Changing Your Name Checklist

Here are the most important name changes you will likely need to make once you’re married, and how to do them all!

Firstly…

⁃      Order A Duplicate Marriage Certificate

A lot of companies you change your name with will require proof of your name change, such as providing a marriage certificate. However it is of course not ideal to be sending your original certificate around in case it gets lost or damaged, but a simple photocopy will not be sufficient. You will need to order an official duplicate, which can be sent instead. You can do this by going to https://www.gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate and follow the instructions. It currently costs £11 per copy at the time of writing this.

Most Important and Complex Changes

These are changes you should make first as they are the most important. Unfortunately they can be the most complex too, so I have found the easiest way to go about each one below.

⁃      Driving License

The easiest way to go about this is to update it by post. Simply pick up a D1 Application form at your local post office, fill it out and send it along with your current licence. It doesn’t cost anything to just update your name and no evidence of name change will be required unless it is a hereditary title. For more info click here. You also need to update your vehicle log (V5C) at the same time if you have one. Simply fill out the name change part on the V5C and send it to the DVLA by post too. For more info on updating V5C logs click here.

⁃      Passport

This is important, as you won’t be able to travel if you book your travel under your married name but your passport is still in your maiden name. So if you are travelling abroad soon and haven’t updated your passport yet, make sure to book your travel in the name that is on your passport. It’s also important to know that the new passport will be valid for 10 years only, and any remaining time on your original passport will not be added to those 10 years. To change your passport follow this link here. It will currently cost £75.50 to update it online and you will need evidence of your name change (marriage certificate) along with new passport photos.

⁃      Bank Account/Cards

This will depend on which bank you are with, but most will require you to come into branch in person with your marriage certificate as proof, and then the bank will process the name change for you.

⁃      HMRC

This is actually surprisingly easy. It can be done online without proof being required, all you need is a few pieces of ID, such as your NI number. To change your name with the HMRC, click here.

Easier Changes

These are less important changes, but nonetheless changes that should be made at some point. All of the below are done simply by going straight to your provider. Some may or may not require a copy of your marriage certificate as proof.

⁃      Your Employer

⁃      Car Related Companies (Insurance/Tax/Etc.)

⁃      Electoral Roll

⁃      Council Tax

⁃      Mortgage and Utilities

⁃      Broadband, Phone and TV

⁃      Loans

⁃      Insurance

⁃      Doctors and Dentist

⁃      Gym and Other Memberships/Subscriptions

⁃      Social Media