How Do I Change My Name In The UK? The Full UK Guide to Legally Changing Your Name By Deed Poll
- UK Deed Poll Agency
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
Want To Change Your Name? Learn how to legally change your name in the UK by Deed Poll. Get a Deed of Change of Name (Deed Poll) Fast, with same-day delivery from the UK Deed Poll Agency plus, no solicitor is required. Your name change made easy.
If you want to change your name, whether after marriage or civil partnership, a divorce or end of a relationship, or simply because you prefer a different name, the easiest and most recognised method is through a deed poll. Many people are surprised by how straightforward the process to change a name in the UK can be, and this guide provides clear guidance on changing your name using the deed poll process trusted throughout the UK.
Whether you wish to alter your first name, adopt a new surname, or take on a name following marriage, this full guide explains how to update the name on your passport, your driving licence, bank accounts, and the name on their records held by every major organisation.
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INDEX
Did You Know?
According to Notary.co.uk, on average, 60,000 people legally change their name in the UK every year, with 95.75% of people choosing the Unenrolled Deed Poll option with agencies such as the UK Deed Poll Agency, and only 4.25% of people choosing the Enrolled Deed Poll option with the Royal Courts of Justice through Gov.uk, and having their name change publised in The Gazette.
What Does It Mean to Change My Name by Deed Poll?
To legally change your name, you need a formal document that confirms you have abandoned your old name and adopted a new name. Most people choose to make a deed poll, because a deed poll they will accept is recognised by the passport office, employers, banks, the NHS, and schools.
A name by deed poll is widely used because it enables you to start using a new name quickly and efficiently. Although you may legally adopt any name without a court order, almost every organisation will ask for proof of your name change, which means you need a deed poll unless you are using a marriage certificate, a marriage or civil partnership certificate, or a finalised decree following a divorce or end of marriage.
If you are changing your name following marriage, some people choose a poll to take your spouse’s surname, but others prefer a fully updated deed poll to take a fresh identity. Both are valid. Some authorities may only accept an enrolled option depending on the country, but for most individuals, an unenrolled deed poll is more than sufficient.
There are two main types of change of name deeds available in the UK, each with benefits depending on your circumstances.
An unenrolled deed poll is the most common way people change their name. It is issued privately and is completely valid nationwide. Most individuals choose this option because it is fast, affordable, and can be used instantly to start using your new identity.
An enrolled deed poll is filed as a public record through the courts and published in The Gazette. Some foreign authorities or specialist roles prefer or require an enrolled deed poll to change identities. The process involves a statutory declaration, which must be drawn up and witnessed. A statutory declaration is a document sometimes witnessed by a notary public, a justice of the peace, or similar authority.
If your circumstances require it, you can follow the formal route to record a change of name with the appropriate registry. In Scotland, this may involve the national records of Scotland or scottish courts and tribunals service, depending on the case.
Option 1: The Unenrolled (Private) Deed Poll
This is the most common and most practical way to change your name in the UK.
How It Works
Choose your new name: It could be your first, middle, last name, or all of them.
Apply online: It’s done securely at the UK Deed Poll Agency.
Receive your Deed Poll: Most times, legal Deed Poll documents are sent within a couple of days or electronically the same day.
Sign and witness it: This is done to confirm it's legally binding.
Start using your new name: Your Deed Poll allows you to change both personal and official documents.
Benefits of a Private Deed Poll
Fast processing: Get same-day electronic delivery for a low cost of £14.97.
No legal or court fees: You won’t need a solicitor or to go to court.
Fully recognised: Accepted by the Passport Office, DVLA, HMRC, ALL banks, schools and employers.
Privacy: Your name change isn’t public, unlike with an enrolled Deed Poll.
For 99% of the public, this is more than enough to legally change and recognise your name all over the UK.
Option 2: The Enrolled Deed Poll from Gov.uk
This is an option of Deed Poll that is registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. It is public record, which means your new and your old names are published in The Gazette.
How It Works
You need to fill out specific court forms, statutory declaration in front of a solicitor, and have to pay the government fee (approximately £50.32).
The approval and publication process may take several weeks.
Once approved, your change of name is a public legal record.
