. Deed Poll
If you are simply taking your spouse's surname, your Marriage Certificate is usually enough. However, if you are double-barrelling, meshing names, or changing a first name, a Deed Poll is essential.
1. Double-Barrelling Your Surname
Double-barrelling (joining two surnames with or without a hyphen) is a popular way to honour both family identities.
Some banks may accept a Marriage Certificate for a hyphenated name, but most government bodies (like the Passport Office) now demand a Deed Poll for double-barrelled names to avoid ambiguity.
To ensure your Driving Licence and Passport match perfectly, a Deed Poll provides the "gold standard" proof of your new combined surname.
2. Meshing & New Surnames
A growing trend is "Meshing"—where a couple creates an entirely new surname from parts of their original names (e.g., Smith and Jones becoming 'Smones').
3. Changing First or Middle Names
Marriage is often seen as a "fresh start." If you wish to change your first name or add/remove middle names at the same time as changing your surname, you must use a Deed Poll.
- Change First Name
- Add Middle Names
- Remove Middle Names
- Rearrange current names
Plan your name change today
Whether you are double-barrelling or starting fresh, our professional Deed Polls are guaranteed to be accepted by all UK institutions.
Apply for Your Deed PollMarital FAQs
Can men change their name?
Absolutely. While tradition often focused on women, men have the same legal right to take their partner's name or double-barrel via Deed Poll.
Do I need to update my Will?
Yes. Once you have changed your name via Deed Poll, you should update your Will to ensure your legal identity remains consistent across all documents.