Common Deed Poll Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Changing your name is a big life step. The last thing you want is for your application to be rejected by the Passport Office because of a simple, preventable error on your Deed Poll.
At Adult Deed Poll, we see the same mistakes being made over and over again by people who try to do it themselves or use unverified templates. These mistakes lead to delays, rejection letters, and wasted money.
Here are the five most common Deed Poll mistakes and how to ensure your document is accepted the first time.
1. Using a Family Member as a Witness
The Mistake: Getting your mum, dad, brother, or spouse to witness you sign the Deed Poll.
Why it's a problem: A legal witness must be "independent." A family member is not considered independent because they may have a vested interest in your name change. Government bodies like HM Passport Office will reject a Deed Poll witnessed by a relative.
The Fix: Ask a neighbour, colleague, friend, or your local GP to be your witness. They just need to be over 18 and not related to you or living with you.
2. Using a Photocopy or Digital Scan
The Mistake: Sending a photocopy or a printout of a scanned Deed Poll to the Passport Office or DVLA.
Why it's a problem: These organisations require an "original" document with a "wet ink" signature. They need to see that you physically signed the paper. A photocopy is not legal proof.
The Fix: Always send the original document that you signed with a pen. We highly recommend ordering "Duplicate Originals" when you purchase your Deed Poll so you have multiple valid copies to send out at once.
3. Incorrect Legal Wording
The Mistake: Using a free template found on the internet that contains outdated, incomplete, or incorrect legal phrasing.
Why it's a problem: A Deed Poll is a formal legal declaration. It must contain specific clauses where you: 1) Abandon your old name, 2) Adopt your new name for all purposes, and 3) Authorise everyone to use your new name. If any of these parts are missing or worded incorrectly, the document is invalid.
The Fix: Use a professional service like ours. Our Deed Polls are drafted by legal experts and are guaranteed to contain the correct, legally binding wording accepted by all UK government bodies.
4. Trying to Change Titles (e.g., "Lord" or "Dr")
The Mistake: Using a Deed Poll to change your title to "Sir," "Lord," "Lady," or "Dr" when you don't hold that official rank.
Why it's a problem: A Deed Poll changes your name, not your title. You cannot make yourself a Lord or a Doctor just by signing a piece of paper. HM Passport Office will refuse to issue a passport with a title you cannot prove you have earned or inherited. It can also be considered fraudulent if used to deceive others.
The Fix: Stick to changing your forenames and surname. You can change your social title (like from Miss to Ms) just by telling people; you don't need a legal document for that.
5. Poor Quality Printing and Paper
The Mistake: Printing your Deed Poll at home on cheap, thin printer paper with a low-ink printer.
Why it's a problem: While technically legal, a scruffy, home-printed document looks unprofessional and raises suspicion. We have seen banks and other official bodies refuse documents that look "unofficial" or could be easily forged.
The Fix: A Deed Poll is a life-changing document; it should look important. Our Deed Polls are professionally printed on high-quality, heavy parchment paper with an official seal, giving them the weight and authority they deserve.
Get It Right the First Time
Don't risk rejection and delay. Order a professionally drafted, guaranteed Deed Poll from us today and change your name with confidence.
