Updating Your Passport After Changing Your Name

You do not need to update your passport immediately after changing your name. You can continue using your current passport until it expires, then apply for a new one in your new name.



However, most people choose to update their passport soon after changing their name. Your passport is one of the most important forms of identification, particularly for travel.

Why Update Your Passport

Travelling Abroad

If you travel internationally, having a passport that matches your other identification makes travel smoother. Border control and airlines expect your documents to match.



If your passport shows your old name but your other documents show your new name, you may be asked for additional proof of identity.

Identification

Your passport is often required as proof of identity for important transactions such as:

  • Opening bank accounts
  • Applying for mortgages
  • Proving your identity for legal matters
  • Employment verification

Having your passport match your other documents removes potential complications.

When to Update Your Passport

You can update your passport at any time after changing your name. There is no legal deadline.


Many people update their passport after updating their driving licence. This is because HM Passport Office requires evidence that you are using your new name for all purposes, and an updated driving licence provides this evidence.

What You Need

To update your passport, you need:

  • Your current passport
  • Your original deed poll or a certified copy
  • Evidence that you are using your new name for all purpose

Evidence of Using Your New Name

HM Passport Office wants to see proof that you have updated your name with other organisations. Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Updated driving licence
  • Updated bank statements or letters
  • Updated payslips or employment letters
  • Updated utility bills

Your updated driving licence is usually the best evidence to provide. This is why most people update their driving licence before their passport.

How to Apply

You can apply to update your passport online or by post.

Online Application

The online application is usually faster. You will need:

  • A digital photo that meets passport photo requirements
  • A credit or debit card for payment
  • Your current passport details

You can upload scanned copies of your supporting documents as part of the online application.

Postal Application

You can apply by post using a paper form. You will need to:

  • Complete a passport application form (available from the Post Office or gov.uk)
  • Provide two identical passport photos
  • Send your original documents by post

Use a secure delivery method such as special delivery to track your documents.

Cost

Updating your passport is not free. The cost depends on:

  • Whether you apply online or by post (online is slightly cheaper)
  • How quickly you need your passport (standard or fast track)
  • Whether you are renewing at the same time or just updating your name

Check the current fees on the gov.uk website before applying. Passport fees change periodically.

Processing Time

Standard applications typically take up to 10 weeks. Online applications are usually processed faster than postal applications.

If you need your passport urgently, you can pay for:

  • Fast track service (about 1 week)
  • Premium service (about 1 day, requires an in-person appointment)

These services cost significantly more than standard processing.

Travelling While Waiting

You cannot travel internationally while your passport application is being processed. HM Passport Office will keep your old passport until your new one is issued.



If you need to travel urgently, consider whether to delay your passport update or pay for a fast track service.

What Happens to Your Old Passport

Your old passport will be cancelled when your new passport is issued. The passport office may return your old passport to you with the corners cut off, or they may destroy it.



Your new passport will show your new name but will keep the same passport number.

Passport Validity

If your current passport has significant time remaining before expiry, this time may be added to your new passport (up to a maximum of 9 months for adult passports).



This means you will not lose the remaining validity when you update your name.

Getting Your Documents Back

HM Passport Office will return your deed poll and supporting documents along with your new passport.



Keep your deed poll safe. You may need it to update other documents in the future.

Name Mismatch Issues

If you travel before updating your passport, carry your deed poll with you. This helps explain any mismatch between your passport and other identification.



Some airlines and border control may ask for additional verification if your documents do not match.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

You can use your current passport until it expires, but updating it removes potential complications with identification and travel.



Apply online with Deedly and receive your deed poll within days.