In our years of helping over 70,000 people at UK Name Change, we have heard just about every misconception under the sun. Many people across London and the UK put off changing their name for years simply because they believe the process is too expensive, too complicated, or requires a "valid" legal reason to proceed.
The truth is that the UK has one of the most liberal and straightforward systems in the world for name changes. To help you move forward with confidence, we are setting the record straight. Here are the seven most common myths about changing your name debunked once and for all.
Myth 1: You Need a Solicitor to Make it Legal
This is perhaps the biggest myth of all. Many people believe they must visit a law firm in central London and pay hundreds of pounds in legal fees to have a deed poll "drawn up."
The Reality: You do not need a solicitor or a notary to change your name. A deed poll is a private contract. As long as it contains the correct legal wording and is signed and witnessed according to UK law, it is a fully valid legal document. Our service provides these professionally drafted documents for a fraction of the cost of a solicitor, and they are accepted by 100% of UK government bodies.
Myth 2: You Must Have a "Valid" Reason
People often ask us if "just wanting a change" is enough, or if they need to prove they are getting married, transitioning, or protecting their safety.
The Reality: In the UK, you have the right to be known by whatever name you choose, provided it is not for fraudulent purposes. You do not need to justify your decision to the government, your bank, or us. Whether you hate your birth name, want to honour a family member, or simply prefer a different sound, your reason is your own.
Myth 3: An "Unenrolled" Deed Poll Isn't a "Real" Document
There is often confusion between "enrolled" (registered at the Royal Courts of Justice) and "unenrolled" deed polls. Some believe that unless it’s in a court registry, it won’t be accepted.
The Reality: An unenrolled deed poll is the standard method for name changes in the UK. HM Passport Office, the DVLA, and HMRC all accept unenrolled deed polls. In fact, enrolling a deed poll is often a waste of time and money for most people, and it results in your old and new names being published permanently in the London Gazette, which removes your privacy.
Myth 4: Changing Your Name Is Instant Everywhere
Many people think that once they sign the deed poll, their name is automatically updated on the national grid, at their bank, and on their passport.
The Reality: Signing the deed poll is the legal start, but the administrative part takes work. You must manually notify every organisation you deal with. This is why our Complete Package is so popular—it provides a digital dashboard and templates to help you manage this process across dozens of UK institutions systematically.
Myth 5: You Can't Change Your Name if You Have a Criminal Record
There is a persistent fear that a past mistake or a current record "locks" your name forever.
The Reality: You are still entitled to change your name. The only difference is that you have a legal obligation to inform certain authorities (like the police if you are on the Sex Offenders Register or your probation officer). It is not the name change that is restricted, but the failure to disclose it.
Myth 6: You Can Use Any Name You Want
While the rules are flexible, some people believe they can change their name to a string of emojis, a number, or a protected title.
The Reality: There are "common sense" boundaries. The Passport Office will reject names that include numbers, symbols, or profanity. You also cannot add a title like "Sir" or "Lady" to your name through a deed poll to trick people into thinking you have been knighted or hold a peerage.
Myth 7: It Costs Hundreds of Pounds
Because people associate "legal documents" with "high costs," they assume the total bill for a name change will be eye-watering.
The Reality: At UK Name Change, we have simplified the process to make it affordable for everyone. You can obtain a legally compliant deed poll for as little as £19.49. Even our most comprehensive packages, which include full tracking dashboards and expert guidance, are designed to be accessible to everyone across the UK.
Comparison: Myth vs. Reality
| Common Myth | The Legal Truth |
|---|---|
| "I need a lawyer to sign it." | Any independent adult can witness your signature. |
| "It takes months to process." | You can download your deed poll instantly with us. |
| "Banks won't accept an online deed poll." | Our documents are 100% accepted by all UK banks. |
Why Experience Matters
While these myths are false, the danger of a "DIY" deed poll is real. If you use the wrong wording or fail to include the required legal declarations, your application to the DVLA or Passport Office will be rejected, costing you time and frustration. By choosing a specialist service like UK Name Change, you are ensuring that your document follows the exact standards required by UK law.
We provide the security of a solicitor-approved template with the speed and price of a modern digital service. Don't let myths hold you back from being who you want to be.
Ready to ignore the myths and start your journey? Our 5-minute online application is the fastest way to legally change your name in the UK. If you're still feeling unsure about the process, feel free to contact our London-based support team for a friendly chat about your options.