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Just Married and want to change Your Name? How to Update Your Passport (and make it totally you)

  • leilasangtabi
  • Oct 30
  • 3 min read
An open passport with lots of stamps in it.

So, you’ve tied the knot, whether it was in a castle, on a cliff or in a tipi with disco balls and now you’re thinking about your passport.

Do you want to take your partner’s name? Keep your own? Hyphenate? Invent a brand new one that feels more "you two"? Whatever your vibe, you can change your name (legally!) and get it updated on your passport for your honeymoon or just life in general.


Let’s walk you through the fun and fuss-free way to change your name on your UK passport after your wedding including options for those taking a non-traditional path. Because here at Quirky Weddings, we’re all about doing things your way.


First Things First: Do I Have to Change My Name?

Nope! Changing your name is totally optional. Your marriage certificate doesn’t automatically change your name it just gives you the option to.


So whether you:

  • Take your partner’s surname

  • Keep your own

  • Hyphenate or blend your names

  • Or create an entirely new surname together (hello, Team Moonriver!) 🌙

It’s up to you. And yes you can make up your own surname, and it’ll be completely legit with a deed poll.


The Two Main Ways to Change Your Name on Your Passport


Option 1: Using Your Marriage Certificate

Best for: Traditional surname changes (e.g. taking your partner’s last name)

✅ You don’t need a deed poll

✅ Just apply for a new passport and include your marriage certificate


Planning your honeymoon? You can actually apply up to 3 months before your wedding to get a new passport in your new name, but there’s a catch. It’ll be post-dated, which means:

  • Your old passport becomes invalid straight away

  • Some countries won’t accept post-dated passports for visas

If you're honeymooning in a country that requires a visa, double check this before applying early!


Option 2: Using a Deed Poll

Best for:

  • Couples choosing a brand-new or blended surname

  • LGBTQ+ couples who want to match names in a way that feels right for them

  • People whose marriage certificate doesn’t show the name they want to use

  • Anyone who’s lost their marriage certificate (oops!)


✅ A deed poll is a legal document that officially changes your name

✅ You can use it to update your passport, bank accounts, driving licence, and more


Want to take the plunge with a name that feels like you? Start your deed poll here - it’s quick and simple.


Costs & How to Apply

You’ll need to apply for a brand-new passport (not just an update), and here’s how to do it:


Option A: Apply Online

  • 💰 £75.00

  • Super easy – just upload your photo and send your documents

  • Apply here on GOV.UK


Option B: Paper Application via Post Office

  • 💰 £85.00

  • Pick up a paper form from a Post Office with Check & Send services

  • The Check & Send option (extra £16.00) helps you avoid any mistakes

Find your nearest participating branch using the Post Office branch finder.


What You’ll Need to Send

  • Your current passport

  • Two new passport photos

  • Either:

    • Your marriage certificate (if using that route)

    • OR a deed poll, plus a document showing you’re using your new name (like a bank statement or payslip)


What If We’re Doing Something a Bit... Different?

We love that. Whether you're:

  • A couple choosing a brand-new name together

  • A couple taking a non-binary partner's surname

  • A couple blending parts of both surnames into something unique

  • Getting married abroad and your certificate isn't in English

You might find a deed poll is the simplest way to make your name change official and stress-free.


What About Children?

Changing your child’s surname too? You’ll need:

  • A child deed poll

  • Proof that they’re using the new name (e.g. school or NHS record)

  • Consent from everyone with parental responsibility

  • Their current passport

  • Two passport photos (if applying by post)


Need Help?

Here’s how to reach HM Passport Office if you have questions:

Phone: 0300 222 0000

From outside UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000

Operating hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm | Weekends: 9am–5:30pm

Online: Contact form

Post: HM Passport Office PO Box 767Southport PR8 9PW


Name Change = Your Rules

You just had your quirky wedding, now make sure your name reflects who you are now. Whether you’re going traditional, quirky, blended, or totally bold, you can get your passport to match.

Here’s to adventures, love, and travelling the world under a name that feels right. 💫

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