For dual nationals, changing a name is twice as complicated. We frequently help clients who have successfully changed their name in the UK—updating their bank, driving licence, and NHS records—only to hit a brick wall when they try to renew their British Passport.
The problem usually stems from a misunderstanding of how international law and the UK’s "One Name Policy" interact. Here is the reality of updating international passports after a UK Deed Poll.
1. A UK Deed Poll does NOT change a Foreign Passport
This is the most common misconception. A Deed Poll is a legal document valid in the United Kingdom. It has no legal power over the government of France, the USA, or Pakistan.
Most foreign embassies will not accept a UK Deed Poll as evidence to change your name on their passport. They will require you to follow their own national procedures, which might involve:
- Going to court in your home country.
- Publishing a notice in a foreign gazette.
- Waiting for a strictly defined period.
2. The "One Name Policy" Trap
You might think: "That's fine, I'll just be 'John Smith' in the UK and 'Juan Garcia' in Spain."
You cannot do this.
HM Passport Office (HMPO) enforces a strict One Name Policy. They will generally refuse to issue a British Passport if you hold another valid passport in a different name. They check international databases and require you to declare all other passports when you apply.
If you send them a Deed Poll showing a name change, but your un-cancelled foreign passport still shows your old name, your application will likely be rejected or put on hold until you align them.
3. The Correct Order of Operations
To avoid getting stuck, you must handle your name change in a specific order:
Step 1: Change the Foreign Passport FIRST
Before you even think about your UK documents, investigate the laws of your other nationality. Apply to change your name with that country's embassy or authorities. Note: This can be slow and expensive.
Step 2: Execute the UK Deed Poll
Once your foreign passport is updated (or you have the official approval), execute your UK Deed Poll to legally change your name in Britain to match your new foreign documents.
Step 3: Update your British Passport
Apply for your UK passport renewal. You will need to send:
- Your Deed Poll.
- Your new foreign passport (or a colour photocopy of every page).
This proves to HMPO that your names are aligned across borders.
4. "My Country Won't Let Me Change My Name"
Some countries have very strict naming laws (e.g., you cannot change your surname unless you are marrying, or sometimes not even then). If you are legally unable to change your foreign passport, you have a problem.
Option A: Stick to the Old Name The easiest path is to use your foreign name for your British Passport too. You can still use your "English" name professionally (as a "known as" name), but your travel documents will remain in your birth name.
Option B: The "Observation" Request If you can prove to HMPO that you have attempted to change your foreign passport and been refused (e.g., a letter from the embassy stating the law prevents it), they may issue a British Passport in your new name, but with an Observation (a note on page 32) stating: "The holder is also known as [Name on Foreign Passport]." This is discretionary and requires significant evidence.
5. Dual Citizens: Planning is Key
If you are a dual national, do not execute a Deed Poll until you have a plan for your other passport. If you change your UK bank and driving licence to a new name, but then cannot get a matching passport, you will be left with a fractured identity that causes issues at border control.
Our Complete Package (£29.99) includes the Deed Poll you need for the UK side of the equation. We also provide guidance on how to present your documents to HMPO to minimise the risk of rejection.
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