Are There Restrictions on Changing Your Name in the UK? (The Red List)
One of the best things about the UK legal system is the freedom it gives you. Generally speaking, the law allows you to call yourself whatever you want, provided your intention isn't to deceive or defraud anyone.
However, while you might legally adopt a name via Deed Poll, Her Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) has the final say. They have a strict policy on what they will and won't print on a passport.
If your new name falls into one of their "restricted" categories, they will refuse to issue your passport. To avoid a rejected application, you need to make sure your new name isn't on the "Red List."
The 5 Main Restrictions
1. Offensive or Vulgar Language
The Passport Office will reject any name that contains swear words, sexually explicit language, or words that are considered publicly offensive. If your name could cause offence to a bank teller or passport official, it will likely be blocked.
2. Promoting Hate or Crime
You cannot choose a name that promotes racial or religious hatred, or is associated with criminal organizations. For example, trying to change your name to a known racial slur or a figure associated with hate speech will result in an immediate rejection.
3. Symbols, Numbers, and Punctuation
Official UK names must consist of letters only. You generally cannot use:
- Numbers (e.g., "James Bond 007")
- Symbols (e.g., "Ke$ha" or "@lex")
- Excessive punctuation (though hyphens for double-barrelled names like "Smith-Jones" are perfectly fine).
4. Trademarks and Copyright
You cannot name yourself after a famous brand or trademarked term if it could be seen as misleading. For example, changing your name to "Coca Cola," "Tesco," or "Harrods" is usually not allowed.
5. Presumed Titles (The "Lord" & "Sir" Trap)
This is a very common reason for rejection. You cannot give yourself a name that gives the impression you have a title you haven't earned.
Warning: You cannot change your first name to "Sir," "Lord," "Lady," "Princess," "Prince," or "Doctor." The Passport Office treats these as "presumed titles" and will reject them unless you can provide documentary evidence (like a medical degree or knighthood) that you are entitled to use them.
A Note on Fraud and Debt
Finally, there is a legal restriction on intent. You cannot change your name to escape debt, avoid criminal proceedings, or hide from legal obligations. If it is discovered that you changed your name for these purposes, the name change is legally void and you could face prosecution.
Check Your Name Before You Apply
For 99% of people, these rules aren't an issue. But if you are choosing a creative or unusual name, it pays to be careful.
At uknamechange.com, we help you get it right. Our Complete Package (£29.99) provides your official Deed Poll documents along with our essential Guide and Dashboard, ensuring you have the correct information to navigate the Passport Office rules smoothly.
