Key Takeaways
Any legal change of name - whether through marriage, divorce, deed poll, gender change, or adoption - means you must apply for a new passport. There is no simple amendment or correction option; a fresh passport application is required.
The name on your passport must match the name used on travel bookings and visas. A mismatch can lead to denied boarding or entry at the border.
You will need to provide specific name evidence (such as a marriage certificate, deed poll, or birth certificate) along with supporting documents and a completed application form.
Changing your name on a passport costs between £102 and £115.50 depending on whether you apply online or by post. You lose any unspent time on your old passport when reissued.
Special rules apply to double barrelled surnames, dual nationality holders, children's passports, and unusual names. Plan ahead - especially if you hold unexpired visas or travel abroad frequently.
Introduction: Name Change and Your UK Passport
If you have legally changed your name, the name on your passport needs to reflect that change. A UK passport is one of the most important identity documents you hold, and keeping it aligned with your other official documents - your driving licence, bank accounts, HMRC records - prevents confusion and protects you against problems at border control.
This article covers everything you need to know about updating a British passport after a name change. It applies to adults and children, first passport applications and passport renewal cases, and covers the full range of reasons you might change your name.
Common reasons for a change of name include marriage or civil partnership, divorce or separation, a deed poll executed for personal or religious reasons, adoption, gender transition, or simply choosing to use a different name. Whatever the reason, the process for getting your passport updated follows a clear set of rules set by HM Passport Office.
The guidance in this article is based on HM Passport Office practice as of 2026. Always check gov.uk for the latest rules before submitting any passport application.
Do You Need a New Passport After a Name Change?
The short answer: yes. You must apply for a new passport whenever your legal name changes and you want to travel or prove your identity in that new name. Your passport must match your legal name to be valid for official use.
There is no strict legal deadline forcing you to update your passport the moment your name changes. You can continue using your current passport in your previous name, provided all travel bookings and visas match that old name. Many people travel on honeymoon using their pre-marriage passport and only apply for a new passport when they return.
You do not need a new passport in the following situations:
A simple change of address (addresses do not appear on UK passports).
Adding or removing a title (such as Dr, Mr, Ms, Mx) where the actual name stays the same.
However, if you hold unexpired visas in your old passport, be aware that failing to update your passport can invalidate visas. Changing your name and getting a new passport may mean those visas no longer work with the new document. Always check with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying for a new passport if you have active visas.
Here are the typical trigger events after which most people apply:
Wedding or civil partnership ceremony
Final order of divorce (decree absolute) or dissolution
Completion and execution of a deed poll
Issue of a Gender Recognition Certificate
An adoption order for a child
Types of Name Change and What Evidence You Need
HM Passport Office requires specific name evidence to confirm that the new name is a genuine legal name used for all official purposes. Proof of name change includes a marriage certificate or deed poll, depending on your circumstances. Documents showing you are using your new name are also required in most cases.
The sections below cover each major type of change of name. In every case, original certificates or officially certified copies must be submitted - photocopies or emailed scans are not accepted.
Where there have been multiple name changes over time (for example, birth name to married name to a further deed poll name), HM Passport Office may ask for a complete documentary chain linking the birth certificate to the current name.
Name Change After Marriage or Civil Partnership
A marriage certificate is required for name changes after marriage. To change the surname on a UK passport after a wedding or civil partnership, most applicants only need to send the original marriage certificate (or civil partnership certificate) along with a standard passport application form.
You need to send your original marriage certificate for name changes. Certified copies issued by the registrar are also accepted, but photocopies are not.
Acceptable name choices after marriage include:
Taking your partner's surname (or civil partner's surname) outright
Keeping your birth name with no passport change needed
Creating a double barrelled surname using both surnames, joined by a hyphen or space
Using your future married name on a post-dated passport
If you want to create a brand-new single surname that merges both names into one word (for example, combining "Smith" and "Andrews" into "Smithdrews"), this generally requires a deed poll rather than the marriage certificate alone.
You can apply for a new passport up to three months before marriage using form PD2 for a passport post-dated to be valid from the ceremony date. Alternatively, many people wait until after the ceremony and honeymoon, then apply through the normal process.
Applicants must still pay the full fee for the new passport - even if many years remain on the current passport. You lose any unspent time on your old passport when reissued, so timing the application thoughtfully can help.
Divorce, Dissolution, or Separation
After a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, you have two options: keep the married name on your passport or revert to a previous name.
To revert to a former surname, you will typically need to submit:
Your final order (decree absolute or dissolution order) - sometimes called a divorce decree
Your marriage or civil partnership certificate
Your birth certificate showing the earlier name
A signed statement confirming you are now using the earlier name for all purposes (bank accounts, tax, employment, etc.)
