What to Do To Get Deed Poll For Marriage Abroad

When a woman marries, her last name does not automatically change to that of her spouse.  Your name will be the same even after marriage if nothing is done. The following guidance is valid regardless of whether a woman marries a man or another woman in a same-sex marriage if she desires to change her name after marriage.

Keep your name but change your title

If you want to keep your maiden name after marriage but change your title to Mrs. or Ms., for instance, you don't need a deed poll.  Not even a new passport is necessary.  In reality, social titles are not recorded in passports. If you marry into the aristocracy, a deed poll is not necessary, but you will need to change your passport because it is thought of as a part of your name. 

If you want to change your last name to that of your partner, a deed poll is not necessary.  If both your maiden name and the last name of your spouse are listed on the marriage certificate, that document alone will suffice as proof of your name change. Remember that only the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate will be accepted by organizations like the Passport Office.

Your maiden name should still be used professionally

The procedures are the same as if you were changing your surname for all reasons, thus there is no need for a deed poll if you want to adopt your partner's last name but retain your maiden name professionally. While some organizations might permit a marriage in this situation, in our experience there are still instances where organizations will insist on a deed poll.  It appears that a Deed poll for marriage abroad is necessary to change your passport under your new name, notwithstanding what has previously been stated in Passport Office policies.  We advise you to get a deed poll to prove your name change since you might not be able to renew your passport in your new name without one.