Change your name in London

You can change your name in London at any time.

The usual way to do this is with a deed poll.

Who can change their name

To change your name, you must be aged 16 or over.

For a child under 16, see the guide to changing a child's name.

Changing your name by deed poll

A deed poll is a legal document that records your old name and your new name. You sign it in front of 2 witnesses, who then sign it too.

Once signed, your deed poll is accepted as proof of your new name by organisations such as HM Passport Office, the DVLA and banks in the United Kingdom.

Your name changes legally as soon as you and your witnesses have signed.

How it works

1. Apply online

Apply online with the London Deed Poll Office. You will be asked for:

• your current name
• your new name
• your address
• an email address

Your deed poll will be posted to you, with instructions on how to sign it.

2. Sign with 2 witnesses

You need to sign your deed poll in front of 2 witnesses, who then sign it as well.

Each witness must be 18 or older and know you personally. A witness cannot be a close relative or live at your address. Read more about who can be a witness.

3. Start using your new name

Show your deed poll to the organisations that hold your records, so they can update your name.

Applying online costs £25, and you can pay by debit or credit card.

Choosing your new name

Any part of your name can change, including your first name, middle names and surname. You can also add or remove names, or change the spelling of a name.

Your new name must not:

• contain numbers or symbols, apart from hyphens and apostrophes
• be offensive
• suggest a title you do not hold, such as Doctor or Lord

Read more about names you cannot use.

After you change your name

You need to tell the organisations that hold your records about your new name. Each one will usually ask to see your deed poll.

The DVLA will update the name on your driving licence free of charge. Read more about updating your driving licence.

There is no need to replace your passport right away. You can carry on using it until it expires, but you must book any travel in the name it shows. Read more about updating your passport.

See the full list of who to tell.

Registering your name change

You do not need to register your name change. There is no central register of names in London or anywhere else in the UK.

Your deed poll is your proof of the change, and you show it to each organisation when you update your records.

If your circumstances are different

If you are getting married

You can usually take your spouse's or civil partner's surname using your marriage or civil partnership certificate. Other changes, such as a double-barrelled surname, may need a deed poll. Read more about changing your name when you marry.

If you are getting divorced

To go back to an earlier surname, you may be able to use your marriage certificate and divorce documents. Some organisations will ask for a deed poll instead. Read more about changing your name after a divorce.

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen

Your nationality does not affect whether you can change your name by deed poll in London. You can use your deed poll to update UK documents, including your eVisa and driving licence. Read more about changing your name as a foreign national.

If you are transgender

You can change your name by deed poll without a gender recognition certificate or any medical evidence. Read more about changing your name as a transgender person.

If you are 16 or 17

You do not need anyone's permission to change your name. Read more about changing your name at 16 or 17.