You can change your surname using a deed poll, a legal document that officially records your name change. You do not need to get married or have any other reason to change it.

When You Need a Deed Poll

You need a deed poll to change your surname if you want your official documents to show your new surname. This includes your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts.

If you only want to use a different surname informally, you do not need a deed poll. Most people want their official records to match.

Reasons for Changing Your Surname

People change their surname for many reasons. Some want to match a partner's surname without getting married. Others choose a surname that feels more authentic to who they are. Some prefer a surname they simply like better.

You can change your surname to any surname you choose. You can take a partner's surname, revert to a previous surname, or select a completely new one.

You do not need to provide a reason when applying for your deed poll.

Marriage and Surnames

If you are getting married and want to take your spouse's surname, you do not need a deed poll. Your marriage certificate is sufficient evidence of your name change.

You need a deed poll if you want to change your surname in any other way. This includes combining surnames or changing to something different entirely.

Find out about changing your surname when getting married.

Common Surname Changes

You can change your surname to match your partner's surname even if you are not married. This requires a deed poll.

You can choose a completely different surname simply because you prefer it. You do not need a specific reason.

You can double-barrel your surname with a partner's surname. You can also remove a double-barrelled surname and use just one part.

You can change to a family surname you were not given at birth. Many people take a grandparent's surname or another family name.

You can revert to your surname from before marriage. If you changed your surname through marriage and now want to change back, you need a deed poll. Your old documents are not sufficient.

Find out about changing your surname after divorce.

Updating Your Documents

You use your deed poll to update your documents and records with organisations. This includes your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts. Your new surname will appear on all these documents once updated.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

Apply online in minutes. Our name change experts will prepare your deed poll with your new surname, post it to your door, and you can start using your new name within days.

Apply Now