Sharing a surname without getting married

In Northern Ireland, you can share a surname with your partner without getting married. You can take your partner's surname, combine your surnames or choose a new one together.

Whoever changes their name will need a deed poll. A deed poll is a legal document that changes your name.

Taking your partner's surname

One of you can change your surname to match the other's. For example, Sarah Jones and David Smith could become Sarah Smith and David Smith.

Only the partner changing their name needs a deed poll.

Combining your surnames

You can combine your surnames, with or without a hyphen, in either order. For example, Sarah Jones and David Smith could both become Jones-Smith.

Each of you needs your own deed poll.

Choosing a new surname together

You can both change to a surname neither of you has now. For example, Sarah Jones and David Smith could both become Taylor.

Each of you needs your own deed poll. There is no joint deed poll for couples.

You can choose almost any surname. Find out more about names you cannot use.

Proving your relationship

You do not need to prove your relationship. Your deed poll is all you need to show your new name.

Applying at the same time

If you are both changing your name, you do not need to apply at the same time. Applying together means you can update your records at the same time.

If you have children

Children do not need to share a surname with their parents.

If you want to change your children's names to match yours, everyone with parental responsibility must agree. Find out more about changing your child's name.

If you separate

If you separate later, you can keep your name, go back to your previous name or choose a new one.

You will usually need a new deed poll to change your name again.

Updating your records

Once you have changed your name, you need to tell the organisations that hold your records. Each one will ask to see your deed poll.

Find out more about who to tell.

Apply for a deed poll

It costs £25 to apply for a deed poll with the NI Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.