To ask for your help re a passport please?

[HarleyQuinnFan]

I’m hoping this makes sense. I really want to get a passport, but it all feels super complicated.

Aged 18 I got a passport to use as ID.

Then in my 20s I got married and changed my surname.

11 years ago I got divorced but kept my married surname so it was the same as the kids.

4 years ago, as the kids were now older I changed my surname back to my maiden name by deep poll.

I have a copy of the deed poll but am unable to locate my birth certificate, marriage certificate or divorce paperwork.

I cannot reorder the divorce one as I don’t know the case number and the solicitor I used no longer holds any records from this.

Because I once had a passport (which I no longer have any details for such as passport number) can I just apply for a passport under my maiden name which was used the first time around?

It seems impossible for me to declare all the changes and feel a little bit silly?

I am so confused by all the forms and rules etc.

I’d be super grateful if anyone has any experience in this and can offer some help.

You don't need to change your name by poll to go from maiden to married or vice versa. Your marriage certificate is your evidence of your new name and birth certificate is evidence of your maiden name (you'd have needed the birth certificate when you applied for marriage license)

In your situation, I would reapply for new passport using your maiden name. They will likely ask for your birth certificate though as it's been so long.

That's only based on my experiences though, I have a passport in my maiden name despite being married but also have a note saying I go by my other names on there.

You can order a birth certificate copy

Thank you for your replies.

So I can just apply with my maiden name and a birth certificate and don’t need to declare that I’ve been known as another surname?

No, you just need proof of who you are now! They might ask for your previous passport number, but if you no longer have that they should still be able to link you to your previous application, so it's not even a 'first adult passport'.