Changing your name due to divorce requires a decree absolute or its equivalent final order. A signed statement is needed when reverting to a maiden name after divorce, and HM Passport Office may ask for evidence that the previous name is genuinely back in use.
If you are long-separated but not yet divorced, and you want to stop using your spouse's surname before a court order is granted, you will usually need a deed poll to make the change legally clear.
Many banks and financial institutions may also prefer a deed poll as a clear legal document, even if the passport was changed using divorce paperwork alone.
Name Change by Deed Poll or Other Legal Document
A deed poll (sometimes called a change of name deed) is the most flexible way to change your given names, middle names, or surname - or to adopt a completely new name unrelated to marriage. A deed poll document is required for name changes not due to marriage.
For both adults and children, HM Passport Office expects a deed poll to be accompanied by proof that the new name is in official use. Include proof of name usage like a bank statement with your deed poll, and ideally a driving licence, HMRC letter, or utility bill in the new name as well.
If you are a first-time adult passport applicant whose name differs from your birth certificate, a deed poll that explicitly records both the birth name and the current name can bridge any gap in the evidence chain.
Key requirements for a valid name deed:
It must be correctly executed: signed, dated, and witnessed
It must clearly state both the previous name and the new name
Informal name usage without a legal document is generally not enough for a new passport
A double barrelled surname created purely by personal preference (not from a marriage certificate) also requires a deed poll plus supporting name evidence.
Change of Name Following a Change of Gender
Trans applicants and those changing gender presentation can update both their name and gender marker on a UK passport, even before obtaining a full Gender Recognition Certificate. HM Passport Office updated its guidance in February 2026 to clarify the evidence needed.
Typical evidence that may be requested includes:
A deed poll or statutory declaration of name change
Supporting documents showing the new name in official use
Gender-related evidence in line with current HMPO guidance (usually a letter from a medical professional)
Detailed medical information is not normally required on the passport record, and case notes are held sensitively.
Where someone has a full Gender Recognition Certificate, it should be provided as a core legal document supporting the new legal gender and name. No additional deed poll is needed if the name on the passport application matches the name on the certificate.
If a person later wishes to revert to a former name and gender, suitable legal documentation will be required again, and extra identity checks may be triggered.
Children, Adoption, and Birth Re-Registration
Changing a child's name for passport purposes requires consent from everyone with parental responsibility, except in limited cases such as adoption orders or specific court directions.
The main documents used include:
A child's birth certificate (full version)
An adoption certificate or order
A re-registered birth certificate
Any deed poll executed on behalf of the child
When a child is adopted, the adoption certificate normally replaces the birth certificate for passport purposes. No separate name-use evidence is needed if the child has always used the adoptive name.
Errors or outdated names on a birth certificate do not automatically have to be corrected before applying for a passport. HM Passport Office will consider additional name evidence to support the child's current name.
Children under 16 need parental consent for name changes on their passport. For some children over 16 who are subject to care or court orders, all holders of parental responsibility must still actively consent.
Applying for a New Passport in Your New Name (Adults)
The application can be made online or via paper form. Both routes are treated as either a new passport application or a passport renewal, depending on whether you already hold a valid passport.
Here is a step-by-step overview:
Gather your name evidence (marriage certificate, deed poll, final order, etc.)
Collect supporting documents (birth certificate, old passport, proof of name use)
Complete the passport application form using the name you want on the new passport
Submit a compliant passport photo
Pay the fee and send your documents
Wait for processing and delivery
You must send your current passport with the application. Passport applications take around six weeks to process under the standard service, though many applicants report receiving their passport in three to four weeks. Do not book irreversible travel until the new passport has arrived.
If you hold a non-British passport as well (dual nationality), aim to align your new name across all passports where possible to avoid issues at border control.
Online Application for a New Passport
To apply online, visit the government's passport service on gov.uk and select the option to renew or replace a passport after a change of name. The process walks you through each step.
The current online fee is £102 for a standard adult passport. Payment is made by debit or credit card during the online process.
Applicants must provide digital passport photos that meet HM Passport Office standards: neutral expression, plain background, correct dimensions, and taken within the last month. Passport photos must be compliant and identical if you are submitting two copies.
After submitting the online form, the system generates a reference number and confirms where to send physical documents. Documents must be dated within the last 3 months for validity where applicable (for example, proof of name usage).
Checklist of documents to post after completing the online form:
Your old passport
Original name evidence (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
Any supporting ID in the new name
A covering note if there is a complex name history
Using a Paper Application Form
Paper application forms can be picked up from larger post office branches. The fee for a paper application form is currently £115.50 - higher than the online route.
Fill in the form in black ink using block capitals. Write your new legal name exactly as you wish it to appear on the passport, and sign with that name. A countersignature is generally not required for a simple name change, but one may be needed where the person's appearance has changed significantly and they cannot be recognised from their old passport photo.
