Changing Your Name on your British Passport

Changing your name on British passport - overview 

Your British passport is one of your most important documents and should be among the first that should be updated if you change your name/title. This is particularly important for international travel, as discrepancies between your passport and other identification can lead to complications at border controls or with airlines. Essentially, an updated passport helps to confirm your identity, making your travels smoother and more secure.

There are two primary ways to change your name on a British passport: with a deed poll and without a deed poll. The method you choose depends on the reason for your name change.

A deed poll is a legal document that officially recognizes or proves your change of name. There are two ways to get a deed poll. You can either apply for an ‘enrolled deed poll’ at the Royal Courts of Justice where the name change fee costs £48.32 or make an ‘unenrolled deed poll’ by yourself if you are over 16. At the end of the day, the type of deed poll you get is determined by the organization you need to submit it to.    

On a similar note, when it comes to the UK passport services requirements for a name change, the process must be adhered to carefully. You'll need to complete an application form and submit it with the appropriate evidence of your name change. This evidence varies depending on whether you're using a deed poll or another document like a marriage certificate.

Note: If you're changing your name by deed poll for reasons not related to marriage or divorce, you may be required to provide evidence that you've been using your new name for at least 12 months, such as utility bills or bank statements.

A common question that arises in this process is regarding the counter signature. A countersignature is when someone else signs your application and photo to confirm that you are who you say you are, which is usually required if you are applying for a passport for the first time. However, for a name change application, you do not need a counter signature. This is because your identity is already established with your existing passport and the additional documentation (like a deed poll or marriage certificate) serves to confirm your change of name.

Instances that will require a change of name on your British passport

We will distinguish the different situations that may require you to change your name on your British passport according to the ones you need a deed poll for and the ones you don't need a deed poll for, stay tuned!

Without a Deed Poll

1. Marriage or Civil Partnership: If you get married or enter a civil partnership, you might want to take your partner's surname. In this case, you can change your name on your passport without a deed poll. You just need to show your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
2. Gender transition: If you're changing your name as part of a gender transition, you can update your passport accordingly. You'll need to provide a deed poll or statutory declaration for the name change. Additionally, if you're changing the gender marker on your passport, you must submit a letter from a medical professional confirming that your change of gender is likely to be permanent.
3. Divorce or End of Civil Partnership: If you get divorced or end your civil partnership and want to go back to bearing the name on your birth certificate, you can do this without a deed poll too. Your divorce document or civil partnership dissolution document will be needed.
4. Reverting to a Maiden Name: Sometimes, even without a divorce, you may choose to go back to using your maiden name (the surname you had before marriage). This change can also be made without a deed poll, but you'll need to provide documents that link your current name to your maiden name.

With a Deed Poll

1. Complete Name Change: If you want to change your first name, last name, or both for personal reasons not related to marriage or divorce, you'll need a deed poll.
    
2. Changing a Child's Name: If you're changing the name of a child under 16, and it’s not just after a marriage or divorce, you will need a deed poll.
    
3. Adoption: In cases of adoption, where the entire name might be changed, a deed poll is required to reflect these changes on the passport.

Note: If you have legally changed your name but do not plan to travel imminently, you may choose to defer updating your passport until its renewal. However, ensure that all travel bookings and documents match the name on your current passport to avoid complications

Applying for a Passport in Your New Name

• Gather the papers that show your new name. i.e. The deed poll or your marriage certificate.
   
• If any of your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated. Make sure you use a certified translation company in the UK.
   
• Complete the UK passport application form. You can fill it out online or on paper (go to a post office that has a Check & Send service or call the passport advice line). You can now upload a digital passport photo directly when applying online. Note: Using a professionally taken digital photo (with a unique photo code) can speed up the process.
   
• Along with your application form, you need to send the documents that show your new name, like your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll.
   
• Pay the British passport application fee
  • 34 pages - £94.50 (online application) or £107 (paper application)
  • 54 pages - £107.50 (online application) or £120 (paper application).
     
• Send in your application and expect a response back within 3 weeks. It may take more if they need to interview you or need more information.

