Does a Marriage Certificate Change Your Name Automatically?
Not by itself. A marriage certificate is evidence that you got married, and many organisations, including HM Passport Office, will accept it as proof if you're taking your spouse's surname in the straightforward, traditional way. But it isn't a legal name-change document in its own right, and it doesn't cover every situation.
When a Marriage Certificate Isn't Enough
You'll usually need a deed poll instead of, or alongside, your marriage certificate if you're:
- Changing your first name, not just your surname
- Creating a new double-barrelled or combined surname (rather than simply adopting your spouse's surname as-is)
- Asked by a specific bank or employer for a deed poll rather than a marriage certificate
- Wanting one document that's unambiguous and accepted everywhere, without needing to explain the details of your marriage each time
Same-Sex Marriage
The process works exactly the same way regardless of the type of marriage. If your marriage certificate covers your situation, use it; if it doesn't, or an organisation asks for a deed poll, the application process is identical to any other name change.
How the Process Works
You apply online, we prepare your deed poll using the legally recognised wording, and it's dispatched by Royal Mail Tracked 24. Full details, including how to sign and witness it correctly, are on our How It Works page.
After You've Signed Your Deed Poll
Once signed and witnessed, use it (or your marriage certificate, where accepted) to update your name with:
- HM Passport Office
- DVLA
- HMRC
- Your bank(s) and building society
- Your employer
- Your local council, mortgage provider and insurers
Our Name Change Kit includes pre-written notification letters for all of the above, if you'd rather not draft them yourself.