Change Your Name
For Only £18.50

Q Is this deed poll legally binding?

Yes. Our legal deed polls are drafted to the highest quality standards. They are guaranteed to be accepted by all UK government bodies, including HM Passport Office, DVLA, and HMRC, as well as all major UK banks and financial institutions.

Q Can I change my first, middle, and last name on one deed poll?

Yes. A single deed poll allows you to change any part of your name—including adding, removing, or rearranging middle names and changing your surname entirely.

Q Do I need a deed poll if I am getting married?

Usually, no. Your marriage certificate is sufficient to change your surname to your spouse’s. However, if you want to double-barrel your names or create a new "meshed" surname, some organizations may require a deed poll.

Q Can I revert to my maiden name after divorce without a deed poll?

You can often use your Decree Absolute (or Final Order) alongside your marriage certificate. If you have misplaced these or want to change your first name simultaneously, a deed poll is the simplest solution.

Q Is a deed poll valid if I live in Scotland?

Yes. While Scotland has its own system (National Records of Scotland), English deed polls are widely accepted across the entire UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Q Can a non-UK citizen get a deed poll?

If you are a permanent resident in the UK, you can apply for a deed poll. However, you must check with your national embassy to ensure your home country will recognize the name change on your foreign passport.

Q What information is included in a deed poll?

The document includes three legal declarations: you are abandoning your old name, you will use your new name at all times, and you require everyone to address you by your new name.

Q Can I change my name to something "silly" or a single name?

You can, but HM Passport Office has strict rules. They may reject names that are offensive, contain numbers, or are "mononyms" (single names) unless there are strong religious or cultural reasons.

Q Do I need to inform the police about my deed poll?

Only if you are currently under police caution, on the sex offenders register, or have outstanding criminal proceedings. In most cases, there is no requirement to notify them.

Q What if my witness lives abroad?

For a UK deed poll, it is highly recommended that your witness is a UK resident with a permanent address to ensure the document is accepted by domestic banks and the DVLA without question.

Q Can I use a digital signature on my deed poll?

No. To be legally valid, a deed poll must be "wet-ink" signed. This means you and your witness must sign the physical parchment document by hand.

Q Will a deed poll affect my credit score?

It shouldn't, provided you notify your bank and credit card providers. They will update your records, and Experian/Equifax will eventually link your old name and new name to the same credit profile.

Q Does a deed poll expire?

No. Once a deed poll is signed and witnessed, it remains a valid legal document for the rest of your life. There is no "expiry date."

Q Do I have to change my name on everything at once?

No, but you should aim to update your primary ID (Passport and Driving Licence) first. Other institutions like utilities or libraries can be updated at your own pace.

Q Can I get a deed poll for a gender transition?

Yes. Many people use a deed poll to change their name and social title (e.g., from Mr to Ms) during transition. Note that a deed poll changes your name, but a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is needed to change your legal gender.

Q Can a solicitor certify my deed poll copies?

They can, but many UK banks insist on seeing a "Duplicate Original" (a document printed on the same parchment as the first). Certified photocopies are sometimes rejected by stricter institutions.

Q Can I use my deed poll to change my name on my mortgage?

Yes. You will need to send an original deed poll to your mortgage lender. They will update their records and notify the Land Registry if necessary.

Q What if I lose my signed deed poll?

If you lose your original and didn't order duplicates, you will likely need to apply for a replacement deed poll and have it signed and witnessed again.

Q Can I change my name while living abroad?

If you are a British Citizen living abroad, you can still use our service. However, you must ensure your witness is someone who meets the legal criteria in your current country of residence.

Q Is there an age limit for getting a deed poll?

Anyone **aged 16 or over** can apply for their own deed poll in the UK. For those under 16, a parent or legal guardian must apply on the child's behalf.

Q Does my witness need to be a professional?

No. Unlike a passport application, a deed poll witness does not need to be a "person of standing" (like a doctor or teacher). They just need to be an independent adult.

Q Will a deed poll change my NHS records?

Yes. Take your legal deed poll to your GP surgery. They will update your name on the national NHS database, which will then reflect at hospitals and for prescriptions.

