Change Name on UK Passport
Did you know that in 2017, the British citizen passport was ranked the fourth most powerful passport in the world? The reason for this is the visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 173 countries and territories offered for those who hold a valid British passport, out of a possible 218 countries, says an article published by The Telegraph in March 2017.
Since 2006, Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK has been issuing biometric British citizen passports to UK citizens, as proof of their right of abode and citizenship. In order to travel abroad, the name on your travel booking should be exactly same as that on your passport, or else you will not be allowed to travel. In case, you are changing your name on your UK passport, here is a quick guide that will help you do so easily.
How Do I Change My Name on My Passport?
Just like you apply for a new passport at Her Majesty’s Passport Office, you also need to apply at the same office for a name change on a UK passport. The time taken for the application to be processed is usually 3 weeks, but only if your application has been correctly submitted. In case of any mistake, the process can be delayed.
To speed up the process, while avoiding all the hassle, you can hire a service called Rapid Passports, which assures that your application will get processed on the same day, the next day or in one week’s time, starting from the time the appointment date has been booked at the government’s passport office. They are also available on the phone and via email to answer all your questions.
Documents Required
- Current Passport
- Application Form
- Two Passport Photos
- Authorization Documents
- Order Form
There are certain other documents one needs to submit based on the reason for applying for a name change on the passport.
If the applicant wants to change his/her first name, he/she can get it done through a deed poll online. If the reason for changing the name is due to some spelling changes, to change the order your names appear or add a name, the applicant might need to submit a letter from the council or government department, his/her bank statement and driving license, baptism or confirmation certificate containing the way they’d like the name to appear on the passport.
If you are wondering how do I change my last name on my passport, you should know that if the applicant is changing their surname after they got married or due to a civil partnership, a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate would be required.
In circumstances when the applicant wants to make a name change when he/she wants to revert to their maiden name, their birth certificate, marriage certificate showing their own and their former spouse’s full name, a signed statement informing the applicant that he/she now can use their maiden name for all purposes and a decree absolute showing both names.
How Much Do I Pay to Change Name on a Passport?
You need to get a new passport if you change your name, which can cost you £72.50. This passport will also be valid for 10 years, with 9 months of unexpired time from the old passport added on, according to the UK government.
But when you apply with Rapid Passports for a UK passport name change, the name change cost will depend on how quickly you need the fresh passport. The charges will therefore vary from £250 for same day service and £210 for next day to £180 for one week delivery, excluding the passport fee to Her Majesty’s Passport Office.
