Deed Poll

Government guidance defines it in one line: 'A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name.' It can be used flexibly — 'You can change any part of your name, add or remove names or hyphens, or change the spelling' — but not without limit: a new name 'must be pronounceable' and must 'not include symbols, numbers or punctuation (unless it's a hyphenated name or part of an established name like O'Hara)', and it cannot be used to 'change titles, for example Mr, Mrs, Sir, Lady or Doctor.'

There are two versions, distinguished by age and by whether the change goes on public record: 'If you're 16 or over, you can make a deed poll yourself and start using a new name (called an "unenrolled deed poll"). If you're 18 or over, you can apply to put your name change on public record through the High Court (called an "enrolled deed poll")', which 'costs £53.05.' The choice can matter practically, since 'some organisations (such as some banks, mobile phone companies or energy providers) may only accept an enrolled deed poll to change your name on their records.' A deed poll is not always needed: on marriage or civil partnership, 'You do not need a deed poll to take your spouse's or civil partner's surname' — a marriage or civil partnership certificate is generally enough.