Q Can I use a deed poll to add a title like 'Lord' or 'Sir'?

Generally, no. You cannot use a deed poll to grant yourself a title of nobility. If you include such a title as part of your name, the Passport Office will likely reject it as being "misleading."

Q Is a deed poll the same as a Statutory Declaration?

They are similar but different. A deed poll is a private contract with yourself, while a Statutory Declaration is signed in front of a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. Deed polls are much cheaper and just as effective for name changes.

Q Do I need to update my Will after a name change?

It is advisable. While your old Will remains legally valid, having your current legal name on all estate documents prevents confusion and delays for your executors later on.

Q How many times can I change my name?

There is no legal limit on how many times you can use a deed poll. However, changing your name excessively may cause scrutiny from the Passport Office or financial institutions.

Q Can I change my name to my partner’s if we aren't married?

Yes. Many cohabiting couples use a deed poll to share a surname without getting married or entering a civil partnership.

Q Does my employer need my deed poll?

Yes. To ensure your National Insurance contributions and tax records (PAYE) are correct, you must provide your HR department with a copy of your deed poll.

Q Can I still use my old name for professional purposes?

You can use a "stage name" or "pen name" professionally, but your legal documents (bank, taxes, travel) must all match the name on your most recent deed poll.

Q What happens if a bank refuses my deed poll?

Our deed polls are legally guaranteed. If a bank staff member is unsure, ask to speak to a manager. All major UK banks have internal policies that mandate the acceptance of validly witnessed deed polls.

Q Do I need an "Apostille" for my deed poll?

You only need an Apostille (legalization) if you intend to use your deed poll outside the UK (e.g., to update a foreign birth certificate or property records abroad).

Q How long does the process take?

Applications made before 3pm (Mon-Fri) are typically dispatched the same day. We use Royal Mail 1st Class delivery, so most customers receive their physical archival parchment document the very next working day.

Q Can I create my own deed poll for free?

Yes, you can create an "unenrolled" deed poll yourself at no cost via the GOV.UK guidance.

Important Note: While DIY documents are legally valid, they are frequently rejected by banks, the Passport Office, and other agencies if the wording is slightly incorrect or if they are printed on standard office paper. Our service ensures your document is drafted to current legal standards on 120gsm archival parchment to guarantee acceptance.

Q What is "Archival Parchment"?

Unlike standard office paper, we use 120gsm archival-grade parchment. This is a heavy-duty, acid-free paper designed to last for decades without yellowing or becoming brittle, ensuring your legal name change document remains in perfect condition.

Q Do I need to "enroll" my deed poll at the High Court?

No. Most people in the UK use an unenrolled deed poll. It is a fully legal document that is accepted by all major organizations, including the Passport Office. Enrolling a deed poll is a lengthy, expensive process that makes your name change a matter of public record, which most people prefer to avoid.

Q Who can witness my deed poll?

Your witness must be over 18, independent (not a relative or living at your address), and have a valid UK address. They do not need to be a solicitor; a friend, neighbor, or colleague is perfectly acceptable.

Q How many "Duplicate Originals" should I order?

We recommend at least 2-3 legal copies. Since you often need to mail your deed poll to the DVLA or Passport Office, having extra originals allows you to update your bank or employer at the same time without waiting for documents to be returned.

Q Can I change my child’s name without the other parent's consent?

To change a child's name, you generally need the consent of everyone with Parental Responsibility. If you have a court order or sole responsibility, we can assist, but we recommend checking our legal guide for specific family law requirements.

Q Will a deed poll change my Birth Certificate?

No. In the UK, a birth certificate is a historical record of birth. A deed poll acts as a "bridge" between your old name and your new name. You present it alongside your birth certificate to show your name has legally changed.

Q Can I use my deed poll for a UK Passport?

Absolutely. Our documents are specifically drafted to meet HM Passport Office guidelines. Once you receive your parchment deed poll and sign it, you can immediately apply for a new passport in your new name.

Q Is your website secure for my personal data?

Yes. We are UK GDPR compliant and use 256-bit SSL encryption. Your personal details are handled with the highest level of security and are only used to draft your legal name change documents.