Change of name

a) British law permits name changes after marriage.  However, the change of name is not displayed on British marriage certificates.

b) The Consulate, on the other hand, must attest the name change. One of the following documents displaying the change of name must be submitted (original and photocopy):

   a) British passport; or
   b) British visa with photo or biometric residence permit card; or
   c) British driving licence; or
   d) CitizenCard (former Validate UK - proof of age); or
   e) British birth certificate of the couple's child.

c) Deed polls (British notarial document) are not accepted as proof of name change for the Brazilian spouse, although it is accepted for the foreign / British spouse.

d) The absence of proof of name change prevents the surname from being registered in the Brazilian marriage certificate or in any other consular service that might eventually be requested.

e) Change of name can be carried out later, within the subsequent six months, as long as the consular marriage certificate has not yet been transcribed in Brazil, by mailing  (click here to learn how to send the application) the following documents to the Consulate: 

• Completed application
• Original and photocopy of the consular marriage certificate
• Original and photocopy of one of the documents displaying the change of name:
     a) British passport; or
     b) British visa with photo or biometric residence permit card; or
     c) British driving licence; or
     d) CitizenCard (former Validate UK - proof of age); or
     e) British birth certificate of the couple's child. 
  
• Confirmation of consular fee paid in the amount of £5.00, for issuing a certified copy of an entry of marriage

f) Forename changes, even if attested by a British official document, are only possible if by means of court decision in Brazil.