How Do I Change my Surname?

Life events are often powerful catalysts for change - which might include the decision to start using a new name. Whilst the process of changing your name may seem like an overwhelming and time-consuming task, bursting with a minefield of confusing information and forms to sift through - changing your legal name doesn’t have to be stressful! This guide will take you though, step by step, on changing your name after marriage, divorce or other life event. 

How Do I Change my Surname After a Life Event in the UK? 

How to change your official name is what we live and breathe here at NameSwitch. Whether it’s changing maiden name to reflect a partner’s surname, changing marital name after divorce, or assuming a new name during gender transition, we’ve got you covered. Let’s begin simply with the “why.”

Reasons for Changing Your Surname

Your name is a massive part of your identity and there are many personal reasons as to why you may want to change your name. Some of these might include, marriage and divorce, personal preference, religious reasons or gender reassignment/transitioning.

Marriage and Divorce (Civil Partnership and Separation)

Marriage (or a civil partnership) is often symbolised by the decision to take a partner’s surname, double-barrel both surnames, or create a whole new name all together. And after a separation or divorce, one may wish to disconnect from the past and make a fresh start with a new name. There is no right or wrong way to move forward in either scenario – it’s all about what feels right to you. 

Personal Preference

Can you legally change your last name (or even first or middle names) due purely to personal preference? Of course you can! Without a marriage/civil partnership certificate or a decree absolute/final order, you will need to change your name by deed poll.

Religious Reasons 

Recently, we were asked the question, “Can you legally change your surname or name due to religious reasons?” And the answer is, yes! Whether it’s due to religious conversion, adoption of a new religious name, honouring a spiritual milestone, or traditional marriage practices, you can absolutely take on a new official name via deed poll, also known as a change of name deed.

Gender Reassignment/Gender Transitioning

A powerful affirmation of gender transition can be changing your name. For those going through a gender transition or reassignment, a name represents significant part of your identity. In the UK, a deed poll will serve as your official proof of name change.  Those wishing to change their gender marker will also need to accompany the name change requests with either a gender recognition certificate or a medical letter (from a GP or gender clinic).

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Surname

1. Assessing Your Situation: First things first, you’ll want to assess your situation; consider your “why” (marriage, divorce, gender change, life event, personal reasons), evaluate your timelines, and weigh-up your options.

2.   Examine Special Considerations - Scotland/Foreign Nationals: It is crucial to understand the legalities of your home nation before you begin the name change process, as each country has their own processes and laws for name changes. Although we cannot offer legal or immigration advice, check out our super-helpful name change guide for Non- UK Nationals for more information and helpful links. 

3.  Choosing Your New Surname: This may seem obvious, but it’s not always so simple! Your name is something you will answer to every single day, so make sure it feels right. Will you choose to adopt your partner’s surname, or will they take yours? Do you fancy the double-barrel or will you want to create a brand-new name? These are all things to take into consideration and the choice is yours!

Legal Processes for Name Change

If you are considering a name change, United Kingdom laws allow you to do so with a marriage or civil partnership certificate, decree absolute or final order, or deed poll.

If you are wondering how to change your official name and learn more about the process for changing your name, we are here to help! NameSwitch will help you navigate the name change maze in 3 simple steps. We have made the process simple, secure and speedy!   To legally change your name in the UK, you will need official documentation as proof of the change. For example, if you are changing a maiden name to married name, your marriage or civil partnership certificate will serve as official documentation for most organisations. If you have decided to revert to your previous name post-divorce, a decree absolute or final order can be used as official documentation. For any other change of name reason (personal, religious, gender affirmation, etc), a deed poll will be required as legal proof of your new name.

Costs Associated with Changing Your Surname

So, how much does it actually cost to change your surname or name? Beyond the financial costs, it’s important to consider the cost of time and effort it takes to make your name change official.

Let’s first address the cost of time. It can take hours of sifting through government and corporate websites each with their own individual requirements and confusing processes. The volume of organisations to contact can be time-consuming and overwhelming! And once you have successfully waded through the online forms and paperwork, one tiny mistake might mean you’ll have to start all over again. This is where NameSwitch shines! Simply, select who to notify from over 700 government bodies, local authorities, and companies, enter your details into our secure portal, and create your personalised name change toolkit in minutes. 

Bonus: Our team reviews every form for errors, so you get it right the first time! 

Now, let’s talk financial costs. It’s a common assumption that the only way to change your name is to hire a solicitor – which can be VERY costly! But this is an expensive misconception! You can certainly navigate the name change journey on your own, but it can be tedious, incredibly time-consuming and common errors can add up. NameSwitch has affordable name change  packages starting at just £29.95  that will jump-start your name change journey simply and securely.

NameSwitch has a wealth of free resources, guidance on changing your name, and expert tips so you don’t get lost in the name change maze. From our free name change checklist to useful guides on surname change before travel, changing your name on your driving licence and our name change passport guide, we have got you covered. You can also find top time saving tips like, ordering multiple copies of your marriage certificate, to make things even easier. We are here to take the process from tedious to trouble-free!

Ready to Change Your Name? Here are Your Steps

Can you change your surname? Or can you change your last name without being married or after a divorce? And can you change your name because of gender reassignment or religious reasons? The answer is YES to each and every one of these questions. As long as you have the correct legal documentation, you’re good to go with officially changing your name - out with the old name and in with the new!

We have a number of different packages to support you on your journey to using a new name officially - whether it’s our name change notification packages (for those who already have a legal document) or our deed poll packages - NameSwitch is here to make it all so much simpler and save you hours!