How do you change your name after getting married?
Changing your name after marriage is not automatic — you use your marriage certificate as evidence to update your name with each organisation individually, starting with your passport and driving licence and working through banks, employers and other records. There is no single register that updates everywhere at once.
Your marriage certificate is the evidence
A certified copy of your marriage certificate is the standard evidence that organisations accept for a name change following marriage, so it is worth ordering at least one certified copy specifically for this purpose.
A sensible order to work through
Most people start with passport and driving licence, since these are widely used as identity documents elsewhere, then move on to banks, HMRC, employers, GP surgery and any subscriptions or accounts in their old name.
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Bank and building society accounts
- HMRC and pension providers
- Employer, GP and other records
There is no obligation to change your name
Marriage does not require either partner to change their surname. You can keep your own name, double-barrel, or one partner can adopt the other's name — it is entirely a personal choice with no legal default.
What this means for you
- Budget time for updating each organisation separately; none of it happens automatically once you marry.
- Keep your certified marriage certificate copy safe, as several organisations may ask to see it in turn.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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Related guides
Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.