Table of contents
List of contents
How to revert to your maiden name or change your surname legally in the UK
Changing your name in the UK is a simple, legal process—and with Deed Poll Department, it’s even easier. Whether you’re updating your last name, reverting to your maiden name, or just looking to start fresh with a new identity, we provide a fast, affordable, and fully recognised UK name change service that helps you make the switch with confidence.
You can revert back to your maiden name or change your surname using our secure online portal in just 5 minutes. We’ll prepare and dispatch your Unenrolled Deed Poll documents the same day—no solicitor, no court appearance, no hassle.
Apply online today, and you can have your certified Deed Poll delivered to your doorstep earliest by 9:00 am tomorrow!
Why choose Deed Poll Department?
Thousands across the UK trust us to manage their name change with speed, accuracy, and care. Here’s why:
✅ Affordable, Fast & Simple Online Application
Takes just 5 minutes. No solicitor required.
✅ Same-Day Dispatch & Next-Day Delivery Available
Apply before 3:45 pm today and receive your documents earliest by 9:00 am the next morning
✅ 100% Government Acceptance, Guaranteed
Fully recognised by HM Passport Office, DVLA, HMRC, banks, schools, and other institutions.
✅ UK-Based Customer Support
Call us at 0330 133 4852 or email at support@deedpolldepartment.co.uk.
Understanding the common terms: last name, surname, family name & maiden name
If you’re considering a UK name change, it’s helpful to know the meaning behind the most commonly used terms for your second name. Though they often refer to the same thing, the slight differences in context matter—especially in legal or official documents.
1. Last name
The last name is the most commonly used term in English-speaking countries to describe the name that comes at the end of a full name—usually your inherited or family name.
Example: In “James Wilson”, “Wilson” is the last name
2. Surname
A surname is the official term used in UK documents and systems. It’s the name passed down from one generation to the next and is used in government records, legal identification, and formal processes.
Example: In “Emily Watson”, “Watson” is the surname.
3. Family name
The term family name is more common internationally and is frequently used in immigration or multicultural contexts. In essence, it’s another way of saying “surname” or “last name”.
Example: In “Ayesha Khan”, Khan is the family name.
4. Maiden name
Your maiden name is the surname you were born with, typically used to describe a woman’s name before marriage. Many women revert to their maiden name after divorce, which can be done easily through a Deed Poll.
Example: If “Sarah Patel” marries and becomes “Sarah Clark”, “Patel” is her maiden name.
Understanding your legal right to choose or change your surname in the UK
In the UK, the law allows individuals complete freedom when it comes to choosing or changing their surname. There’s no fixed rule that forces anyone to carry a particular last name, even from birth. Parents can register their child with any surname they wish — it doesn’t have to match either the mother’s or father’s. What matters is the name they intend for the child to be known by.
As you grow older, your surname, like your first name, remains entirely within your control. UK law does not treat your surname as permanent or restricted. You are free to adopt a different surname at any point in your life — and you don’t need special approval or a formal reason to do it. This principle holds as long as you’re not attempting to mislead, commit fraud, or escape legal responsibilities by changing your name.
Reverting to maiden name or changing surname after marriage or divorce
If you took your spouse’s surname when you got married but now want to go back to your maiden name, you can do so legally and easily. Contrary to common belief, marriage doesn’t automatically change your name—you choose to use your partner’s name. Likewise, after divorce, there’s no legal rule requiring you to stop using your married name or return to your maiden name. It’s entirely your decision.
If both your marriage and divorce were finalised in the UK, and you still have the right paperwork, you can revert to your maiden name without needing a Deed Poll. You’ll usually need:
• Your original marriage certificate
• Your original birth certificate
• Your decree absolute
• A signed statement confirming your intention to resume your birth name
Missing documents? Here’s what to do:
If you no longer have your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or decree absolute, don’t worry. You’ve got two main options:
• Apply for official copies of the missing documents from the appropriate registry offices.
• Or, skip the wait and apply for an Unenrolled Deed Poll through our name change service in the UK.
A Deed Poll acts as legal proof of your name change. It’s all you’ll need to update your name across banks, government offices, and identification documents—no additional paperwork required.
Final thought
Your surname is yours—not owned by your family, not fixed by tradition, and certainly not controlled by law. In the UK, your right to choose and change your name is fully protected. With a Deed Poll, you can prove your decision with ease and ensure it’s accepted across all institutions. Whether you’re adjusting your last name, restoring your maiden name, or embracing a new family name, let the Deed Poll Department help you do it—quickly, legally, and stress-free.