Surname problem on BRP appointment letter

[Amethyst]

I have been in the UK for 16 years, since marrying my British husband. I retained my maiden name, but have NEVER managed to get the Home Office to use it, despite several attempts. I received my Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2003, but it used my MARRIED name. Now I’ve had to apply for the Biometric Residence Permit to replace the ILR vignette in my passport. I used my maiden name throughout the application, and sent piles of identifying evidence, but my appointment letter has arrived using my married name.

I wouldn’t consider this a problem, except that ALL my other documents use my original name: old and current (U.S.) passports, bank accounts, driving licence, bills, tax documents and pension records. Even my certificate from the Life in the UK test is in my maiden name. I’m afraid that if I just give up and get the BRP in my married name, it won’t be accepted by potential employers. I don’t know what to do! If I can’t get the Home Office to change it, should I just get the biometric card in the married name and be ready to show my marriage licence to employers? Won’t this cause problems because the name won’t match my passport? Won’t it complicate things when I leave or re-enter the country?

[zimba]

How did you change your name in the UK ? Did you apply to keep your maiden name along with your husband's surname via deed poll ?
The document that proves you legally changed your name in any shape or form is the deed poll certificate

[Amethyst]

Thank you very much for responding.

No, I have never had a name change via deed poll. I didn’t think it was necessary, as I was just keeping my own old surname instead of taking my husband’s surname. I thought it was just a matter of not changing it. Is this something I should have made official by going through the deed poll process?

All other agencies do accept and use my old surname, but the Home Office does not. Now I’ve got 13 days to get my biometric information recorded at a post office, and I’m afraid I won’t have enough time to get this fixed before the deadline. I would, ideally, like to continue using my old surname, but I don’t mind changing to my husband’s surname if necessary.

[zimba]

NO, you do not need to change your name unless you wish to.
You do not automatically get your husbands surname and your name will NEVER change legally or automatically just because of marriage. In the UK, you legally must apply via deed poll for ANY name changes under ANY circumstance if you wish to change your name/surname.
If you never done that, your name/surname remains as it is in your passport and no other name should be used on any application or anywhere at all.
If HO used a different name, you need to inform them of this mistake and correct it before going for Biometrics.
Please contact UKVI at appointmentexceptions@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

[Amethyst]

Will do so immediately. Thanks very much for the suggestion and that email address!