Can I change my name when I become a British citizen?

Yes. Many people choose to change their name (or the spelling of their name) as part of the citizenship process. You can indicate your preferred name on the citizenship application form. If different from your current documents, you may need to provide supporting evidence such as a deed poll.

How do I change my name on the citizenship certificate?

If you want a different name on your citizenship certificate from what appears on your passport, you need to provide evidence of the name change. This is typically a deed poll or statutory declaration. The name on your certificate is the name you will use for your British passport.

A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. It can be enrolled (registered with the Royal Courts of Justice for a fee) or unenrolled (a signed document witnessed by an independent person). Unenrolled deed polls are accepted for most purposes, including passport applications.

Do I need to change my name before or after the citizenship ceremony?

You can indicate your preferred name on the citizenship application. If you want the new name on your certificate, arrange the name change before the application is processed. If you change your name after receiving your certificate, you will need to apply for a replacement certificate.

Changing Your Name When Becoming a British Citizen

You can change your name as part of the citizenship process by indicating your preferred name on the application and providing evidence such as a deed poll. The name on your citizenship certificate becomes the name for your British passport.

Why People Change Their Name

Common reasons for changing your name at citizenship include:

Marriage: Taking your spouse's surname or adding it to your own
Anglicisation: Adopting an English spelling or version of your name
Correction: Fixing errors that have been on documents for years
Personal preference: Choosing a name you identify with
Gender transition: Updating your name to reflect your gender identity

You can change your first name, surname, or both. The UK has very flexible name change laws — you can call yourself anything as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes.

How to Change Your Name

Option 1: Deed Poll

A deed poll is the most common way to formally change your name in the UK. You can:

Unenrolled deed poll: A document you create and have witnessed. Free or low cost. Accepted by most organisations including HM Passport Office.
Enrolled deed poll: Registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. Costs around £42.44. Creates a permanent public record.

Check the GOV.UK deed poll guidance for the process.

Option 2: Statutory Declaration

A statutory declaration is a formal statement made before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths. It costs around £5-£20 (the solicitor's witnessing fee). This is sometimes used instead of a deed poll.

Option 3: Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate

If you are changing your surname due to marriage, your marriage certificate is sufficient evidence. No deed poll is needed.

Name Change and the Citizenship Application

When you apply for citizenship online, the form asks for your name as it appears on your passport and any previous names. If you want your citizenship certificate to show a different name:

Include the name change evidence (deed poll, statutory declaration, or marriage certificate) with your application
The certificate will be issued in your new name
Your citizenship ceremony invitation will use the same name

If you want to keep your current name, simply apply with your name as it is. No change is required.

After the Ceremony

Your citizenship certificate establishes your legal name as a British citizen. Use it to:

Apply for your British passport (which will be in the name on your certificate)
Update your name with your bank, employer, HMRC, and other organisations
Update your driving licence with the DVLA
Update your GP records

Some organisations will accept the citizenship certificate as proof of name change. Others may also ask for the deed poll or marriage certificate.

Name Discrepancies Between Documents

If your name appears differently on different documents (passport, birth certificate, previous visas), address this in your citizenship application. Common issues include:

Different transliterations from non-Latin scripts
Missing middle names on some documents
Different name orders (family name first vs last)

Explain any discrepancies clearly in your application. A deed poll can resolve ongoing inconsistencies by establishing your chosen official name. See our common mistakes guide for more on handling name issues.

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