I've lost my Deed Poll, how do I get a replacement Deed Poll? Getting a replacement Deed Poll document for a lost Deed Poll is easier than you think with the leading UK Deed Poll Agency
- UK Deed Poll Agency
- Nov 9
- 27 min read
Just Need A Replacement Deed Poll and Fast?
Apply for a Replacement Deed Poll by completing our quick, easy and secure online application form.
Request your Replacement Deed Poll to be delivered by email today, or by post within a couple of days for only £14.97.
Losing important documents is frustrating, and discovering you've misplaced your deed poll can feel particularly stressful, especially when you need it urgently for your passport, driving licence, or bank account. Whether you need to apply for a replacement deed poll, obtain a copy, or prove your name change, the good news is that getting a replacement deed poll is straightforward, and you're certainly not alone – UK deed poll services help hundreds of people in your exact situation every week.
This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know about replacing a lost deed poll in the UK, from understanding whether you need a deed poll or statutory declaration to completing your online application form correctly the first time. Whether you've lost your original deed poll, need to apply for a replacement deed, need an enrolled deed poll replacement, or require a legal copy and archive service, we'll cover all your options for people who have lost their original and lost their deed poll document.
Contents:
What Should I Do First If I've Lost My Deed Poll?
Before you panic or start filling out forms, take a moment to consider these three questions:
1. Did you use a legal copy and archive service when you originally got your deed poll?
Many deed poll services have offered legal copy and archive services since around May 2000. If you opted for this when you changed your name, you might be able to order a certified copy or legal copy of your original document rather than applying for an entirely new one. Check your emails or paperwork from when you first changed your name – there might be information about an archive service.
2. Do you remember which company you used for your original deed poll?
If you remember the provider, contact them directly. They'll be able to tell you if they hold a copy of your deed poll on file and what your options are. Even if they don't have an archived copy, some providers offer discounted rates for returning clients who apply for a new deed poll.
3. Was your deed poll enrolled with the Royal Courts of Justice?
While most people in the UK use unenrolled deed polls (they're cheaper and work perfectly well for most purposes), some people choose to enroll their deed poll on the public record at the Royal Courts of Justice. If you enrolled yours, you can request a copy or obtain an enrolled deed poll certificate from their records. This typically costs around £50 and takes several weeks, but provides an official enrolled deed poll document.
Understanding Your Options for Replacing a Lost Deed Poll
Once you've established whether an archived copy exists, you'll have a clearer picture of your next steps. Let's break down your options for obtaining a copy or ordering a replacement deed poll:
Option 1: Request a Copy of Your Archived Deed Poll (If Your Original Deed Poll Was Archived)
If you used a legal copy and archive service and your original deed poll provider still has your document on file, you can request a certified copy. This is essentially a legal copy of your original deed poll, stamped and certified as a true copy – sometimes called an archived deed poll or legal copy of your archived deed poll.
Advantages:
It's a copy of your actual original document with the original date
Usually faster and less expensive than applying for a new deed poll
Requires minimal paperwork since the provider already has your details
Typical cost: £10-£20, depending on the provider
Processing time: Usually 2-3 working days, with express options available
Option 2: Order a Replacement Deed Poll or Apply for a New Deed Poll
If no archived copy exists (which is the case for most people who have lost their original), you'll need to apply for a replacement deed poll or apply for a new deed poll. This is a completely new deed poll document that proves your name change happened in the past, serving as a replacement document for your lost deed poll. You can complete an online application form to order a replacement deed poll quickly and easily.
Here's what many people don't realize: a replacement deed poll isn't documenting a new name change – it's creating fresh evidence of a change of name that already occurred. Think of it as getting a replacement birth certificate: you're not being born again, you're just getting a new copy of the documentation using the deed poll process.
