Changing Your Name by Deed Poll
How to legally change your name in England & Wales using a deed poll, including the process, recognition, and when a deed poll is needed.
Overview
In England & Wales, you can call yourself whatever you like — there is no law requiring you to use a particular name, and you can change your name simply by using a new one. However, a deed poll provides formal evidence of a name change that is recognised by government bodies, banks, the DVLA, HMRC, the Passport Office, and other organisations. A deed poll is a legal document that declares you are abandoning your old name and adopting a new one.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves changing your name by deed poll.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Step-by-Step Process
Decide Whether You Need a Deed Poll
A deed poll is not legally required to change your name, but most organisations will ask for one as evidence. You need a deed poll to update your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, and other official records. If you are changing your name after marriage or civil partnership, your marriage/civil partnership certificate is usually sufficient — you do not need a deed poll.
- You do NOT need a solicitor to create a deed poll
- Children under 16 need all persons with parental responsibility to consent
Create the Deed Poll
You can create a deed poll yourself (an 'unenrolled' deed poll) by writing a simple document that states your old name, your new name, your intention to abandon the old name, and your intention to use the new name at all times. The document must be signed by you and witnessed by two independent adults (not family members). Alternatively, you can use a deed poll service or solicitor.
- Use the standard wording: 'I [old name] of [address] have given up my name [old name] and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name]'
- The witnesses must sign and provide their names and addresses
- Print the deed poll on durable paper — you will need to show it to many organisations
Enrol the Deed Poll (Optional)
You can optionally 'enrol' your deed poll at the Royal Courts of Justice. This makes it a public record — your old and new names will be published in The London Gazette. Enrolment is not required and most people do not enrol. It is mainly useful for international purposes or if you want an official government record. Enrolment costs £42.44.
- Enrolment means your name change becomes public record — consider privacy implications
- Most UK organisations accept unenrolled deed polls
Update Your Records
Send a copy of your deed poll (or certified copies) to all relevant organisations to update your records. Priority updates typically include: passport (via HM Passport Office), driving licence (DVLA), bank accounts, HMRC, GP surgery, employer, and electoral register. Each organisation has its own process — most accept a copy of the deed poll by post or in person.
- Update your passport and driving licence first, as these serve as photo ID in your new name
- Keep several certified copies of your deed poll
- Some organisations may charge an admin fee — most do not
Costs
Important Warnings
You cannot change your name for fraudulent purposes — for example, to avoid debts or criminal records.
A name change does not affect your legal obligations, contracts, or criminal record — these follow you regardless of name.
For children under 16, all persons with parental responsibility must consent. If consent cannot be obtained, a court order may be needed.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the changing your name by deed poll process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Processing takes several weeks". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: DIY deed poll — Free (just paper and ink); Deed poll service — £10-£40 typically; Enrolled deed poll — £42.44 (Royal Courts of Justice fee); New passport — £82.50 (standard online application). Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: You cannot change your name for fraudulent purposes — for example, to avoid debts or criminal records.; A name change does not affect your legal obligations, contracts, or criminal record — these follow you regardless of name.; For children under 16, all persons with parental responsibility must consent. If consent cannot be obtained, a court order may be needed.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: GOV.UK — Change your name; Enrol a deed poll. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.