How to Change Your Name by Deed Poll
If you’ve decided to legally change your name in the United Kingdom using a deed poll, the next step is understanding exactly how to do it. A deed poll is a straightforward legal document, but you must follow the correct steps to ensure your name change is legally recognised.
What is a Deed Poll?
A deed poll is a legal document that serves as official proof of your name change. It acts as a declaration that you have abandoned your previous name and will use your new name for all purposes moving forward.
A deed poll allows you to update your official documents, including your passport, driving licence, bank records, and employment records, ensuring that your new name is legally recognised everywhere.
Who Can Get a Deed Poll?
Anyone in the UK can legally change their name by deed poll as long as they meet the following criteria:
- You must be 16 or older to apply independently (children under 16 require parental consent).
- Your new name must not be chosen for the purpose of committing fraud.
- Your new name should not contain symbols, numbers, or anything offensive.
How to Change Your Name Using a Deed Poll
1. Apply for a Deed Poll
The first step is to get an official deed poll document. This document formally states that you are changing your name and will use it in all aspects of your life. You can apply for a professionally prepared deed poll online in minutes from Deedly.
Once your application is processed, you will receive your deed poll by post within 1-3 days.
2. Execute Your Deed Poll
For your deed poll to be legally valid, you must 'execute' it by signing and dating it in the presence of two independent witnesses who know you personally.
Who Can be a Witness?
- Both witnesses must be 18 or older.
- They must be independent - this means they cannot be a relative or live at the same address as you.
- Friends, neighbours, or colleagues are commonly used as witnesses.
3. Update Your Name with Official Organisations
Once your deed poll is signed and witnessed, you can start using your new name immediately. However, to make the change official in practical terms, you need to update your records with various organisations, including:
- Government offices (passport, driving licence, HMRC, DVLA etc.)
- Banks and financial institutions
- Medical records (GP, NHS, private healthcare providers)
- Employers and educational institutions
You'll need to show your executed deed poll document as proof that your name has been legally changed.
4. Enjoy Your New Name!
Once you’ve updated all necessary records, your name change is complete! You can now fully embrace your new name in all areas of life.
FAQs
Do I need to enrol my deed poll?
For most people, enrolling a deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice is unnecessary. Enrolling is mainly for those who want their name change officially recorded in the public domain, such as for legal or historical reasons. A standard, unenrolled deed poll is equally legally valid and accepted by all UK government bodies.
How many copies of my deed poll do I need?
It’s a good idea to order several additional copies of your deed poll, which you can sign and witness at the same time. You’ll need to send your deed poll to each of your record holders, and since it can take weeks for it to be returned to you, having several copies allows you to update multiple records simultaneously.
Photocopies
Your deed poll is a legal document, and photocopies won’t be accepted as proof of your name change unless they’ve been certified by a solicitor. We strongly recommend ordering 6-8 additional original copies of your deed poll when you apply.
Do I need to register my deed poll with the government?
No, the government does not maintain an official registry for deed polls, nor does it offer a direct name change service. However, your signed and properly witnessed deed poll serves as full legal proof of your name change in the United Kingdom.