How the deed poll process works:
You complete a standard deed poll application form (available as an online application form)
On the form, you indicate that this is to prove a past change of name – often called a "retroactive deed poll"
You provide the approximate date (at least the year) when your name was changed using your original deed poll
The replacement deed poll document can include a special declaration stating you've been using your current name for all purposes since that particular date
This declaration is crucial because it clearly shows anyone you show your replacement deed poll to (like the Passport Office, DVLA, or your bank) that this isn't a fresh change of name – it's replacement documentation for a name change shown on your lost deed poll that happened years ago. This helps organizations understand that your name was changed in the past when using the deed poll.
Typical cost: £20-£50, depending on the provider and service level
Processing time:
Standard service: 2-5 working days
Express service: Next working day
Premium service: Same day (with some providers)
Can I Get a Copy or Order a Replacement If I Changed My Name Through Another Provider?
Absolutely. One of the most misunderstood aspects of getting a replacement deed poll is that you can obtain a copy or apply for a new deed poll regardless of how you originally changed your name.
You can apply for a replacement deed poll even if:
You changed your name with a different deed poll service or solicitor and lost that original deed poll
Your original deed poll was done years or even decades ago
You changed your name through marriage or divorce and need a deed poll document as additional proof
You never had a formal deed poll but have been using your new name for years (known as "change of name by usage" or an unenrolled deed poll by usage)
Your original deed poll provider is no longer in business
You need to replicate the name change shown on your lost deed poll document
The UK doesn't maintain a central register of name changes (unlike births, marriages, and deaths), which means there's no official database to check your previous change of name against. This makes replacement deed polls completely legitimate and widely accepted as a deed poll to replace your lost document.
How to Apply for a Replacement Deed Poll and Get a Copy: Step-by-Step Deed Poll Application
Getting a replacement deed poll or applying for a new deed poll is refreshingly straightforward. Here's exactly what you need to do to order a replacement deed poll:
Step 1: Choose a Reputable UK Deed Poll Service
Look for established UK deed poll services with good reviews, clear pricing, and helpful customer support. Check they're transparent about what's included and their delivery timeframes. Legitimate deed poll providers will have proper contact details, including a phone number and physical address. Many offer both an online application form and postal application options.
Step 2: Gather the Information You'll Need for Your Deed Poll Application
Before starting your online application form, have this information ready:
Your current name (the new name you've been using for all purposes)
Your former name or previous name (the name you had before the change of name)
The approximate date you changed your name (the year is usually sufficient)
How you originally changed your name (deed poll to change your name, marriage, statutory declaration, or change of name by usage)
Details of all your name changes if you've changed your name since changing your name using another deed poll
Step 3: Complete the Application Form Correctly to Get a Copy
This is where people applying for a replacement often get confused, so pay close attention to entering your name details on the application form:
If you haven't changed your name since changing your name using the deed poll you lost:
Enter your former name in the "current name boxes"
Enter your current name in the "new name boxes"
Yes, this feels counterintuitive! But remember, you're replicating the name change shown on your lost deed poll document. The application form is showing the change from your old name to your current name, just as your original deed poll did when your name was changed.
If you've changed your name since changing your name using the deed poll you lost:
Contact the deed poll provider before applying
Explain the details of all your name changes with approximate dates
They'll advise you how to complete the application form correctly
Most UK deed poll services allow you to add an optional modification to your deed poll to include a declaration stating you've been using your current name for all purposes since a particular date. We strongly recommend including this modification – it makes it crystal clear that you're not making a new change of name but replacing a lost deed poll document.
Step 4: Choose Your Service Level and Complete Payment
Decide whether you need:
Standard service (usually fine for non-urgent situations)
Express service (if you need your deed poll within a few days)
Premium same-day service (for genuine emergencies)
Consider whether you need additional services like:
Multiple certified copies (so you always have a legal copy)
Archive service (legal copy and archive service to prevent losing it again!)
Solicitor witnessing (required for statutory declarations)
Birth certificate alongside your deed poll for complete documentation
Step 5: Sign and Witness Your Deed Poll
Once your replacement deed poll arrives, you'll need to:
Sign it using your new name (your current name for all purposes) with your normal signature
Have it witnessed by an independent person who is:
Over 18 years old
Not related to you
Not living at your address
Common witnesses include friends, colleagues, neighbors, or professionals like doctors or teachers. The witness will need to provide their full name, address, and signature to create a valid deed poll document.
