​One frequently asked question over the last five years has been about name changes. Many of us have changed our surname, first name or both while living in the UK, where this can be done without fuss. It isn't, however, common practice in France, although it can be done as long as you have 'motif légitime' for wanting to do so. 

When you have a UK birth certificate in one name and a passport in another, it can sometimes be difficult to convince the French authorities of your 'new' name, even if you've been known by it for decades - especially if you don't have a deed poll or statutory declaration, neither of which are required in the UK for a name change..


The British Embassy has recently updated and extended its helpful document which explains, in French and English, the situation around name changes in the UK - this can be used for many different administrative purposes where a birth certificate is required.

​You can download and print it here or read the document below.​

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