When to Choose an Enrolled Deed Poll
While most UK bodies will accept a standard version, some foreign agencies accept an enrolled deed poll only. When in doubt, contact the deed poll office or review the official resources such as the deed poll on gov.uk. The deed poll to change or establish a new identity can still be used alongside a statutory declaration, depending on what is required.
You need more verification for foreign authorities.
You may be looking into specific official or legal positions.
There is also the preference for the name change to be in the public record for the sake of transparency.
While valid, it is true that this option is slower and incurs higher costs, which is why the majority of people taking the unenrolled Deed Poll route do so on the recommendation of a private agency they trust.
Which Type of Deed Poll Is Right for You?
Deciding between enrolled and unenrolled mainly comes down to your specific situation:
Factor | Unenrolled Deed Poll | Enrolled Deed Poll |
Speed | Same-day electronic delivery | Several weeks |
Cost | £14.97 | £50+ |
Privacy | Completely private | Published publicly |
Recognition | Fully accepted across the UK | Fully accepted |
Best For | Adults, children, everyday use | Legal professions, overseas use |
Most adults will find the private option most suitable, as it provides legal documentation alongside quick and cost-effective services.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name by Deed Poll in the UK
There is nothing complicated about it when the steps are simple. You can follow these simple instructions to ensure that all the official bodies recognize your name change.
Step 1: Choose Your New Name
Your new name:
Should have standard letters (no numbers and symbols).
Should be pronounceable and not misleading (You can’t pretend to royalty or be called “Dr” unless you have a doctorate).
Should not have offensive words and not use trademarked words.
This is a big decision so take your time. This name will be on all your future documents.
Step 2: Apply for a Deed Poll Online
Completing a Deed Poll application with the UK Deed Poll Agency takes a few minutes. You only need to go to the application page, pick your type (Adult, Child, or Replacement), and fill out the secure form.
After submitting your application:
You will immediately receive your Deed Poll via email or by post in 1-2 days.
Each Deed Poll will contain instructions on how to sign and witness the document.
This approach saves you time and money, prevents you from paying a solicitor, and guarantees that your Deed Poll satisfies all UK legal requirements.
Step 3: Sign and Witness Your Deed Poll
Deed Poll becomes legal when signed it Infront of two witnesses. A witness must be:
18 years
Know signatories
Unrelated to signatories or each
UK residents
Witness must sign full names and addresses. With this, your Deed Poll becomes an official document.
Step 4: Notify Organisations
After the Deed Poll is signed, you can start name change updating everywhere. Common organisations to notify are:
HM Passport Office
DVLA
HMRC
Banks and credit card companies
Employers and payroll departments
Universities, schools, and healthcare providers
Utility companies and council tax
Remember to make certified copies of your Deed Poll, so you can keep the original in a safe place.
Step 5: Keep Your Deed Poll Safe
Deed Poll does not expire and is valid for life. Keep the original safe and use extra copies for your own convenience. If you lose it, you can request for a Deed Poll replacement from the UK Deed Poll Agency at any time.
Special Cases to Consider
Despite the generality of the name change process, some name changes situations need extra steps. Some of the special cases include child name changes, lost Deed Polls, and name change requests from British citizens living abroad.
Changing a Child’s Name
To change a child’s name, everyone with parental responsibility must consent. Some authorities also require need to provide evidence of consent. Once updated, schools and government departments will reflect the new identity.
The UK Deed Poll Agency provides the Child Deed Poll service, which is affordable and completely recognized throughout the UK.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Deed Poll
In the event your old Deed Poll was damaged or lost, you may request a Replacement Deed Poll. This is proof of your name change and serves in continuation of your legal records.
Following Marriage or Divorce
If you have a previous name you wish to revert to, or you are updating your identity following marriage, you can also use a poll to change your name to establish clarity across all systems.
Non-UK Residents
You can also request a UK Deed Poll if you are British and living abroad. While you might need to translate or notarise it, Deed Polls from the UK are accepted in most countries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using unverified templates: Templates and forms that are unofficial or free may not comply with UK legal requirements.
Not having proper witnesses: Witness details, incorrect or incomplete, can lead to invalid documentation.
Forgetting to update key records: Remember to notify HMRC, banks, and the passport office in real-time or these omissions can lead to record errors.
