How to Change Name by Deed Poll UK Guide

To deed poll or not to deed poll? That is the question! This helpful “how to change name by deed poll UK guide” will take you through the process, step by step and show you how NameSwitch can help make things super-simple! We have even included useful information for Scottish citizens, non-UK nationals and dual citizens. 

Deed Poll Name Change UK Guide 

Let’s begin! As mentioned, we’re here to show you exactly how to change your name legally in UK via deed poll and how NameSwitch’s specialist deed poll agency can help you through the process with ease. 

 There are many reasons why people assume a different first, middle or last name. Most name changes happen after a life event such as marriage, divorce or gender change. For others, it’s a means of putting a line in the sand to-re-affirm how they want to be known from this day forward. At NameSwitch, we help thousands of people switch names every year with our award-winning name changing service.

Changing your name is a monumental step and often symbolises the start of a new beginning, but the process can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. One of the most asked questions we get is, “do I need a deed poll or not?” We are here to answer that question and help you navigate your name change journey. We’ve even created the UK’s only deed poll and name change package!

When a UK Deed Poll is Required

So, when does a name change require a deed poll? To begin, let’s look at the situations which are relatively straightforward:

• Changing your first name or changing/adding a middle name. For example, turning a maiden name into a middle name
• Swapping a middle name with a first Name. For example, born as Peter Ashley Smith but always known by Ashley
• Meshing surnames – if you’re planning on blending two surnames into one, such as Bloom and Hunt becomes Blunt
• Assuming a new name during or after a gender transition
• Assuming a completely new name other than a maiden name after divorce
• Combining a married name with a maiden name during or following divorce

When a Deed Poll Name Change is Not Required 

• Changing your title - such as becoming a Miss after being a Mrs. No legal document or evidence is needed - you can simply request a change of title as long as you are entitled to it (i.e., have received a doctor ship or lordship)
• Changing your surname after marriage to that of your spouse (you can use a deed poll if you don’t want to wait or pay for additional copies of your marriage or civil partnership certificates)
• Reverting to your maiden name after getting divorced – you may present a decree absolute/final order as documentary evidence of your right to revert to your birth name. For more information, check out our super helpful changing name after divorce guide. There are exceptions to this rule, so please see the below section on “Grey Areas” 
• Double-barrelling or combining surnames in a natural order with or without a hyphen. For example, Smith-Jones. Please note the section on “Grey Areas” for exceptions to this rule.

Having original copies of your legal document is essential. If you are changing a surname after marriage or reverting to your birth name after divorce, you can do so by using your marriage or civil partnership certificate, as long as you have at least 1 original copy of that document. NameSwitch recommends having 2 to 4 original copies to enable multiple name-change requests to be sent off in parallel. Original copies cost £12.50 each. For some, it may be beneficial to change one’s surname after marriage or divorce via deed poll, as it can be more cost effective and easier to complete everything under one roof. This can be done simply by using NameSwitch’s deed poll and name change package.  There is no right or wrong route to take - it’s completely down to individual choice and practicality. 

Name Change Deed Poll – The Grey Areas

Now, there are a couple of scenarios which are not so black-and-white.

Reverting to your Maiden Name Before Your Divorce is Final

If you want to reclaim your maiden name before your divorce, is issued you may run into difficulties. Although the law allows you to reassume your maiden name at any time without providing a reason, the vast majority of companies such as The Passport Office, DVLA and banks are unable to process your name change request without a legally recognised document as supporting evidence.

While it may be frustrating, we suggest that you wait until your divorce is final before changing names. If you’re determined to revert to your maiden name before your divorce is finalised, we recommend getting a deed poll which will then serve as documentary evidence.

If you choose the latter and you own an account that is considered a shared asset or has financial implications (e.g., loans, credit cards, bank accounts, mortgage and property), we recommend that you seek qualified legal advice. 

Removing a given first, middle or part of a double-barrelled surname

There are some double-barrel surname rules and having this accepted by government bodies without a deed poll can be hit or miss. If you wish to go down this route, we recommend that you prioritise your official ID first (Driver’s Licence and Passport) so that if anyone questions you dropping one of your given names, you will have additional evidence to show that this has been accepted by key government bodies. 

However, please do not submit a new passport application without proof of use. The Passport office will need to see either your driver’s licence, a bank statement, council tax statement or utility bill in your new name. For further information on the ins and outs of  changing your name on your passport, check out our name change on passport UK guide.

If you prefer to have 100% reassurance that your name change requests will be accepted without any bumps or questions, we recommend that you apply for a deed poll should you find yourself in a “grey area” scenario. 

