How does legally changing your name work after marriage in the UK? 

After months of planning, and admin, and stress and organisation, your big day is finally here and you can put all that prep behind you, reaping the rewards of a magical, unforgettable day.  

But there is still one more important admin task to tackle as newlyweds, once your guests have left and before you head off on your honeymoon… Legally changing your name after marriage.  

The process of legally changing your name isn’t massively complicated, but it is a bit of a burdensome admin task. You just need to know what steps to take, and who to notify. 

The trick is to embrace the process. Make it part of the excitement of being a newlywed, so you won’t let it pull you down from those post-wedding highs.  

Whether you’re taking your partner’s surname, creating a double-barrelled name, or making any other changes, there are certain legal requirements you’ll have to follow. Your legal name impacts everything from your passport to your tax bills, so it’s really important to get it right.  

Who do you need to notify about changing your name after marriage? 

Step one in the marriage name change process is making sure you know what you’re changing your name to, so we’ll assume you’ve done that!  

Next is to list out all the organisations you need to inform. They include:  

1. Essential government bodies:  

1. HM Passport Office – So you can head off on your honeymoon with a passport in your new name. You’ll need your current passport, marriage certificate and new photos, and a completed application form. There is a cost here – £88.50 at present.  

2. DVLA – You can update your driving licence for free using your marriage certificate. You don’t need a new photo unless your current one has expired 

3. HMRC – To make sure your tax details are up to date – you might benefit from the marriage tax allowance! This is usually updated quickly and easily online 

4. Electoral Roll – So you can vote under your new married name 

2. Financial institutions:   

1. Banks and building societies – To keep your accounts up to date, you’ll probably need to share your marriage certificate and ID  

2. Credit card companies – Like banks, they’ll need proof of your marriage to update your name (and get new cards sent out) 

3. Mortgage provider – To keep mortgage and ownership records accurate 

4. Pension providers – If you have any private and workplace pensions, they all need to know about your new name 

5. Employers and payroll – To make sure your wages are paid correctly and in the right name 

3. Other organisations: 

1. Utility companies – Gas, Electric, Water, Council tax, Phone, Internet, and Insurance providers. These will all need to be updated at some point, but most just need you to notify them (some might not even need proof) 

2. Doctors/NHS/Dentist – Make sure you take time to ring your local GP practice and get your name updated there. They’ll probably need proof, but can then update your whole NHS record 

3. Loyalty schemes – Clubcard, Nectar, anywhere you shop – they’ll have your maiden name on, so should be updated at some point   

4. Anywhere else you registered – Whether it’s sports clubs, Netflix, Amazon shopping – anywhere you have an account will need your name changing in the near future, but these aren’t as urgent 

What to do to change your name after marriage  

After you’ve got married, to make sure your name change is official – and as smooth as possible – there are a few simple steps you’ll want to follow.  

1. Get multiple copies of your marriage certificate 

You’ll get one official one on the day of your wedding (if you have an official registrar and your ceremony area is licensed for weddings), but then can order other copies from the Registry Office. Official organisations – like HMRC, DVLA and the Passport Office – will require original certificates, not copies, to process your name change. 

2. Create a priority list 

There’re a lot of places you’ll need to update with your name change, some more important than others. Start with the essential ones, like your passport and driving license. These can take a few weeks to process, but once you have them, it’ll be easier to change other documents and records.  

3. Update your bank details 

After sending off for a new passport and driving licence, your bank(s) should be one of your first steps. You want to avoid any issues with payments, subscriptions and cheques (think wedding gifts from elderly relatives) – which could happen if official names don’t match those on your cards. Most banks require an in-person visit with your official certificate, though some might let you send this in the post.  

4. Work through your list  

Whenever you have five or ten minutes spare, pull out your list and get in touch with the relevant organisation to request a name change. Keep track of who you’ve notified and who you haven’t. You’ll probably find you still get letters or emails with your old name for a good few months, but as long as you’ve prioritised the important organisation above, you don’t need to worry.  

H2: Does a surname change have to be done legally?  

You can use your new married name informally, but if you want to use it in a professional or legal way, then yes, you’ll need to follow these steps.  

Legally changing your name makes sure it’s officially recognised across all aspects of your life. Without following the proper legal process, you might face issues with: 

• Travelling abroad 

• Opening new bank accounts 

• Applying for mortgages or loans 

• Employment verification 

• Legal documents and contracts 

It’s a process that protects both you and organisations from identity fraud, and makes sure your name and your details are consistent across all official documents.  

If you’re just taking your partner’s name or making your own name double-barreled, you only need your marriage certificate. But if you want to create a new combined surname, or change your middle name, you’ll need to apply for a deed poll.  

What do you need to do if you’re keeping your surname?

Officially, you don’t need to do anything if you’re not changing your surname. There are no legal requirements beyond the official registration of your marriage.  

But you’ll probably want to update your marital status with:  

• Your employer  

• Your bank  

• HMRC 

Other documents – like your passport, driving licence and insurance – can just be updated in due course, when they’re up for renewal.  

You can change your name on your social media channels whenever you’d like – you don’t need to have legally changed surnames to change it on your profiles. 

Make changing your name part of your wedding journey  

hanging your name on official documents like your driving license and passport is the most important legal thing to do after getting married in the UK. 

It takes a little time and a little organisation, but think of it as one of the final steps in completing your union with your partner.  

It might seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much more straightforward.  

Just remember to keep multiple copies of your wedding certificate, and keep track of the updates you’re making.  

If you’re planning your wedding and need any help with the admin or the processes or any other part of your special day – our dedicated wedding coordinators are always here to help.  

Request a brochure today to start the organisation of your unforgettable wedding at Heaton House Farm.