Once the confetti has settled, the administrative reality of changing your name kicks in. Two documents are more important than any others: your UK Passport and your Driving Licence.
These are your primary forms of identification. Until these are updated, changing your name with banks, utilities, and employers can be an uphill battle. However, the rules for updating them are strict, and getting the timing wrong can lead to disaster—especially if you have a honeymoon booked.
Here is your essential guide to updating your government ID after marriage.
1. The UK Passport
This is the big one. Your passport is your global identity, and the rules are black and white.
The Golden Rule of Travel
Your passport name must match your flight ticket exactly.
- If you book your honeymoon in your MAIDEN name: You must travel on your old passport. Do not apply for a new one until you return to the UK. It is perfectly legal to travel under your maiden name after you are married, provided the ticket matches.
- If you book your honeymoon in your MARRIED name: You must have a new passport in that name before you fly.
How to Update It
You can apply online via the GOV.UK website or by post.
- Cost: Approx. £88.50 (online) or £100 (post). Note: Prices subject to change by HM Passport Office.
- Documents Needed: You will need to send your current passport and your original Marriage Certificate.
- Do I need a Deed Poll? generally, no—if you are simply taking your partner's surname or double-barrelling with a hyphen. However, if you are "meshing" names or creating a new surname, you must include a Deed Poll.
The "Post-Dated" Passport (PD2 Form)
If you are desperate to travel in your new married name immediately after the wedding, you can apply for a "Post-Dated Passport" up to three months before the ceremony.
You will need to complete a PD2 Form, which must be signed by the registrar or minister conducting your wedding. Warning: This passport is invalid until the wedding day. If the wedding is cancelled, you must return it and pay for a new one.
2. The DVLA Driving Licence
Unlike the Passport Office, the DVLA does not charge you for updating your name (though they may charge if you want to update your photo at the same time).
The "£1,000 Fine" Warning
It is a legal requirement to keep your driving licence details up to date. Failure to notify the DVLA of a name change can theoretically result in a fine of up to £1,000, so do not put this off.
How to Update It
You cannot currently update your name on your driving licence online; it must be done by post.
- Get the Form: You need Form D1 "Application for a driving licence." You can pick this up from most Post Offices or order it from the DVLA website.
- Fill it In: Tick the box for "Change of Name" and complete your new details.
- Send it Off: Post the form along with your current photocard licence and your original Marriage Certificate (or Deed Poll).
Do I Need a Deed Poll for the DVLA?
Like the Passport Office, the DVLA will usually accept a Marriage Certificate for standard name changes (taking a spouse's name). However, for more complex changes—like moving a maiden name to a middle name—they will insist on a Deed Poll.
Which Order Should I Do Them In?
This is a common bottleneck. Both the Passport Office and the DVLA require original documents. They will not accept photocopies.
If you only have one Marriage Certificate, you will have to wait for your passport to return before you can send the certificate to the DVLA. This can take weeks.
Pro Tip: Order multiple certified copies of your Marriage Certificate from the registry office (or get multiple original Deed Polls from us). This allows you to apply for your Passport and Driving Licence simultaneously, cutting your admin time in half.
Summary Checklist
| Document | Method | Cost | Key Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Online or Post | £88.50+ | Standard App or PD2 |
| Driving Licence | Post Only | Free (usually) | D1 |
| V5C (Logbook) | Post Only | Free | N/A (Write on V5C) |
If you are planning a complex name change that goes beyond the standard "taking the husband's name," remember that a Deed Poll is the safest way to ensure both the Passport Office and DVLA accept your request without delay.
Need a Deed Poll to speed up your application? Contact us today to get your paperwork started.
