How to Double-Barrel Your Surname in the UK
Quick answer
Who should skip this
Skip a deed poll if you are only taking a spouse’s surname exactly as printed on the marriage certificate — that is not a double-barrel. Skip a child pack unless every parental-responsibility holder agrees.
Checked by Sarah Ellison, paralegal — last reviewed 22 August 2026
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Do I need a deed poll to double-barrel?
Usually yes — it is the only route that works everywhere. A marriage or civil partnership certificate can sometimes cover a post-wedding double-barrel, but many organisations, including some banks, refuse it because the certificate does not state the combined name. Outside marriage a deed poll is always required.
The document is the same £14.99 adult deed poll — your new name is simply the double-barrelled one. Marriage context: after marriage. Civil partners: civil partnership name change.
Hyphen or space — and whose name goes first?
Entirely your choice: Smith-Jones, Smith Jones or Jones-Smith are all valid. Choose the exact form you want and use it consistently; the deed poll records it character-for-character and every record-holder follows the document. Apostrophes in names such as O’Brien stay; decorative symbols do not.
Length and refused characters: UK name restrictions. HMPO systems hold around 30 characters each for forenames and surname.
Can we blend our surnames into a new one?
Yes — a blended or entirely new surname is a normal deed poll name change. Because no marriage or divorce certificate could ever evidence it, the deed poll is the single document that proves it. The same applies to changing first or middle names at the same time. Each partner who is changing signs their own deed.
Each of you can complete the three-minute form. DIY: free template.
How do children get a double-barrelled surname?
Through a child deed poll, with the consent of everyone who holds parental responsibility — usually both parents. A posted “family deed poll” does not replace those consent letters. If anyone with parental responsibility refuses, stop and use form C100; a PDF cannot create missing consent.
See changing your child’s surname and the child deed poll pack. Our adult £25 name-change pack covers one adult only — children are a separate form.
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