Choosing names with banned words: Names that imply titles or contain certain symbols may be refused, so be careful with your choices.
Losing your Deed Poll: Keep this important document in a safe space and ensure you have certified copies.
The Deed Poll Agency UK can help you avoid the above nightmares. Each one of our customers gets fully compliant documents and ongoing assistance.
Why Thousands Choose the UK Deed Poll Agency
When changing your name, your service has to be swift, legal, and accepted in all areas of the UK. This is why the UK Deed Poll Agency is a popular option.
We explain how to change your name efficiently, how to become able to change documents fluidly, and how to complete the process with minimal stress. Clients often request assistance when they need to update the name on your birth documents or when they must prepare need to provide evidence to certain authorities.
Trusted and Recognised Nationwide
All documents issued are legally valid throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Accepted by:
The Passport Office
The DVLA
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Banks, schools and employers
Affordable and Transparent
You can apply online for £14.97, which is considerably cheaper than legal or court fees and the service is quick. There are no hidden fees.
Secure and Confidential
Your data is kept safe and not shared. Unlike enrolled Deed Polls, your name change is kept confidential and off public record.
Instant Delivery Options
You will receive your legal Deed Poll via email on the same day or through post service in a few days. You can pick the option that best fits your needs.
Comprehensive Support
The FAQ section and the customer support staff will assist you through every step of the process from name selection to ID updates.
How Long Does the Process Take?
How long it takes to change your name by Deed Poll in the UK mostly depend on how you apply and how quickly you update your records. With UK Deed Poll Agency, it is fast and simple:
Online Application: The secure form takes a few minutes to complete.
Electronic Delivery: Official Deed Poll is emailed to you on the same day.
Postal Delivery: Deed Poll is sent by post within one to two working days.
Updating Records: Notify banks, HMRC, the Passport Office, and a few other organisations. This usually takes two to three weeks.
Overall Timeline: Most people complete the full process in less than a month, including all document updates.
Selecting the unenrolled Deed Poll option through the UK Deed Poll Agency is faster and more convenient than the enrolled court option, which may take a few extra weeks for completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a private Deed Poll legal in the UK?
An unenrolled Deed Poll from a recognized private agency is legal and is recognized by all UK public or private sector institutions and banks.
Q2: Do I need a solicitor?
No, you can apply directly online with the UK Deed Poll Agency no solicitors, court or legal fees and absolutely no headaches.
Q3: How long does it take to get my Deed Poll?
You will receive it electronically on the same day or by post in two working days.
Q4: Can I change my child’s name?
You can change your child’s name as long as all the people with parental responsibility agrees. You can use the Child Deed Poll service to do this.
Q5: Will it work for passports and banks?
Of course, UK banks and government offices recognize Deed Polls from the UK Deed Poll Agency and will provide full services.
Q6: Is there a limit on how many times you can change your name
No, you can change your name as many times as you wish.
Q7: Is a deed poll expensive?
Not at all; most people are surprised by how much simpler and cheaper it is than expected.
Q8: Is a solicitor required?
Not usually. You only need a solicitor if commissioning a specialist form.
Q9: Can I change the name on my Birth Certificate?
No. Your Birth Certificate cannot be change.
Conclusion
If you plan to legally change your name, whether you want a new name after marriage, to revert to a previous name, or simply because you prefer something else, the deed poll is the most efficient method recognised across the UK. Once complete, you can confidently update all records, including your passport, DVLA records, banking details, and more.
With modern services, the process to change identities is clearer than ever. You can change my name, prepare documents online, and have everything ready for official updates in days.
Starting this journey allows you to move forward confidently and change your name smoothly with full legal recognition everywhere you need it.
At the UK Deed Poll Agency, getting your name changed is quick, safe, and affordable. For only £14.97, you won’t have to hire a solicitor, pay court fees, and you can even get same-day delivery. Whether you are changing your name, changing your child’s name, or getting a lost document, we have all the services you need.
So, stop wondering about how do i change my name and get started with your new chapter today with confidence. Visit the UK Deed Poll Agency to apply online in a few minutes and get your official Deed Poll, which is legally recognised anywhere in the UK.
