The titles of ‘Lord’ and ‘Lady’ can refer to different things. You could be a peer of the House of Lords, a landlady or a lord of the manor. So, if you use the titles Lord or Lady, can you add them to your UK passport? Read on to find out.
Types of Lordships
The reason for your title will determine if you can legally add it to your UK passport. Hereditary Lords are peers of the House of Lords, with their lordship issued by the crown. This type of lordship is an official government identification and, therefore, can be added to a UK passport.
Lordships of the Manor (or Manorial Lordships). The title usually comes after the name. For example, Eric White and Helen White, Lord and Lady of the Manor’. However, these titles are allowed to be included on a UK passport in the form of an official observation. An example is ‘This passport holder is Lady of Manor Pickletown’.
Scottish Lairds or Lords are people who have purchased a plot of land (in Scotland) and taken on the title. This is recognisable, but it does not permit the person to use the title on official government documentation such as a passport. While it is not required for these types of titles to be government registered, they can still be legally used. This is done using a deed poll.
Becoming a Lord or Lady Using a Deed Poll
Changing your name using a deed poll change of name declaration lets you use a new title. This can be anything you wish, although some are controlled by HM Passport Office. You should avoid titles such as ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ or something that could be seen as offensive.
The Deed Poll Process
A deed poll is a legally binding document stating a name change. Once you have made the changes, you must notify all relevant bodies. This includes:
Your employer
Inland Revenue
School/college/university
Doctor
Dentist
DVLA
HM Passport Office
Bank/Building Society
Mortgage provider
Utility companies
Local council
TV Licensing office
Credit card and store charge-card companies
Finance/loan companies
Companies you have shares in
Pension company
Insurance companies
Clubs, societies and associations
Internet Service Provider
Social media websites
If you have questions about using a deed poll to change your name or title, contact DeedPolls.com for deed poll assistance on 020 8150 2010.