Legally Change Your Name After Marriage UK (Where & How to Make Updates)

Legally Changing Name After Marriage UK

After your big day, jetting off on your dream honeymoon is the icing on the wedding cake. But if you’re also plagued by the practicalities of life and want to tackle the tedious admin of trying to figure out how to legally change your name after marriage, NameSwitch is here to help!

How to Change Your Name After Marriage UK: Getting Started

In the minefield of name change processes, policies and paperwork, you have likely searched up, “how to change your name after marriage UK”…And rest assured, your searching has brought you to the right place!

Here are a few things you need to do to take on a new married name and make it legal.

1. Choose your Name

Seems like the obvious, right? Maybe so, but sometimes it’s not that simple of a decision to make. Your name makes up a massive part of your identity and is something you’ll answer to daily, so settling on what your new name will be is a big decision! You might decide to take your partner’s name or choose to go for a double-barrel. Other options include creating an entirely new name to symbolise a new beginning or to adopt one’s maiden name as a middle name (note: these two options would require a deed poll to change your surname). The choice is yours to make.

There is no time limit or legal obligation to change your name. If you’re prefer to keep your birth name, that’s absolutely fine or if you’re ready to use your new name right away, that’s great too.

If you’re struggling with the decision, take a look at our blogs: double barrel name after marriage UK for some helpful insight. Or you might even consider a “best of both” approach. A growing number of women are opting to keep their maiden name professionally and change their name in their personal life. This can be a flexible solution and we’ve outlined the key considerations here to help you decide what’s best for you.

2. Gather your Documents

Next, you’ll need to obtain your legal documents. If you want to change your name in the UK, a legal document is required to accompany name change requests. This could be an original marriage certificate, decree absolute (for divorce), or a deed poll. Whatever your name change reason, NameSwitch’s award-winning name changing service can help! If you want to change your name following marriage, your marriage/civil partnership certificate will serve as official supporting evidence and it entitles you to take your other half’s surname or create double-barrelled surname (with our without a hyphen). This goes for both men and women. You also have the option to use a deed poll to take on your spouse’s surname or to double barrel surnames. If you’re thinking about getting creative and creating a shiny new surname or change your first or middle name, you’ll need a deed poll. For more information, take a look at our guide on how to change name by deed poll. 

3. Make Copies

Figuring out which companies will take a simple copy of your legal document and which ones need originals or certified copies can be a time-consuming ordeal, so it’s a good idea to have some of each on hand. Some businesses require an original document issued by an authorised wedding celebrant, registry office, a UK deed poll service provider, solicitor or divorce court. While, others will accept a photocopy which has been certified to be a true copy of the original, seen by and signed by an authorised person. Alternatively, some companies will accept a basic clear and legible photocopy or a clear scanned copy of a reasonable size (around 2-5MB).

Pro Tip: We recommend obtaining 2 to 4 original copies of your legal document to enable multiple name change requests to be sent out in parallel. 

4. Plan it Out

From changing your name on your passport and driving licence and the local authority to updating records with your credit card companies or mortgage provider – the list can seem overwhelming! The average adult has over 24 government bodies and companies to notify of their change in name. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make a plan. Consider lead times, upcoming travel plans, important dates, or big events and then plan accordingly. It’s important to prioritise at least one form of photo ID. We have all of the details you need to get started in our guide to a DVLA name change online.

5. Invest in Envelopes & Stamps

Although a lot of name change request can be done online or in person, there are a number of companies and government bodies that will require you to send your documentation via post to process a name change. When sending in original certificates, you’ll want to enclose a self-addressed envelope with a large stamp to enable a speedy return of your papers. It’s always a good idea to use tracked/special delivery service via the Royal Mail for a little added assurance for your precious documents. 

6. Get Started

Now that you’ve decided on your name, received your official documentation/proof of your new name, made your copies and developed a plan of attack, it’s time to start your name change journey. This is where NameSwitch can come in handy - we have done the legwork so you don’t have to! With our name change notification toolkit, you can choose who to notify (from over 700 UK companies and governing bodies), enter your details on our secure system, and our unique automation completes the forms for you. All you have to do is download, sign and send your already completed personalised letters and documents. You’ll also receive a step-by-step instruction guide outlining what each company requires to keep you right on track. Voila! A tedious task made simple! 

 Have questions? Need more info? Get in touch with us today!

Helpful List of Where to Change Name After Marriage

The average name changer will end up notifying 24 or more organisations, ranging from government bodies, local authorities, and service providers, to healthcare providers, pensions and bank accounts. To help you get organised, NameSwitch has created a downloadable free name change checklist which will help you work out exactly who to inform of your name change after marriage in the UK.

Let’s get to the point of why you’re here.  Where do I need to change my name after marriage, you ask? Here are a few of the most important ones.

