Getting married or changing your name? Your nursing council needs to know. A mismatch between your name and your registration can delay jobs, pay and overseas applications.
Imagine sending your documents for an overseas job, and the new regulator rejects them because your certificate is in your maiden name, your passport has your married name, and your registration has a mix of both.
When to update your name
- After marriage or civil partnership
- After divorce, if you return to a previous name
- After any legal name change
Documents usually needed
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree or legal name-change document
- Proof of identity in your new name, such as a passport
- Certified copies or translations if documents are in another language
How to do it
- Log in to your nursing council’s online account or download the change form
- Upload or send the required documents
- Pay any fee
- Check the register shows your new name
- Tell your employer, indemnity provider and professional bodies
If you plan to work abroad
Keep all name-change documents together. Overseas regulators often need to see the link between every name on your certificates, transcripts, registration and passport.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my maiden name at work?
Usually yes, as long as your registration name matches the name you use professionally. Check your council’s rules.
Will my registration number change?
Usually not. Your number normally stays the same.
But it’s just a name
For regulators, matching names prove identity. A small mismatch can cause long delays.
Your next step: If your name has changed, check your nursing register entry today.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK), Ahpra, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, national nursing councils.
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