Congratulations! Becoming a British citizen is a monumental achievement, often marking the end of years of visas, residency requirements, and paperwork. For many new citizens, this fresh legal status feels like the perfect time to make another change: adopting a new name. Perhaps you want to anglicise your name, revert to a family name, or simply mark your new identity.
However, changing your name after naturalisation is slightly more complex than doing it before. The interaction between your Naturalisation Certificate, your British Passport, and your original nationality creates a specific web of rules.
At UK Name Change, we help many new Britons navigate this process. Here is everything you need to know to avoid getting stuck in administrative limbo.
1. The "Naturalisation Certificate" Trap
Your Certificate of Naturalisation is a historical legal document. It proves that a person with Name A became a British citizen on Date X.
Because it is a record of a past event, the Home Office generally will not reissue this certificate in your new name just because you have changed it. You cannot simply "swap it" like a driving licence.
The Solution: You do not need to change the certificate. Instead, you use a Deed Poll to create a legal link. When you apply for jobs or a passport, you show both documents:
- The Naturalisation Certificate (proving you are a citizen).
- The Deed Poll (proving you have changed your name since then).
2. The "One Name" Policy (Dual Citizens Beware)
This is the most critical rule for new citizens. HM Passport Office operates a strict "One Name Policy."
They will not issue a British Passport in a name that differs from your other passports. Example: You are a dual national of France and the UK. Your French passport says Jean DuPont. You want your British passport to say John DuPont. The Outcome: The UK Passport Office will refuse your application. They will insist that you either:
- Apply for the British passport as Jean DuPont (matching the French one).
- Change your French passport to John DuPont first, and then apply for the British one.
If your country of origin does not allow name changes (some countries are very strict), you may be stuck using your birth name on your British passport. You can, however, ask for an "Observation" to be added stating your preferred name, though this is rare.
3. The Cost of Timing
Ideally, we advise clients to change their name during the citizenship application process (before the certificate is printed). If you have already received your certificate, you face extra costs.
- Passport Fees: If you have already obtained your first British Passport in your old name, you will have to apply for a renewal to change the name. This means paying the standard passport fee (approx. £88.50) again.
- Admin Effort: You will need to update your records with HMRC, the DVLA, and your bank, just like any other UK resident.
4. Step-by-Step Guide for New Citizens
If you have your citizenship and want to change your name now, follow this order:
Step 1: Check Your Other Passport
If you hold another nationality, check if you can change your name with that country's authorities. If you can't, you might not be able to change your name on your British passport.
Step 2: Get Your Deed Poll
Use our Adult Deed Poll service.
- Old Name: The name on your Naturalisation Certificate.
- New Name: The name you wish to use in the UK.
Step 3: Update Your Foreign Passport (If applicable)
Send your Deed Poll to your country of origin's embassy to update that passport.
Step 4: Apply for Your British Passport
Send your application to HM Passport Office enclosing:
- Your Old British Passport (if you have one).
- Your Naturalisation Certificate.
- Your new Deed Poll.
- Your updated Foreign Passport (or a colour photocopy of every page).
We Can Help You Navigate the Rules
The "One Name Policy" catches many people out. If you are unsure if you can change your name, we can help ensure your paperwork is correct before you pay passport fees.
Our Complete Package (£29.99) includes the professionally drafted Deed Poll you need to satisfy the Passport Office, along with a guide on how to order your notifications correctly.
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