How Many Deed Poll Copies Should You Order?

How Many Deed Poll Copies Should You Order? (And Why)

When you order your Deed Poll, you will see an option to add "duplicate originals" or extra copies to your basket. You might be tempted to skip this to save a few pounds. "I can just use a photocopier at work, right?"

Wrong. This is the single most common mistake our customers make.

Relying on a single Deed Poll can add months of delay to your name change process. Here is why you need duplicates, and exactly how many we recommend you order.

The Golden Rule: Photocopies Are Useless

In the world of bureaucracy, a photocopy is not a legal document. It is just a picture of a document.

HM Passport Office, the DVLA, and most banks will REJECT a photocopy instantly.

They require an "Original" document. This means a document that has the actual wet ink of your signature and the witness's signature on it. If you order "Duplicate Originals" from us, each one is legally treated as a "Master Copy" that can be sent to these organizations.

The "Bottleneck" Problem (Why One Isn't Enough)

Imagine you have only ordered one Deed Poll.

1. You send that one copy to the Passport Office to update your passport.
2. The Passport Office puts it in a queue. It currently takes them 3 to 10 weeks to process applications.
3. During those 10 weeks, you cannot update your Driving Licence. You cannot update your Bank Account. You cannot update your Mortgage.
4. You are stuck in limbo, half-changed and half-not, waiting for the postman to return your document.

If you have multiple copies, you can send one to the Passport Office, one to the DVLA, and take one into your bank branch all on the same day. This slashes the total time from 3 months down to 3 weeks.

So, How Many Should I Order?

Based on our experience with thousands of customers, here is our recommendation:

The "Standard" Pack: 3 - 5 Copies (Recommended)

This is the sweet spot for most adults. It covers the "Big Three" simultaneously while leaving you a spare for safekeeping.

• Copy 1: Sent to HM Passport Office (Away for 3-10 weeks).
• Copy 2: Sent to DVLA (Away for 1-3 weeks).
• Copy 3: Used for banks/employers (In your pocket).
• Copy 4: Spare (Kept in a fireproof box/safe).

The "Complex" Pack: 8 - 10 Copies

You might need more if you have a complex financial life or many accounts to update.

• Multiple pension pots.
• Investment accounts / Shares.
• Premium Bonds (NS&I often ask for an original).
• Visas / Foreign Agencies.

Who Keeps It and Who Returns It?

It helps to know who actually "steals" your document.

Save Time: Add Duplicates to Your Order

Don't let a £5 saving cost you 3 months of waiting. Add duplicate originals to your order now and update your entire life in one week.