Note: If you're residing outside the UK, you can still apply to change your name on your British passport. The process involves submitting your application through the appropriate channels, such as the nearest British embassy or consulate.

Policy rationale

The Home Office has a strict name change policy to protect the integrity of UK documents and prevent fraud. As part of this policy, a person's identity must be based on verifiable information before it can be accepted as valid. To ensure the validity, the UK government only accepts a name change provided you can show it's genuine. You need to provide supporting documents as proof.  

What supporting evidence is required to support a change of name?

As earlier mentioned, you must show evidence to support the name change before it's accepted by the UK government. Here's a list of some documents required;

• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• Divorce decree absolute (plus a birth certificate or previous passport to show the link to your maiden name)
• Deed poll
• Statutory declaration made before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths
• Gender Recognition Certificate
• Adoption certificate if your name changed through adoption
• Translation of overseas legal documents (e.g. name change certificates from another country).

All documents must be original (not photocopies), and where relevant, officially certified or sealed.

Grounds for refusing to change a name on a Home Office issued document

A name change request can be denied by the UK Home Office under the following circumstances 

• The new name is offensive, inappropriate, or misleading (e.g. using titles like “Sir”, “Lord”, or names of public figures)
• The name appears to be used for fraudulent purposes, like avoiding detection or legal obligations
• You have a criminal record, and the change could be seen as an attempt to hide your identity
• The name change is linked to immigration abuse, such as repeated changes without good reason
• You are known by multiple identities
• Supporting documents are missing or forged.

What checks should be undertaken before allowing a change of name on a Home Office document?

The UK authorities conduct different checks to ensure accuracy before accepting a change of name. The checks include 

• Verifying documents to ensure it's accurate, authentic, and legally valid.
• Identity checks across all government database
• Criminal and immigration history check
• Reviewing the change of name request to determine if it's genuine or relevant
• Confirming the new name won't cause confusion or security concerns

Conducting these checks helps the authorities ensure changes are lawful and doesn't compromise the integrity of the UK identity system.

Exceptions to guidance

In some situations, the standard name change might not apply. They include 

• Recognised multiple names: In some cultures or religious practices, people may have multiple names. They may be recognised if you can provide supporting documents like community letters, religious or other accepted proof.
• Public safety grounds: If someone is at risk (e.g. survivors of abuse or witnesses), the Home Office may allow a name change for protection, even with limited documents.
• Transgender people: Individuals transitioning can change their name and gender on official documents. They will have to provide either a Gender Recognition Certificate or a doctor’s letter confirming the transition.
• Foreign nationals without passports: You may be allowed to use other identity documents or a sworn declaration if you do not hold a passport from your home country.
• Dual nationals: You must ensure your name is the same across both passports and countries unless you have permission to use different names.

How can Translayte help you in the process?

Translayte specialises in providing certified translations for a wide range of documents in over 130 languages to English and vice versa, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. Ready to translate  your supporting documents for a UK passport name change application? Place your order today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing your name on your British passport is a significant step in maintaining the accuracy and legality of your identity documents. It's a process that reflects important life changes, whether they be personal, marital, or legal. The key is to ensure that all the necessary steps are followed accurately to avoid any issues or delays.

Remember, the name on your passport must match the name you use in your daily life. This alignment is essential for legal and security reasons, especially when travelling. Discrepancies in names across different documents can lead to unnecessary complications.

It's also important to note that if your passport has a considerable amount of time left before it expires, changing your name doesn't extend the passport's validity. The remaining time on your existing passport won't be transferred to your new one. Therefore, it's wise to consider the timing of your name change to your passport's expiration date.

Additionally, If you have unexpired visas in your old passport, they may become invalid after a name change. It's essential to check with the issuing authority to determine if you need to update or reapply for the visa.

Lastly, always keep in mind the need for certified translators to translate any non-English documents. Using a reputable translation company in the UK ensures that your documents are accurately translated and accepted by the passport office.

Need certified translation for British passport name change application documents? Request a quote to get estimates.

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