Important: Don't sign your deed poll until it arrives and you've read it carefully to check all details of your name. If there are any errors in the names or dates, contact your deed poll provider immediately for a corrected version before signing.
What If I Changed My Name as a Child?
Children's deed polls (for those under 16) are slightly more complex because they require consent from everyone with parental responsibility.
If you're applying for a replacement child's deed poll, you'll need:
All parents or guardians with parental responsibility to consent
Evidence of parental responsibility (if you weren't the original applicant)
The child's current and former names
The approximate date of the original name change
If the child is now 16 years of age or over, they can apply for their own replacement deed poll as an adult and no longer need parental consent.
Will a Replacement Deed Poll Be Accepted by Official Organizations?
This is the question everyone asks about their lost deed poll, and the answer is yes – with one important caveat: your replacement deed poll document must be completed correctly with accurate details of your name.
Replacement deed polls are accepted by all major UK organizations, including:
HM Passport Office (for passport applications)
DVLA (for changing your driving licence)
UK banks and building societies
HMRC
Universities and educational institutions
Employers
Medical practices and NHS services
Utility companies
The key is ensuring the details match your other documents and that you can demonstrate a consistent name history. This is why including the declaration about when you started using your current name for all purposes is so helpful – it clearly shows the name change happened in the past.
What won't be accepted:
Photocopies of deed polls (unless certified by a solicitor as a certified copy)
Damaged or unclear deed poll documents
Deed polls with errors or inconsistencies in the names or dates
Replacement Deed Poll vs. Statutory Declaration: Which Document Do You Need?
Some deed poll providers might offer you a statutory declaration or lost statutory declaration instead of (or as an alternative to) a replacement deed poll. What's the difference, and which document proves your change of name better?
Deed Poll
A legal deed poll document that proves your change of name happened
Can be witnessed by anyone over 18
Widely accepted for all purposes including passport applications
Typically £20-£50
Statutory Declaration
A sworn statement confirming facts about your change of name
Must be witnessed by a solicitor, notary public, or commissioner for oaths
Additional witnessing fee (usually £5-£10 statutory charge)
Sometimes considered stronger evidence for proving a change of name that happened many years ago
Typically £25-£60 total
Can serve as a lost statutory declaration replacement
For most people applying for a replacement, a replacement deed poll is perfectly adequate. However, if you're proving a change of name from many years ago (perhaps decades), or if you're encountering resistance from a particular organization, a statutory declaration might be recommended. Reputable UK deed poll services will advise you based on your specific circumstances whether you need a deed poll to replace your lost document or a statutory declaration.
How Much Does It Cost to Order a Replacement Deed Poll in the UK?
Prices vary between deed poll providers, but here's what you can typically expect when you apply for a replacement deed poll or order a replacement:
Basic replacement deed poll: £20-£35
Includes one deed poll document
Standard processing (3-5 working days)
Basic customer support from the deed poll service
Standard service: £35-£50
Faster processing (2-3 working days)
Email support
Sometimes includes one legal copy or certified copy
Express service: £50-£75
Next working day delivery
Priority processing
Phone support from your deed poll provider
Usually includes multiple copies
Premium service: £75-£100+
Same-day processing (for orders placed before a certain time)
Guaranteed next-day delivery
Legal copy and archive service included
Multiple certified copies
Comprehensive support
Be wary of deed poll services charging significantly more than these amounts without clear justification. Also be cautious of services that seem unusually cheap – they might have hidden fees or provide poor quality documents that won't be accepted by official organisations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Replacement
Having helped thousands of people replace lost deed polls, here are the mistakes we see most often when people apply for a replacement deed poll:
1. Reversing the name order on the online application form
Remember: enter your former name in the "current name boxes" and your current name in the "new name boxes" to properly replicate the name change. If you're unsure about entering your name details, contact your deed poll provider for guidance before submitting.
