How to change your name
How to change your name
Change of name deed
A deed of change of name, occasionally known as a change of name deed or more commonly as a deed poll, is a special legal document which can be used to officially change your name in the United Kingdom.
With a deed poll you will be able to get all of your documents and records updated including your passport, driving license, credit and debit cards, and tax records.
There are 3 steps to changing your name by deed poll:
- apply for your change of name deed either online or over the phone,
- sign your deed poll in the presence of an independent witness, and
- inform everyone (bank, employer, DVLA, etc) of your new name by sending your change of name deed to them.
After getting married or forming a civil partnership
You can use your marriage or civil partnership certificate to change your surname to that of your spouse. For more information on the subject of changing your surname after getting married or forming a civil partnership, please read the articles in our Marriage and divorce section.
Statutory Declaration
A Statutory Declaration is very similar to a change of name deed (deed poll) in that its purpose is to allow you to legally and officially change your name. The main difference between a deed poll and Statutory Declaration is the way in which it is executed (signed and witnessed). Whereas with a deed poll you can use any independent person as your witness, with a Statutory Declaration you must sign it in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of the Peace, for which they will charge a fee.
If you would like to change your name by Statutory Declaration please seek professional legal advice.