How long does it take to get a Deed Poll?

At Prime Deed Polls, we offer 24-hour dispatch. Once received, the document is legally binding as soon as it is signed in the presence of a witness.

Is this Deed Poll accepted by the Passport Office?

Yes, our Deed Polls are drafted to the highest legal standards and are guaranteed to be accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, and all UK banks.

Do I need a solicitor to change my name?

No, you do not need a solicitor. A self-applied Deed Poll from a reputable service like Prime Deed Polls is a fully legal document in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions | UK Deed Poll Guide & Help

1. Legal Basics

A Deed Poll is a formal legal document that enables you to renounce your former name and adopt a new one for all legal purposes in the UK.

Technically, no. It is a "Deed"—a legal contract you make with yourself, witnessed by an independent person.

Yes, under English and Scots law, you have the right to be known by any name you choose, provided it is not for fraudulent purposes.

Unenrolled (what we provide) is the standard method accepted by all UK bodies. Enrolling involves a public record and high court fees, which many avoid for privacy.

Yes. All Prime Deed Polls are drafted to meet the strict criteria of HM Passport Office.

No. A birth certificate is a historical record. A Deed Poll sits alongside it to prove your current legal identity.

Generally, yes. However, names that are offensive, contain numbers, or symbols may be rejected by government bodies.

Yes, there is no legal limit on the number of middle names you can adopt in the UK.

No. You do not need a solicitor for a standard name change. Our documents provide the same legal standing at a fraction of the cost.

We are a professional document drafting service operated by GB Legal Solutions Limited (SC488950).

2. The Witnessing Process

Anyone over 18 who is independent of you (not a relative or partner) and has a UK address.

No. Even if they have a different surname, relatives are not considered independent witnesses.

It is advised against using someone at the same address, as authorities may question their independence.

No. Any independent friend or colleague over 18 with a UK address is legally sufficient.

Their full name, residential address, occupation, and signature.

One witness is the UK standard. Some overseas banks may request two, but one is usually sufficient.

No. All UK government departments require "wet ink" (pen on paper) signatures.

Black ink is best as it photocopies clearly and is preferred by the Passport Office.

Do not cross out or use correction fluid. You should use a fresh original copy to ensure it remains valid.

No. You must be watched by an independent witness as you sign.

3. Child Name Changes

Yes, if you have the consent of everyone with Parental Responsibility (PR).

You cannot use a Deed Poll. You must seek a "Specific Issue Order" from a court.

If he lacks PR, his consent may not be legally required, but it is often better to seek it.

In the UK, teenagers can usually sign their own name change at 16 years old.

Yes, 16 and 17-year-olds are generally treated as adults for name changes.

You must demonstrate reasonable attempts to find them. If unsuccessful, a court order may be needed.

It is known as "Parental Responsibilities and Rights" (PRRs).

If under 16, the parent signs. If 16 or 17, the child signs it themselves.

Only if they have been granted PR or have consent from all existing PR holders.

Yes, schools are required to update their registers when shown a valid Deed Poll.

4. Logistics & Orders

We use 120gsm archival-grade parchment paper designed for long-term document storage.

We recommend 5 copies to update the Passport, DVLA, and Banks all at once.

No. Most organizations require an original with a "wet ink" signature.

Most orders are processed in 24 hours and delivered within 1-3 business days.

Yes, we can ship to British Citizens living abroad.

We do not store copies for privacy reasons. You would need to order a new one.

Yes, if you are a British Citizen, you can use our Deed Poll to update your UK Passport from overseas.

Visit your branch with an original Deed Poll and your photo ID.

No, but it is best to update all records immediately to prevent identity confusion.

Yes, but you would need a new Deed Poll to revert the name.

5. International Use & Apostilles

Yes, but you will likely need it legalised with an Apostille.

It is a certificate from the FCDO confirming the document is genuine for foreign use.

The FCDO requires the Deed Poll to be certified by a UK solicitor before an Apostille is issued.

Check with your country's embassy; some countries require you to use their own specific process.

Yes, UKVI accepts Deed Polls as proof of name change.

One signed in front of a Notary Public, often required for Commonwealth countries.

We provide the document, but legalisation must be done via the FCDO.

Yes, you can upload a scan of your Deed Poll to the Home Office portal.

Yes, but typically only if it has a UK Apostille attached.

Yes, provided it is properly legalised for that country.

6. Marriage, Divorce & Gender

Not if you are just taking your spouse's name; the marriage cert is enough.

Yes, most institutions require a Deed Poll for double-barrelled names.

Yes, though a marriage cert and decree absolute are often accepted alone.

Legally you don't need a Deed Poll for a title, but we can include it for clarity.

Yes, it is the standard document for transitioning individuals to update their name and records.

No. For a legal gender change, you must apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

Yes, you can change your name at any time.

Yes, Mx is widely recognised by the Passport Office and banks.

Yes, a Deed Poll allows you to add or remove any part of your name.

No. As an adult, you have the absolute right to choose your own name.

7. Professional & Financial

No, as long as you notify creditors so they can link your old and new name files.

Submit form AP1 with a certified copy of your Deed Poll to update property records.

Yes, professional bodies require a Deed Poll to update your registration name.

Yes, many professionals use a "work name" while having a different legal name.

Universities rarely reissue degrees; your Deed Poll acts as proof of the change.

It remains valid, but a codicil or new Will is recommended to avoid confusion.

Use the HMRC online "Personal Tax Account" to update your name record.

Yes, but you must inform your Trustee or the Official Receiver immediately.

Yes, but you must notify probation or the police if you are on a register or under supervision.

Yes, notify NS&I to ensure winnings are paid to the correct account name.

8. Troubleshooting

This usually only happens if it was signed or witnessed incorrectly.

A Statutory Declaration requires a solicitor's fee; a Deed Poll is generally easier and cheaper.

Yes, as long as you intend to use it as your permanent legal identity.

Yes, but frequent changes may be flagged by banks as suspicious.

It doesn't matter; the document only requires their address at the time of signing.

No, the witness must have a permanent UK address for the Deed Poll to be easily accepted.

Yes, to ensure your tenancy records and deposits remain in the correct name.

Yes, apply for a new card in your new name via the NHS.

Legal, but difficult; many computer systems (DVLA/Banks) require a surname to function.

Our archival paper and expert legal drafting ensure your document is accepted by all major institutions.

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