2. Not requesting the date declaration
Always request the optional modification or declaration that states when you started using your current name for all purposes since a particular date. It prevents confusion and questions from organizations who need to verify your name change.
3. Choosing the cheapest option without checking reviews
A slightly more expensive service from a reputable UK deed poll service will save you time, stress, and potentially money if you have to redo a poorly prepared deed poll document.
4. Not keeping your replacement deed poll safe
Once you receive your replacement deed poll document, take immediate steps to protect it:
Make certified copies before you need them (get a legal copy certified by a solicitor)
Store the original in a secure place
Consider using a legal copy and archive service
Keep a note of your deed poll provider's contact details
5. Waiting until you urgently need it
If you've realized your deed poll is lost but don't need it immediately, apply for a replacement now while you're not under pressure. You'll make better decisions and have time to query any issues with your deed poll service.
What If You Need Your Replacement Deed Poll Urgently to Change Your Name?
Life doesn't always give us advance notice. If you need your replacement deed poll quickly for your passport office application or other urgent matters to change your name, here's what to do:
For next-day delivery:
Order before the deed poll provider's cut-off time (usually 2pm-3pm)
Choose express or priority service
Provide a delivery address where someone can sign for the deed poll document
Double-check all details of your name before submitting to avoid delays
For same-day processing:
Look for UK deed poll services offering premium same-day services
Contact them directly by phone
Be prepared to pay a premium (typically £75-£100)
You may need to collect from their office or use a same-day courier
Emergency passport applications: If you need a replacement deed poll for an emergency passport application, explain your situation to both your deed poll service and HM Passport Office. You may be able to get fast-track processing from both to use your deed poll for your passport.
Protecting Your New Deed Poll (So You Don't Lose Another Deed Poll Again)
Once you receive your replacement deed poll document, take these steps to ensure you don't find yourself with another lost deed poll in the same situation again:
Create Multiple Certified Copies of Your Deed Poll
Visit a solicitor or notary public and ask them to certify several copies of your replacement deed poll. These certified copies or legal copies can be kept in different locations:
One in your home's important documents folder
One with a trusted family member or friend
One in a bank safe deposit box (if you have one)
Certified copies of a lost deed poll replacement are accepted by most UK organizations and cost around £5-£10 per copy of your deed poll to certify.
Use a Legal Copy and Archive Service
Many UK deed poll providers now offer legal copy and archive services for a small fee (usually £10-£20). Your signed deed poll document is scanned and securely stored, allowing you to order certified copies or a legal copy of your archived deed poll anytime in the future without needing to apply for another replacement deed poll. This service is essential for people who have lost their original and want to prevent future issues.
Go Digital (Carefully) with a Copy of Your Deed Poll
While you should keep your original deed poll safe, you can also:
Scan or photograph your signed deed poll at high resolution
Store it in a password-protected cloud service
Email it to yourself with a clear subject line
Remember: digital copies are useful for reference but won't be accepted as proof by official organizations. You'll still need original certified copies for official purposes when using the deed poll.
Create a "Change of Name File"
Set up a physical or digital folder containing:
Your replacement deed poll document
Marriage certificate (if you changed your name by marriage)
Any previous change of name documents
Copies of updated documents (passport, driving licence, etc.)
Contact details of your deed poll service or provider
This makes it easy to find everything in one place and helps establish your complete name history if needed for official purposes. It's especially helpful for obtaining a copy of someone else's deed poll if you're a parent applying for a child.
Special Circumstances: When Replacing a Lost Deed Poll Gets Complicated
Most replacement deed poll applications are straightforward, but some situations require extra consideration when you need to apply for a replacement deed:
You've Changed Your Name Multiple Times with Different Deed Polls
If you've changed your name more than once using different deed polls, you need to be particularly careful about which name changes you're documenting. Contact your chosen deed poll provider before applying – they can advise you whether you need one or multiple replacement deed poll documents to show all your name changes, especially if you've changed your name since changing your name using the deed poll you lost.
