How do I change the name on my passport?

For people who have changed, or are about to change, their name and hold a UK passport.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

You cannot change the name in your current passport. You apply for a new passport in your new name.

It costs £102 online or £115.50 with a paper form.
Send proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, deed poll or a signed statement after divorce.
You do not need a countersignature just because you changed your name.
The name on your passport must match the name on your travel booking.
If you are getting married, you can apply up to 3 months before the ceremony for a post-dated passport.

Key facts

New passport needed
£102 online, £115.50 paper
No countersignature for name only
Match your travel booking

When you need a new passport

You cannot update the name in your existing passport. You must get a new passport if you change your name. The name on your passport must match the name you use to book travel.

You do not need a new passport if you only change your marital status or title and keep the same name.

What you need

a digital photo (online) or two printed photos (paper form)
a debit or credit card
your current passport
evidence of your name change (see the table)

Reason for the change	Evidence to send
Marriage or civil partnership	Your marriage or civil partnership certificate. This also works for a double-barrelled surname.
Going back to a previous surname after divorce	Your birth certificate, a signed statement that you have gone back to that surname "for all purposes", a document showing you use the name (such as a payslip or council letter), and your marriage or civil partnership certificate showing both names
Deed poll or other change	A deed poll, statutory declaration or affidavit, proof of any earlier name changes, and a document showing you use the new name

Fill in and sign the form using the name you want printed in the passport. If you also have a non-British passport, its name must match the name you want on your British one.

You do not need a countersignature for a name change. You only need one if you look so different you cannot be recognised from your old passport photo.

How to change your name on your passport

Gather the evidence for your type of name change.
Apply online, or get a paper form from a Post Office with a Check and Send service or from the Passport Adviceline.
Fill in the application in your new name.
Pay the fee.
Send your old passport and your evidence when asked.
Wait for your new passport before you book travel. It will have a different passport number.

Time and cost

Method	Cost
Online	£102
Paper form	£115.50
1 week Fast Track (adult)	£192
Online Premium (adult, 1 day)	£239.50

Check how long it is taking before you apply. Your supporting documents can be returned by secure delivery for £5 extra.

Getting married soon

You can apply for a passport in your new name up to 3 months before your wedding or civil partnership. Your old passport is cancelled, and the new one is "post-dated", so you cannot use it until after the ceremony. You need to send the "passports for newly weds and civil partners" form, signed by the person carrying out your ceremony.

Some countries will not issue visas for a post-dated passport. Check with the embassy first.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Change your passport name

Common questions

Can I get a passport in my married name before the wedding?

Yes. You can apply up to 3 months before. Your old passport is cancelled and the new one cannot be used until after the ceremony.

Do I need a new passport if I get married but keep my name?

No. A change in marital status does not need a new passport if your name stays the same.

Will the new passport have the same number?

No. Your new passport will have a different number, so do not book travel until you have it.

Official sources

1.Changing your passport information (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information
2.Marriage or civil partnership change (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information/name-marriage-and-civil-partnership
3.Other name changes (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information/names-dont-match-official-documents

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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