The Post Office's Check and Send service costs an additional £16 and is a useful way to reduce errors, especially when submitting complex name evidence such as deed polls and multiple certificates. The send service catches common mistakes before your application reaches HM Passport Office.
When posting your application, use special delivery or another tracked and insured method. If you want your original legal documents returned safely, include a pre-paid return envelope.
Urgent Services: Fast Track and Premium
If you need your passport urgently, two main options are available in the UK:
Service | Processing Time | Cost (Adult Standard) | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
Fast Track | 1 week | £192 | Paper form, in-person appointment, passport delivered by courier |
Online Premium | Same day | £239.50 | Online application, same-day collection at passport office |
The Fast Track service costs £192 for a one-week processing time, while the premium passport service costs £239.50 for urgent applications.
Both urgent services can be used when changing the name on a passport, but you must still bring original legal documents (marriage certificate, deed poll, final order, birth certificate) to the appointment.
Appointments are limited and must be booked via gov.uk. If you have a complicated name history or multiple previous passports, a standard service may be safer than a same-day appointment to allow extra examination time.
Children’s Passports and Name Changes
A child's passport must match their legal name. Whether you are applying for a first-time child passport or renewing one after a name change, the person with parental responsibility applies on the child's behalf.
Changing a child's name requires consent from all guardians who hold parental responsibility. Disputes over a child's name may need to be resolved through the courts before a passport can be issued.
Special rules apply where there is:
An adoption order
A care order
A prohibited steps order
A specific issue order
Any other court direction affecting how a child's name may be used
Evidence and Consent for Child Name Changes
Key documents typically required for child applications:
Full birth certificate or adoption certificate
Any deed poll executed for the child
Written consent from all who hold parental responsibility for the child under age 16
Consent letters must be signed by all with parental responsibility. Parental responsibility can arise from being named on the birth certificate, being married to the mother at the time of birth, or from a court order.
Where a parent with parental responsibility cannot be traced or is deceased, evidence such as a court order or death certificate may satisfy HM Passport Office. In contested cases, a court order may be needed if consent is disputed.
HM Passport Office may contact parents directly to confirm consent, and all supporting documents are recorded in the case file.
If you are involved in a dispute over a child's name, obtain legal advice before attempting to change the child's passport name without unanimous parental consent.
Adoption, Birth Re-Registration, and Collective Passports
Where a child has been legally adopted, the adoption certificate serves as the main legal document for the child's new surname on the passport. No separate consent from birth parents is required.
Birth re-registration - for example, where a father is added to a record - can change the name on the child's birth certificate. That updated certificate is then used as name evidence for the passport.
Some re-registrations (such as names added under section 17 on English and Welsh birth certificates) may still require separate parental consent and name-use evidence for a passport change.
Children listed on collective passports (for school or group trips) must have names that align with any individual passports, and parental consent is still required when the collective passport shows a different name.
If a child's passport has been lost or stolen and a name change is also needed, extra identity checks will be triggered. Report the loss or theft promptly before applying for a replacement.
Special Situations: Double Barrelled Surnames, Dual Nationals, and Unusual Names
Some name change scenarios are more complex than a straightforward marriage or deed poll. This section covers double barrelled surnames, holding more than one nationality, and choosing an unusual or non-standard name.
HM Passport Office has specific rules to prevent confusion, fraud, or problems at border control in these cases. Expect extra questions or requests for further evidence if your situation falls into one of these categories.
Double Barrelled Surname and Other Compound Names
HM Passport Office treats a double barrelled surname as two family names joined with a hyphen (for example, Smith-Jones) or a space (for example, Smith Jones). A double barrel arrangement is increasingly popular among couples who want to keep both surnames.
When the double barrelled surname appears exactly on a marriage or civil partnership certificate, that certificate is usually enough to support the new passport name. No deed poll is needed.
However, if you create a new surname that merges or rearranges names into a single invented word, this is not treated as a straightforward double barrelled surname. You will generally need a deed poll plus evidence of name use.
Some foreign authorities and private companies may still insist on a deed poll even where HM Passport Office accepts the double barrelled surname based on the marriage certificate alone. On the passport application form, write the full double barrelled surname in the surname field exactly as you want it printed on the bio-data page.
Dual Nationals and Non-British Passports
If you hold both a UK passport and a non-British passport, you should aim for the same name and personal details on all passports where possible. HM Passport Office may ask dual nationals to update their foreign passport first and provide evidence that the other issuing state has recognised the new name.
Some categories - such as British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, or British Overseas Territory Citizens - may face additional checks.
Mismatched names across different passports can cause delays at immigration or when applying for a visa. Plan ahead before booking international travel. Foreign embassies and consulates set their own rules, so always seek guidance from those authorities on how to change the name in a non-UK passport.