Your Name Change Was Decades Ago
Very old name changes can sometimes raise more questions from organizations. You might benefit from a statutory declaration instead of a deed poll to replace your lost document, as it allows for more detailed explanation of your circumstances and can better prove a change of name from many years ago. Again, discuss this with your deed poll provider.
You're Changing Gender Markers
If you've lost your deed poll and are also in the process of obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate, the timing of your replacement deed poll application might matter. Seek advice specific to your situation.
You're Not a UK Citizen
Replacement deed polls can be issued to non-UK citizens resident in the UK, but some countries don't recognize UK deed polls for their own citizens. Check whether your home country will accept a UK deed poll document before applying.
The Original Change of Name Was Contested
If there were disagreements or legal issues when you originally changed your name (particularly relevant for children's name changes or child deed polls), you might need legal advice before applying for a replacement. The deed poll process for replacing lost documents doesn't override any previous court orders or agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my original deed poll?
If you've lost your original deed poll, you have two options: request a certified copy if your deed poll was archived with a legal copy and archive service, or apply for a replacement deed poll. Most UK deed poll services can issue a replacement deed poll document that proves your name change happened in the past, which is fully accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and all other UK organizations.
Can I get another copy of my deed poll?
Yes. If you used a legal copy and archive service when you originally changed your name, you can request a certified copy or legal copy from your deed poll provider. If no archived copy exists, you'll need to apply for a replacement deed poll, which serves as a new original document proving your past name change.
Can lost title deeds be replaced online?
While title deeds are different from deed polls, lost deed polls can definitely be replaced online. You can complete an online application form with most UK deed poll services and receive your replacement deed poll document within 2-5 working days (or next day with express service). The entire process from application to delivery can be done online.
How to prove name change without deed poll?
You can prove a name change without your original deed poll by applying for a replacement deed poll or statutory declaration. Both documents are legal proof of your name change and are accepted by the Passport Office, DVLA, and other organizations. If you changed your name by marriage, your marriage certificate serves as proof. If you've been using a new name informally, a statutory declaration can formalize this change of name by usage.
Are there any additional fees after paying for a Deed Poll?
No, reputable UK deed poll services include everything in their quoted price. However, you may choose to pay extra for optional services like express delivery, legal copy and archive service, or multiple certified copies. If you need your deed poll witnessed by a solicitor for a statutory declaration, solicitors in England and Wales can charge a statutory fee of around £5-£10 for witnessing.
Can I apply for my lost Deed Poll online?
Yes, you can apply for a replacement deed poll online using an online application form. Most UK deed poll services offer secure online applications that take just a few minutes to complete. You'll enter your name details, provide information about when you originally changed your name, and choose your delivery option. Your replacement deed poll document will then be prepared and sent to you.
Can I apply if I lost my Deed Poll a long time ago?
Absolutely. You can apply for a replacement deed poll regardless of how long ago you lost your original deed poll document. Whether you lost your deed poll last week or decades ago, UK deed poll services can issue a replacement deed poll with a declaration stating you've been using your current name for all purposes since a particular date. This proves the name change happened in the past.
Can I get a copy of my original Deed Poll?
Only if your original deed poll was archived. If you used a legal copy and archive service (available since May 2000 with most providers), you can request a certified copy or legal copy of your original document. If it wasn't archived, you can't get a copy of your actual original deed poll, but you can apply for a replacement deed poll which has the same legal effect.
Can I order a replacement for my child's lost Deed Poll?
Yes, if you have parental responsibility. To order a replacement child's deed poll for children under 16 years of age, you'll need consent from all parents or guardians with parental responsibility. If the child is now 16 years of age or over, they can apply for their own adult replacement deed poll without parental consent.
Can I prepare my own Deed Poll?
While you can technically prepare your own deed poll document, using a professional UK deed poll service ensures your deed poll is correctly formatted, legally valid, and will be accepted by all UK organizations including HM Passport Office and DVLA. Professional deed poll services also offer legal copy and archive services to prevent future loss, and can include important declarations that make your replacement deed poll document clearer to organizations.
