Changing Your Name:
Foreign Births & Non-UK Citizens
If you were born outside the UK or are a foreign national living in Britain, the process of changing your name is legally possible but involves additional considerations regarding your home country's laws and your primary identity documents.
Crucial: Check Your Embassy First
Before executing a Deed Poll, we strongly advise checking with your national embassy. Some countries do not recognize Deed Polls and require you to change your name via their own legal systems. If your home country refuses the change, your foreign passport will not match your UK records.
1. UK Residents with Foreign Citizenship
If you are a citizen of another country living in the UK, you can still use a UK Deed Poll to update your local records, including:
UK Banks, employers, and HMRC will typically accept a validly executed Deed Poll to update your account details.
The NHS, DVLA, and local councils generally recognize Deed Polls for foreign nationals residing in the UK.
2. British Citizens Born Abroad
If you hold a British Passport but were born in another country, the process is exactly the same as for any other British citizen. Your UK Deed Poll is the only document you need to update your British Passport and all subsequent UK records.
3. Dual Nationality Considerations
If you hold dual citizenship, you should ideally aim to update both countries' records. HM Passport Office generally requires your foreign passport to be updated to match your new name before they will issue a new British Passport in that name. This prevents "dual identity" issues at international borders.
International Name Change?
Our Deed Polls are professionally drafted to be recognized by all UK government departments and agencies.
Apply Online TodayInternational FAQs
What about my BRP?
For Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) updates, the Home Office usually accepts a Deed Poll, provided it is executed correctly and accompanied by your current passport.
Do I need an Apostille?
If you intend to use your Deed Poll in your home country, you may need it "Legalised" with an Apostille stamp from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.