Change your name or personal details on your passport

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1. How it works

You’ll need to get a new passport to travel abroad or prove your identity if you change any of the following:

  • your name
  • your gender
  • your appearance, if you cannot be recognised from your passport photo any more (for example, you’ve had plastic surgery)

The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.

You’ll be sent a new 10 year passport. Time left on your old passport will not be added to your new one.

When you do not need a new passport

You do not need to get a new passport if you:

  • change your address or contact details
  • get a new job
  • change your appearance slightly - for example, dye your hair or grow a beard
  • change your marital status (divorce, marry or form a civil partnership) but keep your name
  • change your title, for example, doctor or professor
  • become a national of another country as well as the UK
  • emigrate

How long it takes

Check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply.

If you need a passport urgently, you can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services.

Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.

If you have a non-British passport

If you have dual citizenship (‘dual nationality’) and have a non-British passport, the name and gender on your non-British passport must match the name and gender you want on your British passport.

If they’re different, change the details on your non-British passport before you apply for a new British passport.

Apply online

You can apply for a new passport online. It costs £82.50.

Start now

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply using a paper application form

You can get a paper application form by either:

It costs £93.

Fill in and sign your passport application using the name that you want to see printed on your passport.

Countersignatures

You must get a countersignature if your appearance has changed and you cannot be recognised from your existing passport.

You do not need a countersignature if you’re changing your name or adding a title.

Unexpired visas

Unexpired visas in your old passport may become invalid if you change your name. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country that issued the visa.

2. Marriage or civil partnership change

You can get a new passport in your new name either before or after the ceremony.

The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.

Get a new passport after the ceremony

Send your marriage or civil partnership certificate when you apply for a passport in your new name - this includes double-barrelled names.

Get a new passport before the ceremony

You can apply for a passport in your new name up to 3 months before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

Your old passport will be cancelled. Your new passport is ‘post-dated’ - you cannot use it before the ceremony.

Some countries will not issue visas for post-dated passports - check with the country’s embassy or consulate.

You must send a ‘passports for newly weds and civil partners’ form with your documents. It must be signed by the religious minister or registrar who will conduct the ceremony.

3. Divorce or returning to a previous surname

When you apply, you also need to send:

  • your birth certificate
  • a statement signed by you saying you’ve gone back to a previous surname (for example your maiden name) ‘for all purposes’ - that is, you will not use your married or civil partnership name at all
  • a document that shows you’re using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council)
  • a marriage or civil partnership certificate showing both names - if you do not have it you can order a copy

4. Gender change

Send one of the following when you apply for a passport:

  • a Gender Recognition Certificate
  • a new birth or adoption certificate showing your acquired gender
  • a letter from your doctor or medical consultant confirming your change of gender is likely to be permanent

If you’re sending a letter from your doctor or medical consultant and you’re changing your name, you’ll also need to supply both of the following:

  • evidence of your change of name (such as a deed poll)
  • evidence that you’re using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council)

Read the information about passports for transgender and transsexual people if you need help.

5. Titles and small changes to forenames

You can:

  • change the spelling of your name slightly - for example, Jane to Jayne
  • change the order of your forenames
  • remove middle names

Send 2 documents that show you’re using your new name. These can include a:

  • letter from a local council or government department
  • driving licence
  • bank statement
  • baptism or confirmation certificate

Titles you can use on your passport

You can include:

  • professional titles - for example, doctor, judge, minister of religion, professor, QC, or JP if you’re a magistrate
  • honours or military decorations

Put the details in the ‘other title’ box of your application and send evidence of your title.

Your title will be on the ‘observations’ page of your passport - it will not be part of your name, except if it’s a title of nobility, for example knight, dame or a lord.

6. Other name changes

You can change your name on your passport with one of the following documents:

Send it with both:

  • proof of any previous name changes you’ve made
  • evidence that you’re using your new name (for example a payslip or a letter from your local council)