Reverting back to maiden name UK

[FirstTimeMum1991]

Hi everyone,

I have separated from my husband and want to revert back to my maiden name. Does anyone know the process for passport, driving licence, bank etc? Surely I don’t need to change it by deed poll and can just revert back? Do I need to send my marriage certificate etc?

Thanks in advance.

If you have divorced then you use your decree absolute the same way you'd use a marriage cert. if you've not divorced yet then yes it will be by deed poll. Costs about £40 and is very quick. Well worth it to rid yourself of a name you don't want imo.

You don't need deed poll. You can be called what you like. I just had to write a letter declaring that I now wished to be known by my birth name. Google it. Actually look at this

www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information/divorce-or-returning-to-a-previous-surname

The link you shared says you need a decree absolute @Whistledixie

Well I didn't need it and changed it back prior to divorce. They accepted my statutory declaration letter and my birth certificate.

My experience was different and I had to use deed poll.

I did this after my divorce 2 years ago. I waited until I had my decree absolute for the bank, but I changed my name at work before then by just telling them. I am really glad I did this; never did like my married surname much! However, it takes ages to go through all the utility suppliers etc. Another issue is that you have to pay another passport fee to change your name on your passport. There is no fee to change your driving licence. Currently everything is now in my maiden name except my passports. This is legal, but somewhat irritating, especially if you need your passport for ID (cue explanations). I also hold an Australian passport and they will only accept a deed poll for name change, so I will have to get one anyway! Honestly, think hard about changing your name. Great if you want to, but I wish I never had!

I just changed it back, no need for deed poll (this is in Scotland)

You can write your own deed poll, you don’t need to pay anyone for it!

I'm in Scotland and simply switched back when I left after 18 months of marriage.

I didn't get round to the divorce for 10 years

[quote Whistledixie]You don't need deed poll. You can be called what you like. I just had to write a letter declaring that I now wished to be known by my birth name. Google it. Actually look at this

www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information/divorce-or-returning-to-a-previous-surname[/quote]
I did this, just had to write a letter and get it witnessed and send it off.

Didn't cost me anything

I have changed my passport, driving licence, etc

I'm in the same position (separated not yet divorced) and want to revert to my birth name. Anyone know how long it's taking for driving licences to come back now? My bank want to see another current document in my "new" name and I was wondering if the council tax or utilities would be easy and quick things to change. Quicker than the drivers licence anyway