Name Change Via Deed Poll in Scotland and Northern Ireland 

For our readers in Scotland, the rules are slightly different. If you were born or adopted outside of Scotland, you will need a deed poll to change your name. However, if you were born or adopted in Scotland and live there, you can either use a deed poll or apply for a change of name (Form 24) and register it with the National Records of Scotland. Registering your name is totally optional! 

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can rest assured that your UK deed poll, such as those created by NameSwitch, will be accepted as official documentary evidence. You also have the option to apply directly to the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI) where a fee payable of £35 plus £15 for the issued certificate will be incurred. For further guidance and via NIDirect or to help determine which option is best for you, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name.

What About Dual-Nationals and Non-UK Nationals? 

If you are a non-UK national and reside in the UK, you can use a deed poll to update your documents and records (i.e., driving licence, tax records, etc) in the UK. However, if you wish to update your records in your country of origin, you will need to follow that country’s procedures. 

Before applying for a deed poll, you should check with your Embassy or High Commission/Consulate in the UK to determine the following: 

• If your country of origin will accept your change of name
• If they will issue you a new passport (or amend your existing passport) to show your new name
• What the procedure is for changing your name in your country of origin and if they will accept a change of name by deed poll. You’ll also need to determine whether there are any special requirements for a deed poll to be acceptable. For example, does your deed poll need to be witnessed by a solicitor, or does it need to be legalised.

For dual-British Citizens, please note that both names must match on your passport before a British passport will be issued in your new name. Therefore, it is crucial that you update your other passport first. There are some exceptions to this rule and the passport office will review cases at their discretion. 

How to Change Name by Deed Poll UK 

Now that you are familiar with when you might need a deed poll, let’s talk about how to get a deed poll set up.

1. Determine which type of deed poll is right for you 

There are two types of deed poll: enrolled vs unenrolled deed poll. Both are accepted by UK companies and government bodies (HM Passport Office, DVLA, etc.) If you are 16 or over, you can use an unenrolled deed poll which you make your own. A solicitor or specialist agency such as NameSwitch can create this for you. Alternatively, if you are 18 or over and which to have your new name on public record, you will need an enrolled deed poll via the Royal Courts of Justice. This is not a requirement, however the cost to enrol a deed poll is £49.32 and can often take months to be processed. This is perhaps why only 1% of UK deed polls are enrolled.

2. Do it the Simpler, NameSwitch Way 

We can help you legally change your name by deed poll, with ease, without the cost of a solicitor and with zero hidden fees! We will print and post your deed poll originals within 48 hours (or 24-hour express dispatch if you’re in a hurry)

3. Sign your deed poll and send it off

Once your deed poll is signed in the presence of an independent witness (must be someone over the age of 18), your deed poll will become legally binding and can be presented to all UK government bodies and companies, including the DVLA and Passport office. It really IS that simple!

NameSwitch’s Pro Tips

Pro Tip 1: For couples who are planning a combined name change (i.e., meshing names to create a brand-new team name), having one party change their name before the marriage will save time and the cost of a second deed poll. For the other spouse, changing your name after marriage becomes much simpler, as you can then use your marriage certificate as official documentation. Timing and sequence are important, as you should have your deed poll well in advance of giving notice as well as having at least one official form of ID changed into your new name (e.g., passport or driving licence). This would also be the ideal time to let your wedding guests know what you will be called from this day forth.

Pro Tip 2: Get copies! Always request several official original copies (we recommend between 2-4 copies) of your marriage certificate or deed poll. This will allow you to notify multiple companies simultaneously.

Pro Tip 3: The Passport Office need to see your original deed poll as well as ‘proof of use’ – i.e., either your driver’s licence, a bank statement, council tax statement or utility bill in your new name. Tackle one of those before applying for a new passport. If changing your name with the DVLA seems like the best place to start, we have got all the info you need in our change name on driving licence pro guide.

How can NameSwitch help with a UK Deed Poll?

NameSwitch is here to make your name change journey seamless and super-simple.

We offer the UK’s only Deed Poll Bundle that includes a name-change toolkit. Our Premium Printed Package comes with 4 x high quality original deed polls and all the letters, forms, and personalised instructions you’ll need to inform a vast array of UK-based companies and government bodies of your name change. All securely delivered to your home via Royal Mail tracked service. Find out more.

We also offer a stand-alone Adult Deed Poll package, which will supply you with 2 x high quality original deed polls, a free name change checklist and a personalised name change request letter template. There are also number of optional add-ons.