Getting married is a life-changing event that requires you to make a few legal changes to your documents. One of the common questions that newlyweds ask is whether they need to change their birth certificate after marriage. The answer to this question depends on a few factors. In this guide, we will discuss if and how you can change your birth certificate after marriage in the UK.
How Does Marriage Affect Your Legal Documents?
Getting married affects your legal status and requires you to update your legal documents. Here are some of the documents that you should update after getting married:
· Passport
· Driving licence
· Bank accounts
· Tax records
· Insurance policies
· Will
As for your birth certificate, you do not need to change it after getting married. Your birth certificate is a historical record of your birth and does not change based on your marital status.
However, if you want to change your name after marriage, you will need to update your legal documents, including your birth certificate. Changing your name is a personal choice, and it is not a legal requirement. If you decide to change your name, you must follow the legal process of changing your name, which includes updating your birth certificate.
How to Change Your Birth Certificate After Marriage To change your birth certificate after marriage, you must follow a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. You can get a copy of your marriage certificate here.
Complete the application form for changing your birth certificate. You can download the application form from the General Register Office website or get it from your local register office.
Submit your application form along with your marriage certificate and payment. The fee for changing your birth certificate is £97. You can pay online or by cheque or postal order.
Documents You Need to Provide to Change Your Birth Certificate
To change your birth certificate after marriage, you will need to provide the following documents:
· Your original birth certificate
· Your marriage certificate
· Your passport or driving licence as identification
What If You Were Born Abroad?
If you were born abroad, you will need to register your marriage with the General Register Office in the UK. Once your marriage is registered, you can apply to change your birth certificate by following the same steps as if you were born in the UK.
How Long Does It Take to Change Your Birth Certificate?
It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to change your birth certificate after marriage. However, it can take longer if there are errors in your application or if the General Register Office needs additional information.
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