UK HM Passport Office Updates Guidance on Names in Passports for Naturalised or Registered Citizens and Changed Names

Current rules

HM Passport Office staff are now guided on how to handle various name change scenarios for passport applications, including those following marriage or civil partnership, naturalisation or registration, change of gender, lost or stolen passports, for British overseas citizens, and for joint citizenship applications. Specific updates include clarification on taking part of a partner's surname, removing the requirement to state reasons for reverting to a birth name, and new sections on name changes before or during naturalisation or registration and for those issued with a status letter. Minor formatting changes have been applied throughout, and references to 'counter fraud and CFT' are updated to 'Public Protection'. The guidance also clarifies the process for customers applying online, by post, or via counter applications, and for third-party applications including consent requirements for minors and those with disabilities.

Overview

HM Passport Office has issued updated caseworker guidance concerning the names permitted in British passports. This update clarifies procedures for individuals who have acquired British nationality through naturalisation or registration, stipulating that their passport name will typically match their certificate unless a subsequent, officially adopted name change is evidenced. Additionally, it refines the process for all applicants seeking to include a changed name in their passport, requiring proof of both the change and its consistent use for all official purposes.

What changed in the latest version

This update makes the passport application process smoother for people who are changing their name. It makes specific rules clearer. It also removes unnecessary administrative tasks, such as having to explain why someone is changing back to their birth name. It provides full guidance for His Majesty's Passport Office staff. This aims for consistent processing of complex cases, such as name changes linked to naturalisation or applications made by other people. These changes may make certain applications simpler for customers. They also make sure strong checks are kept, especially for signs of fraud and referrals to Public Protection. The clearer guidelines for staff reduce confusion, which could mean faster processing for people who are eligible to apply.

Explained simply

Imagine you're applying for a new UK passport because your name has changed, maybe after getting married or officially changing it. The people who check these applications at the Passport Office now have a new, updated instruction manual (version 36.0) that tells them exactly how to handle all sorts of name changes. It's like they've tidied up their rulebook, making it clearer for them to process your application, especially if you've become a British citizen recently or someone else is helping you with your application. This should make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v2Effective 3 Sept 2026PublishedMedium impact
   HM Passport Office Updates Guidance on Name Changes for Passport Applications

   Follows v1 · UK HM Passport Office Updates Guidance on Names in Passports for Naturalised or Registered Citizens and Changed Names

   His Majesty's Passport Office has updated its guidance called 'Names: change of name passport applications'. This update came into effect on 3 September 2026. Version 36.0 of the guidance was published for Home Office staff on 27 July 2026. The updated guidance explains how staff should deal with different name changes on passport applications. Key changes include clearer instructions for customers who want to use part of a partner's surname. It also removes the rule that people must explain why they are changing back to their birth name. New sections explain name changes that happen before or during naturalisation or registration. Another new section is for customers who received a status letter. The guidance also uses updated wording; 'counter fraud and CFT' is now 'Public Protection'.

2. v1Effective 27 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impact
   UK HM Passport Office Updates Guidance on Names in Passports for Naturalised or Registered Citizens and Changed Names

   The HM Passport Office (HMPO) staff guide, 'Names: the name we use in passports', was updated on 27 August 2026. This update adds rules about the name to use in passports for people who have become British citizens by naturalisation or registration. This information moved from another document. The guide also changes the internal referral process for name change applications. It now goes to 'Public Protection' instead of the 'counter fraud team'. A new clarification states that adding a name to a passport does not break trademark or copyright laws. For people who have naturalised or registered, passports will use the name on their certificate. This is unless they show proof of an official name change and that they use this new name for all purposes.

Timeline

1. Takes effect

   27 Aug 2026

   The guidance for HM Passport Office staff has been updated to include instructions on the name to use in passports when a customer has registered or naturalised, transferring this information from the 'Names: change of name passport applications guidance'. Additionally, the reference to the 'counter fraud team' for passport applications involving a change of name has been updated to 'Public Protec

2. Announced

   23 Jun 2023

   HM Passport Office has issued updated caseworker guidance concerning the names permitted in British passports. This update clarifies procedures for individuals who have acquired British nationality through naturalisation or registration, stipulating that their passport name will typically match their certificate unless a subsequent, officially adopted name change is evidenced. Additionally, it ref