Can I send out photocopies of my Deed Poll instead of making copies?
No, photocopies of deed polls are not accepted by official organizations like HM Passport Office, DVLA, or banks. You must provide either the original deed poll document or certified copies that have been verified by a solicitor or notary public. This is why it's important to get multiple certified copies made and to use a legal copy and archive service so you can order additional copies when needed.
Can I still apply for a Deed Poll if I changed my name years ago?
Yes. You can apply for a replacement deed poll even if you changed your name many years or decades ago. The replacement deed poll document will include a declaration that you've been using your current name for all purposes since a particular date, which proves your name change happened in the past. This is commonly needed when people need to prove a name change from years ago for passport applications or other official purposes.
Can I use a deed poll for a visa application?
Yes, deed polls are accepted as proof of name change for UK visa applications and immigration purposes. If you've lost your original deed poll and need one for a visa application, you can apply for a replacement deed poll. Make sure to order with enough time before your visa application deadline – use express service if you need your deed poll document urgently.
Can you change the name on a birth certificate?
No, you cannot change the name on a birth certificate in the UK. Birth certificates are permanent historical records. However, when you change your name using a deed poll, you use your deed poll document alongside your birth certificate to prove your identity and name change. Together, they show your former name (on the birth certificate) and your current name (on the deed poll).
Do I need to inform the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) about my name change?
Yes, if you've changed your name, you should inform the DBS so they can link your records under both your former name and current name. When applying for DBS checks after a name change, you'll need to provide your deed poll document as proof. If you've lost your original deed poll, apply for a replacement deed poll before requesting your DBS check.
Do I really need a deed poll?
You need a deed poll if you want to formally change your name on official documents like your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, and other records. While you can use a different name informally, UK organizations require legal proof of your name change. A deed poll document is the standard, affordable way to provide this proof. For replacement purposes, a deed poll proves a name change that happened in the past.
Don't know if you enrolled your previous deed poll with the courts?
Most people in the UK use unenrolled deed polls, which are private and not on public record. Enrolled deed polls are registered with the Royal Courts of Justice and appear on a public register. If you're not sure whether you enrolled your deed poll, you probably didn't (enrollment costs around £50 and requires a separate application). You can apply for a replacement unenrolled deed poll regardless of whether your original was enrolled.
How do I get a copy of my lost deed poll document?
To get a copy of your lost deed poll document, first check if you used a legal copy and archive service. If so, contact your original deed poll provider to request a certified copy or legal copy. If not, you'll need to apply for a replacement deed poll using an online application form. The replacement will serve as a new original document proving your past name change.
How long does a deed poll take?
A standard deed poll service typically takes 2-5 working days from application to delivery. Express services offer next working day delivery (if ordered before the cut-off time, usually 2-3pm), and some UK deed poll services offer same-day processing for urgent situations. Once you receive your deed poll document, you need to sign and witness it before you can use it.
How long does it take to receive a replacement Deed Poll?
Processing times for replacement deed polls vary by service level: Standard service takes 3-5 working days, Express service offers next working day delivery, and Premium same-day service is available for urgent needs. Most UK deed poll services provide tracking so you can monitor your order. For urgent passport applications or other deadlines, choose express or premium service.
How many times can you change your name?
In the UK, there's no legal limit on how many times you can change your name using a deed poll. However, you cannot change your name for fraudulent purposes or to avoid legal obligations. If you've changed your name multiple times and need a replacement deed poll, contact your deed poll provider before applying to discuss the best approach for documenting all your name changes.
How much does a Deed Poll cost?
A basic deed poll typically costs £20-£35 for standard service. Replacement deed polls with express delivery range from £50-£75, and premium same-day services cost £75-£100+. Additional options like legal copy and archive service, multiple certified copies, or statutory declarations may have additional fees. Always check what's included in the quoted price from your UK deed poll service.
How much does a deed poll cost?
