Urgent Passport After a Name Change (Marriage or Divorce) — Step-by-Step Guide

Life events like marriage or divorce often come with a change of name — and if you’ve got travel booked, you’ll need to update your passport quickly. The good news is that there is a Fast Track service for urgent name changes in the UK. This guide walks you through the process step by step, including how NextDay Passport can make the process easier.

Which Urgent Services Apply?

• 1-Week Fast Track: Available for passport renewals and replacements where your name has changed due to marriage or divorce. You’ll attend (or we attend for you with consent) a Passport Office appointment and the passport is normally delivered within a week of that date.
• Same-Day Premium: Not available for name changes — only for straightforward adult renewals. If you’ve changed your name, you must use Fast Track.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Urgently

1. Book a Fast Track appointment — these are released daily and can usually be booked up to 2 days ahead. We can do this for you.
2. Complete the passport application form — selecting “renewal with name change.”
3. Gather your documents (see below).
4. Attend the appointment (or use our concierge with a signed consent letter).
5. Wait for delivery — your new passport will be sent by secure courier within about 7 days of the appointment.

Documents You’ll Need

• Completed passport application form (renewal with name change).
• Current/old passport (to be cancelled and replaced).
• Marriage certificate if changing surname after marriage.
• Decree absolute or deed poll if changing name after divorce or separation.
• Proof of identity and a compliant passport photo.
• Supporting documents if your name change is by deed poll or court order rather than marriage/divorce.

Tip: Ensure names match exactly across documents to avoid rejection or delays.

Do I Need to Travel in My Old or New Name?

If your passport is still in your old name, but your travel tickets are in your new name, airlines will not accept it. Your passport and travel documents must match. This is why urgent processing is often essential after a name change.

How NextDay Passport Helps

• We book your appointment at the nearest Passport Office.
• We attend the appointment on your behalf with your signed consent letter.
• We check your documents in advance to minimise risk of delays.
• We track the passport until it’s delivered by courier.

Get in touch on WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk to start today.

Typical Timeline

• Day 1–2: Appointment booking (we’ll find the earliest slot available).
• Day 3–4: Attend appointment (or we attend with consent).
• Within 1 week: New passport delivered by secure courier.

Quick Checklist

• Book a Fast Track appointment (cannot use Premium).
• Bring your old passport.
• Bring your marriage certificate or decree absolute/deed poll.
• Provide updated passport photos.
• Prepare a signed consent letter if you’d like us to attend the appointment for you.

FAQs

Can I travel with my old passport if it’s still valid?
Only if your travel documents (tickets, bookings) are in the same name. If not, you’ll be refused travel.

Is Fast Track guaranteed within a week?
HM Passport Office aims to deliver within 7 days of the appointment, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete. We check everything in advance to minimise risk.

Do both parties need to be present?
No — only the applicant (or authorised representative) needs to attend with the correct documents.

Need urgent help today? Message us on WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk. We’ll guide you step by step and can even attend the appointment for you.