Who Can Legally Witness
Your Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a formal legal contract with yourself. For it to be accepted by the HM Passport Office, DVLA, and UK Banks, it must be "executed" correctly. This means it must be signed in the physical presence of an independent witness.

1. Basic Witness Criteria

In the United Kingdom, your witness does not need to be a solicitor or a professional. However, they must meet the following four criteria:

• Age: They must be at least 18 years old.
• Capacity: They must be of sound mind and capable of understanding the process.
• Presence: They must physically see you sign the document.
• Address: They must have a valid UK residential address.

2. Who CANNOT Witness Your Deed Poll?

To avoid your document being rejected by government authorities, ensure your witness is NOT one of the following:

3. Who is the Best Person to Ask?

Most customers find that a neighbour, work colleague, or friend is the easiest choice. They are not part of your family, yet they are easily reachable if a bank ever needed to verify the signature (though this is rare).

4. Do I need a Solicitor?

For a standard "Unenrolled Deed Poll," you do not need a solicitor to witness your signature. A friend or colleague's signature is legally sufficient for the Passport Office and DVLA. You only need a solicitor if you are "enrolling" the deed at the High Court (a more expensive and public process that most people avoid).