Guides and updates about changing your name by Deed Poll in the UK
A title such as Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx or Dr is not legally part of your name, so you do not strictly need a deed poll to change it. Here is the honest UK guide to switching your title, when documentation helps, and when a deed poll actually is the right tool.
At 16, a young person can change their OWN name and sign their OWN deed poll - parental consent is not legally required. Here is exactly how a 16 or 17 year old changes their name, plus how to update a passport, school records, exam certificates and a bank account.
Can you legally have just one name in the UK? Yes, via deed poll, but it is not a smooth process. An honest look at mononyms, HM Passport Office’s restrictive stance, bank rejections and the practical workarounds that actually help.
LOC020 is the free gov.uk Change of Name Deed template. Here is exactly where to download it, a field-by-field guide to completing it, how to sign it so it is legally valid, the witness rules, the common mistakes, and an honest look at DIY versus a paid printed deed poll.
You do not need to use the UK government to change your name. A legally valid unenrolled deed poll can be signed at home -- it's accepted by HMPO, DVLA, banks, and every major UK organisation. This 2026 guide explains the rules and the routes.
The PD2 form lets you apply for a UK passport in your married name up to 3 months before your wedding or civil partnership. This 2026 guide covers eligibility, the application process, and what to do if you're changing your name for non-marriage reasons.