Deed poll costs in the UK typically range from £20-£100 depending on the service level. For replacement deed polls, expect to pay £20-£35 for standard service (3-5 days), £35-£50 for faster processing (2-3 days), £50-£75 for next-day express service, or £75-£100+ for same-day premium service. Statutory declarations cost slightly more due to the extra complexity and required solicitor witnessing.
Is there a discount if I ordered my Deed Poll from you previously?
Many UK deed poll services offer reduced fees for returning clients who need a replacement deed poll. If you previously ordered your deed poll from a provider and lost it, contact them directly before applying to ask about previous client discounts. Some providers automatically apply discounts, while others require you to mention your previous order.
Is there an official deed poll office in the UK?
No, there is no official government deed poll office in the UK. Deed polls are legal documents that can be prepared by solicitors, specialist deed poll services, or even by individuals themselves. However, professional UK deed poll services ensure your deed poll document is correctly formatted and will be accepted by all organizations including HM Passport Office and DVLA.
Is there any way I can get a copy urgently please?
Yes. If you need a replacement deed poll urgently, choose express or premium service. Express service typically offers next working day delivery if you order before 2-3pm. Premium same-day service processes your deed poll document the same day, with delivery via special courier. Contact your chosen UK deed poll service directly to discuss urgent options for passport applications or other time-sensitive needs.
I've lost my Deed Poll, can I get another copy?
Yes. If your original deed poll was archived using a legal copy and archive service, you can request a certified copy. If it wasn't archived, you need to apply for a replacement deed poll, which creates a new original document proving your past name change. Both options result in a valid deed poll document accepted by all UK organizations.
Lost Deed Poll?
Don't worry – losing your deed poll is common and easily resolved. You can either request a legal copy if your deed poll was archived, or apply for a replacement deed poll online. The replacement process is quick, typically taking 2-5 working days (or next day with express service). Your replacement deed poll document will have the same legal effect as your original and will be accepted for passport applications, DVLA, banks, and all other purposes.
Need to Replace a Lost Deed Poll or Request a Copy?
If you need to replace a lost deed poll, first determine if your original was archived with a legal copy and archive service. If yes, request a certified copy from your original provider. If no, complete an online application form to apply for a replacement deed poll. Include the optional declaration stating when you started using your current name for all purposes, and choose a service level that matches your timeline.
No Archived Copy Available?
If no archived copy of your deed poll is available, you'll need to apply for a replacement deed poll. This is standard practice and UK deed poll services issue replacement deed polls every day. Simply complete an online application form, enter your former name in the current name boxes and your current name in the new name boxes, and your replacement deed poll document will be prepared showing your past name change.
What are the differences between an enrolled and unenrolled deed poll?
An unenrolled deed poll is private, costs £20-£50, and is accepted by all UK organizations for changing your passport, driving licence, and other documents. An enrolled deed poll is registered on the public record at the Royal Courts of Justice, costs around £50 for enrollment plus the deed poll preparation fee, and your name change becomes publicly searchable. Most people in the UK use unenrolled deed polls as they're cheaper, faster, and work perfectly well for all purposes.
What documents do I need for a deed poll?
For a replacement deed poll application, you need: details of your current name and former name, the approximate date you originally changed your name (at least the year), and information about how you changed your name. Once your replacement deed poll document arrives, you'll need an independent witness over 18 years of age (not related to you or living at your address) to witness your signature.
What if my Deed Poll was issued before May 2000?
If your deed poll was issued before May 2000, it's unlikely an archived copy exists because legal copy and archive services weren't widely available before this date. In this case, you'll need to apply for a replacement deed poll. UK deed poll services can issue replacement deed polls for name changes from any time period, including decades ago, with a declaration that you've been using your current name since a particular date.
What is a replacement deed poll?
A replacement deed poll is a new original deed poll document that proves a name change that happened in the past. Unlike a fresh name change, a replacement deed poll includes a declaration stating you've been using your current name for all purposes since a particular date. It has the same legal effect as your original deed poll and is accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and all UK organizations.