Unusual, One-Word or Non-Standard Names
HM Passport Office may query very unusual names, single-word names, symbol-based names, or names that could cause offence or appear fraudulent. Examiners can consult senior colleagues and request further evidence that the name is genuinely in use for all aspects of the person's life.
There are limits to what can be printed on the passport's bio-data page - maximum character lengths and restrictions on non-Latin characters mean some names may need to be adapted.
If you are considering an unconventional name via deed poll, seek advice in advance. There is no guarantee the desired name will be accepted on an official UK passport. The ultimate test is whether the name supports clear identification and does not undermine the security of the passport system.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Many name-change passport applications are delayed by avoidable mistakes. The most common issues relate to incomplete document chains, missing birth certificates, using nicknames instead of legal names, or failing to ensure that the name on the passport matches travel bookings and visas.
Prepare all documentation before starting the online or paper application. Where fraud is suspected - for example, multiple identities, inconsistent signatures, or unexplained lost passports - the application can be referred to investigation teams and significantly delayed.
Document and Evidence Issues
Typical document problems include:
Sending photocopies instead of originals
Omitting the birth certificate where it is needed
Failing to include both marriage and divorce certificates when reverting to a maiden name
Providing a deed poll that does not clearly link the birth name to the new name
Submitting a written statement that is unsigned or undated
Name evidence must be consistent across documents. Spelling differences, missing middle names, or a different order of names may require explanations or extra proof.
Example document bundle for a simple marriage-based name change:
Completed application form (online or paper)
Current passport
Original marriage certificate
New passport photo
Example for a more complex case (multiple past name changes):
Completed application form
Current passport
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Final order (divorce decree)
Deed poll linking divorced name to current name
Proof of current name usage (bank statement, HMRC letter)
If HM Passport Office asks for further documents, respond promptly using the method they specify. Passport photos must also meet official standards - many delayed applications are due to rejected photos, not the change of name itself.
Travel and Visa Complications
Airlines, ferry companies, and train operators require the passport name to match exactly the name on the booking. A mismatch can lead to denied boarding, even if the passenger carries supporting legal documents.
Some countries tie visas or electronic travel authorisations (such as ESTA or eTA) to passport details. Changing a passport number and name may mean applying again for permission to travel abroad.
If you are changing your name close to a trip, either postpone the passport change or coordinate carefully with your airline and the relevant embassy. Travel insurance policies may also rely on the passport name, so update your insurance once a new passport is issued.
If you have just married and are heading on honeymoon, check with your travel agent or carrier whether it is better to travel under the old name and change the passport later.
FAQ
The answers below are based on UK practice and focus on British passports. Rules may differ in other countries.
Can I travel with my old passport after I’ve changed my name?
You can usually continue to travel with your old passport as long as all bookings, visas, and travel documents show the same name as that old passport. There is no automatic requirement to update your passport immediately after marriage, divorce, or deed poll if you are still using the old name for travel.
However, if you start using your new name on tickets, insurance, or foreign visas, you must obtain a new passport in that same name before travelling. Where there is any doubt, check with your airline and the embassy of your destination country well in advance.
Do I have to change my driving licence and other ID at the same time as my passport?
There is no strict legal rule forcing you to change all documents on the same day. However, HM Passport Office may ask to see evidence that the new name is used for all official purposes, so having a driving licence or tax letter in the new name helps your application.
Inconsistent names across key documents can cause confusion when proving your identity, applying for credit, or passing security checks. Prioritise updating at least one major photo ID (passport or driving licence) and then systematically work through other organisations using the same legal document.
What if I’ve used several different names in the past and have lost some old documents?
HM Passport Office will normally expect a clear documentary trail linking the birth name to the current name through each change. If certain historic documents are lost, you may be able to "reset" the record using a deed poll that explicitly cites the birth name and current name, supported by current identity evidence.
In very complex cases, consider contacting HM Passport Office in advance or seeking legal advice. Providing a simple written timeline of previous names with dates can help examiners understand your case and reduce delays.
Can I use one name professionally and another name on my passport?
It is common for a person to keep a birth name for professional use while using a married name socially. The name on the passport should still be a genuine name used for official purposes and must match travel documents.
In some circumstances, HM Passport Office can add an observation noting that the holder is also known by another name, but the observed name cannot be used for travel. Employers, tax authorities, and banks generally prefer to use the same legal name as appears on the passport or driving licence, even if a different working name is used informally.
What happens if the passport office makes a mistake with my new name?
If HM Passport Office introduces a spelling or printing error - for example, a letter missing from the surname or the wrong order of names - they will normally replace the passport free of charge. Report the error as soon as you receive the passport, complete the correction process, and return the inaccurate passport.
If the mistake was on your application form rather than a printing error, this is treated differently, and a new application with another fee may be required. Always check the spelling, order of names, and any accents carefully when you receive the passport to catch issues early.
