What is the Purpose of a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legally binding document that enables individuals in the UK to change their name officially. If you’re looking to update your passport, driving licence, or bank records with a new name, you’ll likely need a Deed Poll as proof of the change.

In this guide, we’ll explore the purpose of a Deed Poll, how it works, when you need one, and how to apply for it.

What is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legal document that serves as formal proof that you have changed your name. Unlike most legal contracts that bind multiple parties, a Deed Poll is a declaration made by a single individual, committing to a new name and requesting others to recognise it.

While you can start using a new name at any time, many institutions (such as the DVLA, HM Passport Office, banks, and government departments) will require legal documentation before updating your records. A Deed Poll provides this evidence.

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What Can a Deed Poll Be Used For?

With a Deed Poll, you can:

• Change your first name, middle name, or surname.

  
  

• Alter the spelling of your name.

  
  

• Add or remove names.

  
  

• Adopt a completely new name.

A Deed Poll cannot be used to change birth, marriage, or academic certificates, as these are historical records.

Do You Need a Deed Poll to Change Your Name?

When You Need a Deed Poll:

• Applying for official documents: If you need to update your passport, driving licence, or bank account, you’ll need to provide a Deed Poll as evidence of your name change.

  
  

• Returning to a maiden name after divorce: Some organisations won’t update records unless you provide a Deed Poll.

  
  

• Double-barrelling or merging surnames: If you want to combine surnames (e.g., Smith-Jones), you’ll need a Deed Poll.

  
  

• Gender transition: A Deed Poll is often required to update documents after transitioning.

When You Don’t Need a Deed Poll:

• Marriage or civil partnership: If you’re taking your spouse’s surname, a marriage certificate is sufficient.

  
  

• Divorce or separation: If your decree absolute (divorce certificate) shows your previous name, some organisations may accept it instead of a Deed Poll.

  
  

• Religious name changes: If you are adopting a new name informally, you may not require a Deed Poll unless you need to update official records.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT – WHEN YOU DO AND WHEN YOU DON’T NEED A DEED POLL!

Types of Deed Poll.

There are two types of Deed Polls in the UK:

• Unenrolled Deed Poll – A simple document you can create yourself, which is legally recognised by most institutions.

  
  

• nrolled Deed Poll – A Deed Poll that is recorded in public records via the Royal Courts of Justice. This is not required but can be beneficial for formal recognition.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT – HOW MANY TYPES OF DEED POLL ARE THERE?

How to obtain an Unenrolled Deed Poll.

Anyone over 16 years old can create an unenrolled Deed Poll by writing a formal declaration, signing it, and having it witnessed by an independent adult.

To save you time, money and stress, we can do this for you!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT – HOW TO APPLY FOR AN UNENROLLED DEED POLL.

How to Apply for an Enrolled Deed Poll

If you wish to enrol your Deed Poll, follow these steps:

1. Complete the application: Forms are available from the Royal Courts of Justice.

   
   

2. Pay the fee: The cost is £50.32.

   
   

3. Submit documents: Including proof of identity and a statutory declaration.

   
   

4. Publication: Your new name will be placed in The London Gazette, making it a public record.

Note: Only individuals over 18 can enrol their Deed Poll. The process for changing a child’s name requires all guardians to consent.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT – HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ENROLLED DEED POLL.

Who Needs to Be Informed After a Name Change?

Once you have a Deed Poll, you must update all records. Key organisations to notify include:

✅ HM Passport Office – Apply for a new passport.

✅ DVLA – Update your driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C).

✅ Banks & Building Societies – Provide a copy of your Deed Poll to update your bank accounts.

✅ HMRC & DWP – Inform tax authorities and benefits offices.

✅ Employers & Pension Providers – Update payroll and pension records.

✅ Land Registry & Mortgage Providers – If you own property, notify the Land Registry and your mortgage lender.

Failing to update key records could cause legal and financial issues.

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Common Misconceptions About Deed Polls.

💡 “A Deed Poll is a certificate.”

False – A Deed Poll is a legal document, not a certificate. It is a declaration of your intent to use a new name.

💡 “I need a solicitor to create a Deed Poll.”

False – You can make your own Deed Poll without a solicitor.

💡 “A Deed Poll must have a wax seal.”

False – Wax seals are not required. A legally valid Deed Poll only needs to be signed and witnessed.

Key Takeaways:

✅ A Deed Poll is a legal document that proves a name change.

✅ It is needed to update passports, driving licences, and bank accounts.

✅ You can make an unenrolled Deed Poll yourself or enrol it via the Royal Courts of Justice.

✅ A Deed Poll cannot change birth, marriage, or academic certificates.

✅ It must be signed, dated, and witnessed to be legally valid.

Whether you’re changing your name due to marriage, personal preference, or gender transition, a Deed Poll provides the formal recognition required by UK institutions.

Need to Change Your Name?

If you’re ready to legally change your name, you can draft you a Deed Poll today.

CLICK HERE TO CHANGE YOUR NAME WITH AN UNENROLLED DEED POLL TODAY!

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