What should I do if I've lost my Deed Poll?
If you've lost your deed poll, take these steps: First, check if you used a legal copy and archive service – if so, contact your original provider to request a certified copy. If not, apply for a replacement deed poll online using an online application form. Choose your service level based on urgency, ensure you enter your name details correctly (former name in current name boxes, current name in new name boxes), and request the date declaration. Your replacement deed poll document will arrive within days.
Will organisations accept a replacement Deed Poll?
Yes, all UK organizations accept replacement deed polls provided they're correctly completed with accurate details of your name. HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, HMRC, employers, universities, and medical services all accept replacement deed poll documents. The key is ensuring your replacement deed poll includes the declaration that you've been using your current name for all purposes since a particular date – this clarifies it's proving a past name change, not a new one.
Will the DVLA accept a deed poll?
Yes, DVLA fully accepts deed polls (including replacement deed polls) as proof of name change for updating your driving licence. You'll need to complete a form, provide your deed poll document, and return your current licence. DVLA processes name changes free of charge. If you've lost your original deed poll and need to update your driving licence, apply for a replacement deed poll first.
Ready to Order a Replacement Deed Poll and Get a Copy?
Losing your deed poll doesn't need to disrupt your plans or cause ongoing stress. Whether you need to apply for a replacement deed poll, order a replacement, or obtain a legal copy, with the right UK deed poll service and correct information, you can have a replacement deed poll document in your hands within days.
Remember these key points when you apply for a replacement deed:
✓ Check first if you have a legal copy available through an archive service where they hold a copy
✓ Gather all relevant information about your change of name before starting your online application form
✓ Complete the form carefully (enter your former name in "current name boxes", your current name in "new name boxes")
✓ Request the date declaration showing you've been using your current name for all purposes since a particular date using a poll to include a declaration
✓ Choose a reputable UK deed poll service with good reviews
✓ Select a service level that matches your timeline
✓ Sign and witness your replacement deed poll document correctly when it arrives
✓ Take steps to protect your new deed poll once you have it (consider a legal copy and archive service)
✓ Apply online for faster processing of your deed poll application
Whether you lost your original deed poll in a house move, it was destroyed in an accident, or you simply can't find your lost deed poll document despite turning your home upside down, getting a replacement is straightforward through the deed poll process.
Thousands of people who have lost their original successfully apply for replacement deed polls every year using UK deed poll services, and you'll soon have the documentation you need to continue with your life – whether that's applying for a passport, updating your driving licence, or changing your bank details.
Don't let a lost deed poll document stand between you and updating your passport, changing your bank details, or any other important task. Apply for your replacement deed poll today using a trusted UK deed poll service, and you'll have one less thing to worry about.
Need help with your replacement deed poll or obtaining a copy of someone else's deed poll?
Our team is ready to guide you through the deed poll process and answer any questions you might have about applying for a replacement deed poll or ordering a legal copy of your archived deed poll.
Complete your online application form today and receive your replacement deed poll document within days, ready to use for your passport office application, DVLA updates, and all other official purposes. We help people who have lost their original deed polls every day, ensuring they can get a copy quickly and without hassle.
Other Replacement Deed Poll Providers
Of course, we’d love for you to use our replacement deed poll service, but there are other providers available too.
Below, you’ll find a list of alternative replacement deed poll providers.
Please note that we do not endorse, sponsor, or take responsibility for the quality of the services offered by these providers. We simply share this information so that you can explore your options and make an informed decision when replacing your lost deed poll document.
Name of Provider | Cost | Delivery Type | Link to Website |
Our Service | £14.97 | Email or Postal | |
UK Deed Poll Service | £36.00 | Postal | |
Deed Poll Office | £29.00 | Postal | |
UKDP | £29.00 | Postal | |
Legal Deed Polls | £29.99 | Postal | |
Deed Polls Online | £35.00 | Postal | |
Deed Poll Direct | £17.00 | Postal | |
Change My Name | £19.95 | Postal |
Need more information?
Check out the following links to our information pages:
