Can You Change Your Name If You're in the Armed Forces?
If you are serving in the British Army, Royal Navy, or RAF, you might be wondering if the standard rules for changing your name apply to you.
Civilians can change their name overnight with a simple piece of paper. But for service personnel, your name is on your MOD90, your security clearance, and your dog tags. It feels more "permanent."
The short answer is: Yes, you can absolutely change your name while serving.
Whether it’s for marriage, divorce, or just personal preference, you have the same legal right as any civilian. However, you must follow a specific military administrative process to ensure your pay, pension, and security clearance aren't affected.
Step 1: The Legal Part (The Deed Poll)
The military does not issue name changes; they simply record them. To start the process, you need a legal document.
- Marriage/Divorce: If you are changing your surname due to marriage, your Marriage Certificate is usually sufficient evidence for your Unit Admin.
- Personal Choice: If you are changing your name for any other reason (e.g., dropping a surname, changing a first name), you must obtain a Deed Poll first.
You do not need "permission" from your Commanding Officer to sign a Deed Poll—it is your private legal right. However, you do need to inform them immediately after you have done it.
Step 2: Notify Your Unit Admin / UPO
Once you have your certified Deed Poll (or Marriage Certificate), take the original document to your Unit Personnel Office (UPO), Company Clerk, or Regimental Admin Office (RAO).
They will verify the document and initiate the change on JPA (Joint Personnel Administration). This is the most critical step because JPA controls your pay and pension.
What about the MOD90?
Once your name is updated on JPA, your clerk will apply for a new MOD90 (ID Card). You will usually need to surrender your old card when the new one arrives. Do not destroy your old ID until instructed.
Step 3: Security Vetting (UKSV) – Crucial!
This is the step most people forget.
If you hold security clearance (SC, DV, or CTC), you have a legal obligation to report any "Change of Personal Circumstances" to UK Security Vetting (UKSV).
A name change is a major change in circumstances. If you fail to declare it, it could flag up during your next review as a potential honesty/integrity issue.
What to do: Log on to the NSVS portal (or ask your Unit Security Officer for the relevant form) and submit a "Change of Personal Circumstances" notification. You may need to upload a digital copy of your Deed Poll.
Will It Affect My Career?
No. Changing your name is an administrative task, not a disciplinary one. It will not affect your rank, trade, or promotion prospects.
The only exception is if you are changing your name to something offensive or something that brings the Service into disrepute. In that rare case, the Army/Navy/RAF may refuse to update your official records, effectively forcing you to use your old name while in uniform.
Summary: The Order of Action
- Get your Deed Poll (or Marriage Certificate).
- Take it to your UPO/Clerk to update JPA.
- Update your Security Clearance (via UKSV).
- Wait for your new MOD90.
Get Your Military-Ready Deed Poll
We provide professionally drafted Deed Polls that are accepted by the MOD, JPA, and UK Security Vetting.
