Marriage or civil partnership change

You can get a new passport in your new name either before or after the ceremony. The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel. Get a new passport after the ceremony Send your marriage or civil partnership certificate when you apply for a passport in your new name - this includes double-barrelled names. Get a new passport before the ceremony You can apply for a passport in your new name up to 3 months before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony. Your old passport will be cancelled. Your new passport is ‘post-dated’ - you cannot use it before the ceremony. Some countries will not issue visas for post-dated passports - check with the country’s embassy or consulate . You must send a ‘passports for newly weds and civil partners’ form with your documents. It must be signed by the religious minister or registrar who will conduct the ceremony.

Divorce or returning to a previous surname

When you apply , you also need to send: your birth certificate a statement signed by you saying you’ve gone back to a previous surname (for example your maiden name) ‘for all purposes’ - that is, you will not use your married or civil partnership name at all a document that shows you’re using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council) your decree absolute or final order showing both names a marriage or civil partnership certificate showing both names - if you do not have it you can order a copy

Send one of the following when you apply for a passport : a Gender Recognition Certificate a new birth or adoption certificate showing your acquired gender a letter from your doctor or medical consultant confirming your change of gender is likely to be permanent If you’re sending a letter from your doctor or medical consultant and you’re changing your name, you’ll also need to supply both of the following: evidence of your change of name (such as a deed poll ) evidence that you’re using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council) Read the information about passports for transgender and transsexual people if you need help.

Titles and small changes to forenames

You can: change the spelling of your name slightly - for example, Jane to Jayne change the order of your forenames remove middle names Send 2 documents that show you’re using your new name. These can include a: letter from a local council or government department driving licence bank statement baptism or confirmation certificate Titles you can use on your passport You can include: professional titles - for example, doctor, judge, minister of religion, professor, QC , or JP if you’re a magistrate honours or military decorations Put the details in the ‘other title’ box of your application and send evidence of your title. Your title will be on the ‘observations’ page of your passport - it will not be part of your name, except if it’s a title of nobility, for example knight, dame or a lord.

You can change your name on your passport with one of the following documents: a deed poll a statutory declaration an affidavit Send it with both: proof of any previous name changes you’ve made evidence that you’re using your new name (for example a payslip or a letter from your local council)

Change your name or personal details on your passport

How it works

You need to get a new passport if you change any of the following:

your name
your gender
your appearance, if you cannot be recognised from your passport photo any more (for example, you’ve had plastic surgery)

You will not be allowed to travel if you book your travel under a different name from what’s on your passport.

You’ll be sent a new 10 year passport. Time left on your old passport will not be added to your new one.

Changes you do not have to report

You do not have to tell HM Passport Office or get a new passport if you:

change your address or contact details
get a new job
change your appearance slightly - for example, dye your hair or grow a beard
change your marital status (divorce, marry or form a civil partnership) but keep your name
change your title, for example, doctor or professor
become a national of another country as well as the UK
emigrate

Apply online

You can apply for a new passport online. It costs £75.50.

Start now

Apply using a paper application form

You can get a paper application form by either:

going to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service
calling the Passport Adviceline

It costs £85.

Fill in and sign your passport application using the name that you want to see printed on your passport.

Countersignatures

You must get a countersignature if your appearance has changed and you cannot be recognised from your existing passport.

You do not need a countersignature if you’re changing your name or adding a title.

Unexpired visas

Unexpired visas in your old passport may become invalid if you change your name. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country that issued the visa.

If you have a non-British passport

If you have dual citizenship (‘dual nationality’) and have a non-British passport, the name on your non-British passport must match the name and gender you want on your British passport.

If it’s different, change the details on your non-British passport before you apply for a new British passport.

Print entire guide

Change your name or personal details on your passport

How it works

Changes you do not have to report

Apply online

Apply using a paper application form

Countersignatures

Unexpired visas

If you have a non-British passport

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Change your name or personal details on your passport

How it works

Changes you do not have to report

Apply online

Apply using a paper application form

Countersignatures

Unexpired visas

If you have a non-British passport

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Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

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