•  19 June 2013. I am very pleased with the speed of my deed poll and the emails keeping me updating and very impressed with the info before and after overall 10/10 and I would definatly recommend to a friend and I have already done so it was very important to me to change my la... 

    Mandy, Bilston, Wolverhampton.

A woman's rights upon marriage

Contrary to popular belief, a woman's surname doesn’t automatically change to her husband's surname upon marriage. Neither does a marriage certificate indicate in any way which surname you will be using in the future. A marriage certificate simply records the names of the couple that’s getting married. After your marriage, it’s entirely up to you which surname you want to be known by.

Your options, which are explained in detail in this article, are to:

  • Continue using your maiden name
  • Take your husband's surname
  • Change to a double-barrelled surname
  • Take your husband's surname and make your maiden name a middle name
  • ‘Mesh’ (or combine) your surnames to make a new surname

Although you can use the following links to go directly to the different sections of this article, we strongly recommend you read the full article first. This way you’ll get a full understanding of all your options.

.....................................................

Sections in this article
Click on the links below to view each section of this article.

1.     Name change options that do not need a Deed Poll
2.     Name change options that may or will need a Deed Poll
3.     When to apply for your Deed Poll
4.     Changing your title to ‘Mrs’
5.     Making other changes to your name
6.     Continuing to use your maiden name at work

This page was last checked today by Helen Whittaker, Senior Deed Poll Officer.

Eamonn Holmes explains
how to legally change your
(or your child's) name
Video

Latest Tweets

  • Wednesday: How long does the Deed Poll process take? - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 18:04
  • Wednesday: Is there a limit to the number of characters in a name? - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 18:02
  • Wednesday: Some people like the idea of having a 'fun name' - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:58
  • Wednesday: There's a section on the Deed Poll application form which enables you to legally change your title - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:52
  • Wednesday: This page outlines the characters that can be printed on your Deed Poll document - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:44
  • Wednesday: Are there any name restrictions? - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:38
  • Wednesday: This article discusses the most popular reasons for a name change by Deed Poll - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:31
  • Wednesday: This article explains how to 'enrol' a Deed Poll with the Royal Courts of Justice - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:26
  • Wednesday: Is a Deed Poll registered anywhere? - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:23
  • Wednesday: If you're an undischarged bankrupt you are free to change your name by Deed Poll - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:19
  • Wednesday: This article explains how to change a child's name without the consent of an absent father - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 17:11
  • Wednesday: If you're calling from a mobile (for help with changing your name) - it's cheaper for you to call 0333 577 4321. @ 19/06/2013 17:03
  • Wednesday: Here's a list of the most commonly asked questions about changing a name by Deed Poll - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:55
  • Wednesday: This article explains how to obtain a copy of a lost Deed Poll - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:54
  • Wednesday: You can use a Deed Poll to legally revert to your maiden name BEFORE or AFTER divorce Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:50
  • Wednesday: A Deed of Change of Name is more commonly referred to as Deed Poll - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:47
  • Wednesday: Here's a list of organisations that you should consider notifying upon changing your name by Deed Poll - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:41
  • Wednesday: Unless you're getting married - a Deed Poll will be required when changing your name in the UK - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:39
  • Wednesday: This article explains how to legally change your child's name - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:28
  • Wednesday: You must be at least 16 years of age to legally change your own name - Click Here @ 19/06/2013 16:25
Twitter

Call back

Get in touchClose
Request a Call Back (Popout)
  • *
  • *
  • *