A complete guide to changing your name after marriage

Getting a new last name? Navigating all the do’s and don’ts and places you’ll need to change your name can be a tricky minefield. Don’t worry, as I’m here to hold your hand with my complete guide to changing your name after marriage. To save you the hassle and headaches, I’ve put together a guide of what you’ll need to do and the order you’ll need to do it in, to make the process as easy as possible. I’ve compiled a super easy guide to be able to change your name in all of the places it shows up in a few easy steps. 

Up until the mid-19th Century, a woman’s surname automatically changed to her husband’s when she got married. But this is no longer case. It is now completely up to you whether you keep your maiden name, or change it. And any married person can choose to change their name, regardless of gender!

If you would like to change your name your options include: 

• Taking your partner’s name, and dropping your previous surname completely
• Double-barrelling. For instance, if your surnames are Bond and Jones, you could become Mrs Bond-Jones (with or without a hyphen)
• Changing your surname to your spouse’s, but keeping your previous name as a middle name
• Combining your names. For example, if your surnames are Holmes and Langsford, you could become Mr and Mrs Holmsford
• Creating an entirely new surname that doesn’t resemble your old name, nor your partner’s name

For the first two options, the only proof you’ll need is a marriage certificate. But if you want to combine names, create a new name, or take your maiden name as a middle name, you’ll need a deed poll. A solicitor can help you draw up one of these. If you’d prefer to avoid the hassle of changing your name, but you still want to be known as ‘Mrs Jones’ instead of ‘Miss Smith;’ you can change your name socially, but not legally. 

This means that you would go by your new name in casual settings, but officially and on all legal documentation, you’d still use your maiden name.
For example, you can get a new email address, use your new name on Facebook, and give your new name when making a appointments. But your driver’s license, passport, bank accounts (and anything else official) would remain in your maiden name.
This is the less-hassle option, but it can cause confusion. And there are no half-measures: you can’t have one name on your bank account, and another on your driver’s license, for example.

So, who do you have to inform of your new name? Here’s a comprehensive list.

1. Get your marriage certificate and order some extra copies

These documents are really important and you won’t be able to move on to the other stages without them. Ask to order a few extra copies, although this may be a small additional charge, it’ll be worth it in the long run as you’ll be able to keep your original safe and send out the copies when changing your name with organisations. 

1. Change your driving license

You are able to change your driving license by filling in a D1. In the UK there is no charge for changing your name after marriage but you will need to supply evidence and include your old license. You’ll still be able to drive whilst you are waiting for your new license to be returned.

1. Change your name on your passport

If you have recently married and wish to take your husband or wife’s surname, your marriage certificate will be accepted by the passport office as documentary evidence of your change in surname. Similarly, if you have entered into a civil partnership and wish to take your partner’s surname, your civil partnership certificate will be accepted. 

1. Change the name on your bank accounts

You should be able to change your surname at your local branch, which means you’ll be able to keep hold of your marriage certificate. Simply head into your local branch to change the name on any current bank accounts that you have. Be sure to request new cards and a new cheque book too and it’s worth mentioning whilst we are on this point to consider what names you’d like any cheque wedding gifts written to. 

1. Update any bills and utilities with your new name

With you new name and any change in payment information to hand, it’s time to update the payment information for your mortgage or rent and your utilities. Most can easily be updated online in your account portal or by telephone and it should be as simple as typing in you new last name and entering some security information.

1. Change your name on any insurance policies.

You must update your policy with every insurance company that you’re signed up with. Otherwise, you may have trouble when you next try to file a claim, if your name doesn’t match their records. For example:

• Car insurance, and roadside assistance/ breakdown cover
• Home, buildings and contents insurance
• Life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Travel insurance
• Private medical insurance
If you have any kind of insurance through your bank, they’ll usually update the relevant company for you – but it’s best to check, just in case.

1. Change Investments + Premium Bonds

If you have any money in stocks, bonds, company shares or investment management services you’ll need to inform them that you have changed your name. Because you are dealing with money you’ll need your marriage certificate and security checks to change these over.

1. Change your name with your doctor, dentist etc.

Your local doctor dentist, and veterinary surgery (if applicable) will all need to know about your new name. It’s particularly important to tell your doctor, so that they can update your NHS health care record. They may require proof, such as your marriage certificate or updated driving license.

1. Update store cards

Update your details on any club cards or store cards you have, catalogues you subscribe to, subscription services such as Netflix or magazine services, online shopping accounts, your online grocer and places such as Ebay, Paypal, Amazon, Etsy etc.

Finally remember to update your social media. If you decide to set up a new email address you can set up a mail forwarding so you don’t miss anything sent to your old one.