• The DVLA: The DVLA is the only entity which requires you, by law, to have your driver’s licence match your new name, so this is one to prioritise! If you’d like further guidance on updating your driving license and your vehicle registration, check out our super-helpful DVLA name change guide for everything you need to know.
• HM Passport Office: Your passport is often used as a formal piece of identification, so it’s essential that your current passport reflects your official legal name. You can update your passport right away or defer until the renewal date. However, if you choose to wait, make sure any travel reservations match the name on your passport. You’ll also need to weigh up the practicalities of having different names on your 2 pieces of formal ID - this can delay certain applications such as mortgages and loans. Fortunately, the UK government has recently streamlined the changing name on passport after marriage process making it much easier. This can be done either online or via post.
• HM Revenue & Customs & Local Authority: In order to ensure you are taxed correctly, you’ll need to inform HMRC of your new marital status and name change. It’s also important to inform your local authority so that your council tax and electoral register will reflect your new official name. Good news - the process of changing your name on all of these can all be done online! And there are postal options too. 
• Banks, Mortgage Providers, Land Registry and Lenders: It’s important to notify financial institutions and lenders that you’ve formally changed name. Equally, HM Land Registry should also be updated to reflect your new name as most lenders require your details to match the title deeds. 
• Health Services: Although your NHS number stays with you for life, you will need to update your GP, dentist, and any other healthcare organisations of your new name in due time. You will also want to update records with your gym, vet, hairdressers and other business as such. 
• Other Companies & Services: There are numerous other government bodies and organisations who should be notified. These include, child benefit office & office of the public guardian if applicable, pension providers, utility companies, insurance providers, mobile and broadband providers, credit card companies, monthly subscriptions, and many more!  

Changing Your Name After Marriage in Scotland, Wales or Ireland

The steps to to process your name change in Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be the same across the UK. Your marriage certificate can be used as official documentation for your name change. Deed polls are also accepted by all government bodies and countries within the UK. For additional information on changing your name by deed poll, take a look at our helpful guide series or visit our UK deed poll service page.

Need Help Changing Your Name After Marriage?

No matter where you live in the UK, England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland, NameSwitch notification services can help you breeze through the haze of the name change maze! We are dedicated to saving you time and providing you with a safe and secure service along with guidance on changing your name. We make sure your name change is done right the first time, every time. Don’t sit in admin paralysis - let our amazing name change notifications service take the hassle out your hands. 

Marriage Name Change “What to Do” Checklist UK

Here’s a quick recap of what you need to do to change your name following your marriage.

1. Choose your name: Will you take your partner’s surname, form a double-barrel, or create a whole new name?  
2. Collect your documents: Have evidence of your name change on hand - this is your marriage or civil partnership certificate or deed poll.
3. Assemble your copies: Gather certified copies of your marriage certificate or legal documents as well as photocopies so you can send off multiple requests at one time. 
4. Invest in some envelopes and stamps: Some things will need to be done the “old fashioned” way.
5. Send off your requests: You’re all set to get to work and start anew!

Begin the Process of Changing Surname After Marriage in UK?

If you’re ready to start the sometimes-dreaded, sometimes-overwhelming, and often time-consuming change of name after marriage process don’t go at it alone. NameSwitch is here to make changing your name after marriage simple! Whether you have just walked down the aisle in or you are on the opposite end of the spectrum facing a separation, we’re here to support you along the way. We have loads of free resources, guides, and checklists available to help you move forward in your next chapter of life. From tips on how to change your name by deed poll, what to do if you have tied the knot abroad, or name change guidance for non-UK nationals…we have the resources you need! And if you’re exploring how to legally change your name after divorce UK or looking for other divorce-related name change guidance – again, we’ve got you covered.  

FAQ’s

Is there a deadline to change name after marriage in UK?

There is no deadline or legal obligation to changing your name after marriage. Some brides and grooms are ready to symbolise the start of their new life right away with a name change, while others choose to make the change years down the road. Do whatever makes sense for you.

Does your name automatically change when you get married in UK?

Your name does not automatically change once you get married nor does it have to. If you wish to change your name after marriage, you can use your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate or deed poll as legal documentation to accompany your name change requests. 

Do I have to change my name after marriage or civil partnership?

Not at all! You do not have to change your name after marriage or civil partnership. In fact, many people decide to keep their birth name. The choice is yours and remember, you can always change your name should you decide to in the future. 

Can I keep my maiden name after getting married?

Yes! You can absolutely keep your maiden name after getting married in the UK. There is no legal obligation to change your surname. Should you decide to, down the road, there are many options for changing your name, including integrating your family name. 

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

If you change your name after getting married or entering into a civil partnership, you will need to change the name on your bank account. Most banks will require a marriage certificate as proof. You do not have to update your records if you don’t change your name after marriage.

Is a marriage certificate proof of name change or do I need a deed poll?

A deed poll is not necessarily required. A marriage or civil partnership certificate entitles you to take your spouse’s surname, double-barrel surnames and change your title. Or you can opt for a deed poll which also serves as legal documentation in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. 

How much does a marriage certificate cost?  

Marriage certificates cost £12.50 each and can be ordered from the local registry office (or via the GRO if you were married 2 + years ago). Or you can make use of our Deed Poll Premium Service and complete your entire NameSwitch under one roof.