Changing your name is a big decision. It can be a result of a life event, such as adoption or marriage, or it may be something you do on your own to reflect a change in gender identity. Regardless of why you’re making this change, certain documents need to be modified when changing your name in the UK.
Not knowing or updating these documents can cause problems when opening a bank account or applying for a driver’s licence. Here are some of the most common documents that need to be changed after changing your name in the UK and how to do so.
Passport
Your passport is your ticket to travel freely out of the country and provides an official identity record. You’ll need to provide proof of your legal name change when updating your name on your passport.. This can be done by submitting a copy of an updated birth certificate or marriage licence, along with the relevant application forms. Also, make sure the new name printed on your passport matches your new name.
Driving Licence
If you have a UK driving licence, you’ll need to update the name on your licence. The good news is that you can do this online through the DVLA website. You will need to provide your current licence, national insurance number and a credit or debit card for payment. Once the application is processed, you should receive your new licence in the mail within three weeks.
Bank Accounts
It’s important to keep your bank account details up to date, especially if you have automatic payments set up or receive benefits or salary deposits into your account.
To change the name on your bank accounts, visit your local branch with proof of your new name such as a marriage certificate or deed poll document. The bank will then update your records and issue new cards and documents in your new name.
Credit Cards
Like bank accounts, you’ll need to notify your credit card companies of your name change. This is to avoid any issues with payments or statements being sent to the wrong address.
Call customer service and request a name change form. Once submitted, the company will send you new cards in your new name. In the meantime, you can continue using your old credit cards until they expire.
Benefits
If you receive benefits from the government, it’s important to tell them about your name change so that your payments are not interrupted. You can call the relevant government agency or visit their website. You may need to provide proof of your new name, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll document.
Tax
You’ll need to update your tax records with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when you change your name. This can be done online, by phone, or by post. You must provide your new name, old name, national insurance number, and date of birth. After your records are updated, you will receive a new tax code in the post.
Insurance
If you have any insurance policies, such as car, home, life or annual travel insurance, you’ll need to notify the company of your name change. This is because the policy is in your legal name, and the company needs to be able to identify you correctly. Once you complete and return the name change form, the company will issue a new policy in your new name.
Final Word
Several documents need to be updated when you change your name in the UK. It’s important to take care of this as soon as possible to avoid any issues in the future. By following the steps above, you can ensure all your documents are correctly updated with your new name.
