For many people in London and across the UK, updating your passport is the final, most satisfying step of a name change. It is the moment your new identity becomes internationally recognised. However, because the passport is the UK’s primary identity document, HM Passport Office (HMPO) has strict evidentiary requirements that go beyond just having a deed poll.
At UK Name Change, we specialise in making this transition seamless. In this 2025 guide, we break down exactly what you need to do to get your new passport without the stress of a rejected application.
1. The Cost of a Name Change in 2025
When you change your name, you cannot simply "update" your existing passport. You must apply for a completely new 10-year document. As of April 2025, the standard fees are:
- Online Application: £94.50 (The fastest and cheapest method).
- Postal Application: £107.00.
- Post Office "Check & Send": An additional £16.00 fee applies.
2. The "Proof of Use" Requirement
This is where most people get caught out. If you have changed your name via deed poll, HM Passport Office will not accept the deed poll on its own. They require evidence that you are actually using your new name in "official" life.
You must provide at least one supporting document in your new name, such as:
- An updated UK Driving Licence.
- A bank statement (dated within the last 3 months).
- A utility bill or council tax letter (dated within the last 3 months).
- A letter from your employer or a payslip.
Note: If you are changing your name due to marriage or civil partnership, your original certificate is usually sufficient, and "proof of use" is typically not required.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
- Execute Your Deed Poll: Start by getting your solicitor-approved document from UK Name Change and signing it with your witness.
- Update One Secondary ID: Update your driving licence or bank account first to get that vital "proof of use" document.
- Apply Online: Go to the official GOV.UK portal. You will need a digital passport photo (many London photo booths now provide a "digital code" for this).
- Send Your Documents: You will be given an address to post your original current passport, your original deed poll, and your "proof of use" document.
- Receive Your Passport: Standard processing currently takes approximately 3 weeks, though this can increase to 10 weeks during peak summer months.
4. Special Considerations for 2025
Dual Nationality Alignment
If you hold a non-British passport, the name on your foreign passport must match the name you want on your British passport. HMPO will reject your application if your identities are not "aligned" across all nationalities.
Post-Dated Passports for Newlyweds
If you are getting married soon, you can apply for a passport in your new name up to 3 months before the ceremony using a PD2 form. This passport will be "post-dated," meaning it only becomes valid on your wedding day—perfect for a honeymoon departure!
Summary Checklist
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Current Passport | Must be sent for cancellation. |
| Deed Poll | Original physical document. |
| Proof of Use | Bank statement/Driving Licence in new name. |
| Photos | New digital photo meeting HMPO standards. |
Why Use UK Name Change?
The Passport Office is famous for its "zero tolerance" policy for document errors. When you use our service, you receive a deed poll that is specifically formatted to meet the 2025 HMPO criteria.
Our Complete Package includes a dedicated "Passport Success Guide" and pre-filled covering letters to ensure your evidence is presented exactly how the caseworker expects. We help you avoid the £94.50 mistake of a rejected application.
Ready to get your new passport? Start your deed poll application today and take the first step toward your new identity. If you have questions about "proof of use" or dual nationality, contact our expert support team for guidance.
