Can I Hyphenate My Surname?
You can hyphenate your surname in the UK whenever you choose. Double-barrelled surnames are increasingly popular for couples getting married, civil partners, or anyone wanting to combine two family names to preserve their heritage. How you legally make the switch depends entirely on your current circumstances and why you are choosing to double-barrel your name.
Marriage and Civil Partnership
If you are getting married or entering a civil partnership, combining both partners’ surnames into a new hyphenated name is straightforward.
You do not necessarily need a formal legal document to start using the new double-barrelled name. Most official UK organisations, including HM Passport Office, the DVLA, banks, and utility providers, will update your records simply by seeing your original Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate showing both original surnames.
However, both partners must agree on the exact order and spelling of the new hyphenated name in official records.
Outside of Marriage
If you are not getting married or if you want to hyphenate your surname at any other point in life, you must use a formal legal document called a deed poll.
Deed Poll
A deed poll acts as a formal declaration that you are abandoning your old surname and adopting the new hyphenated version for all official purposes.
Updating Official ID
Once your deed poll is signed and witnessed, you can send it off to government bodies, banks, and employers to update your passport, driving licence, tax records, and bank accounts.
Hyphenating a Child’s Surname
To hyphenate a child’s surname, every person who holds parental responsibility must give their formal written consent. If all parties agree, a deed poll can be executed on the child’s behalf. If one parent objects, the name cannot be changed without a court order.
Read more information on deed poll legality, how long the process takes and common myths about deed polls.
If you would like to change your name, contact deedpolls.co.uk.