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Married but your surname has not changed

Learn how to complete the DBS application if you are married and use “Mrs” or “Ms” but have kept your original surname, including how to answer the name‑change question so the system accepts your details correctly.

Written by Ben Nicholas

Our system follows DBS guidelines for capturing name changes.

Because of this, when you select the title “Mrs” or “Ms”, the system assumes there may have been a name change. The DBS understands this is not always true (for example, if you kept your birth surname after marriage).

You can still complete the application correctly by confirming that your surname has not changed.

How to proceed if your surname is the same

To move forward with the form:

  1. When asked if you have changed your name, select “Yes”.

  2. When prompted to enter your new / current surname, enter the same surname as before.

  3. Enter the used until date as the date you married.

By doing this, you:

  • Demonstrate that your title has changed, and

  • Clearly confirm that your surname has not actually changed.

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