How to Update your NHS Records: Change Your Name with the NHS

When you’re changing your name, it can feel like so much of your identity changes. But one thing that doesn’t change is your NHS number. This guide will walk you through the NHS name change process and updating your details. 

Just like your National Insurance number, your NHS number stays with you for life (unless you change gender, then you will need a new NHS number). However, if you wish to change your name, you do need to update your records. 

Whether you are initiating a name change after marriage, divorce, deed poll or any other reason, most GP surgeries request you visit in person with an original copy of your corresponding legal document that entitles you to adopt a new name; this could be one of the following: 

• marriage certificate
• civil partnership certificate
• decree absolute/final order
• deed poll
• gender recognition certificate

Please note, while it is not a legal requirement to provide documentation, most NHS GP practices will request it as best practice, so it’s best to have original documentation in hand. We also recommend you bring along a form of ID in your old or new name to prove your identity.

How to Change NHS Records: Update Your Name

Most GP practices will require you to submit your name change request in writing and in person. We suggest that you contact your local surgery to understand their requirements, as processes and or forms may differ from practice to practice. 

If you’re changing your name after marriage it can take up to a month after your wedding before your marriage certificate arrives. But good news! There is no time limit to changing your name on your NHS record. 

To make the process as smooth as possible, we recommend that you avoid contacting your GP at peak times (i.e.: mornings and especially a Monday morning after the weekend). Contact via website contact forms or email is often favoured by GP practices as these free up phone lines for those requiring medical assistance.

Once you have submitted the change request, you can download or check your NHS App to see if/when the change has been processed. Your local reception team will be able to advise on process timelines.

NameSwith Top Tip: It’s important to ask the medical reception team to update your full NHS record at the same time, not just the records held at your local surgery or hospital.

NHS Name Change and Travel 

If you will be traveling to a country that requires proof of vaccination, then you will need to ensure that the name on your passport aligns with the name on your NHS record. 

We recommend that you change the name on your passport and NHS number at roughly the same time to ensure your names are in alignment. Be aware that each process takes different lengths of time!

If you have travel planned and need to weigh up whether or not your time frames are realistic, check out our change name on passport guide for everything you need to know about updating the name on your passport. This will help you to determine if you should travel in your previous name or new name. We also recommend you update your EHIC/GHIC  card before travel. 

How to Change Your Name with NHS when Expecting a Baby  

If you have a beautiful bundle of joy on the way and need to change your name with the NHS prior to delivery, NameSwitch’s pro tips below have got you covered!

Congratulations! First things first, contact your GP and Midwife and update your name with them, as this will then trickle down to your new baby’s care records. This is not essential to do before the birth of your little one, but it’s a nice and poignant start to building your family!

You and your partner will both need forms of ID to register the birth, therefore it’s crucial that you prioritise changing at least piece of 1 formal ID (driving licence or passport) and allow ample lead time to receive the new document; typically about 3 to 5 weeks. We don’t recommend changing both at the same time as you will need a document in hand to prove your identity.

If time is of the essence and you need to have proof of your new name sooner than 3-5 weeks, we recommend that you prioritise updating your bank accounts, utilities, council tax or electoral register with your new name. These are all quick and easy to update and will give you proof of your new name when you register the birth of your baby.

Now, if you have already begun the name change process when you come to register the birth of your child, it’s important that you have your original legal document (i.e., marriage certificate or deed poll) along with examples of name changes that have been processed on hand to show to the registrar. This may allow them to use discretion to a certain extent as a name change is not an instant process.

How NameSwitch Can Help You Change Your Name 

NameSwitch, an award winning name changing service, was established to help take the effort out of making the switch. We have created a simple 3-step process to make things as easy as possible - saving you hours, or even days of researching policies and processes, writing letters and filling out forms. 

From changing your name on your driver’s licence and passport to your bank accounts and pensions – we have got you covered! And if you need a deed poll, we can help with that too!  We use smart, secure automation to populate all the forms and letters you’ll need to change your details. All you need to do is sign them and pop them in the post! 

NHS GP Name Change FAQ’s

Is there a time limit to changing my name with the NHS?

There is no time limit to changing your name with the NHS. You can update your name, title or gender marker at any time. You can contact the NHS at any time to start the process. We recommend you contact your local GP practice to initiate the change.

What legal documents are needed to change my name on NHS records?

To update your name after marriage, you’ll need a marriage/civil partnership certificate. To change your name after divorce, you’ll need a decree absolute or final order. For gender reassignment, you’ll need a gender recognition certificate together with a deed poll. For any other reason you may need a deed poll.

Can I do an NHS name change online?

The NHS name change process may vary from GP practice to practice. Most require you to complete this in-person and in writing. And unfortunately, it cannot be done using the NHS app. We recommend that you contact your local surgery to find out their processes and requirements.

How long does it take to update my name with the NHS?

Changing the name on your patient records with the NHS can take a few days to a few weeks. This will vary from GP practice to practice and depends on their individual processing times and clerical backlog. Your local surgery should be able to provide you with an estimated timeframe.

Will my NHS number change if I update my name with the NHS?

It will not! Your NHS number is with you for life, unless your change your gender marker. In that case you will need legal documentation to update your gender with the NHS and to receive a new NHS number. We recommend you contact NHS services for further detail. 

Do I need to change my name on my Covid Pass?

Covid passes are no longer a requirement for entry into countries and venues. Previous records are however held on the NHS App and can be viewed in the ‘Your Health’ section. They will remain on your profile (as will all other historical records) once your name has changed.