How Many Deed Poll "Copies" Do You Need? (The Speed Secret)
You’ve taken the big step. You have purchased your deed poll. But now you face the practical nightmare: updating your identity with everyone from the Passport Office and DVLA to your bank and gym.
The most common question asked at this stage is: "How many copies do I actually need?"
It’s a vital question because getting the answer wrong means the difference between your name change taking two weeks or six months.
The "Golden Rule" of Name Changing
Before we talk about numbers, we need to bust a major myth: Photocopies are usually useless.
Official government bodies (like HM Passport Office and the DVLA) and financial institutions generally do not accept standard photocopies of your deed poll. If you send a Xerox of your document to get your new passport, it will almost certaintly be rejected.
What do they accept?
They require an "Original" document. This means a document that has been signed in wet ink by you and your two witnesses.
The uknamechange.com Advantage: Unlimited "Originals"
Many old-fashioned services charge you extra fees for every additional "certified copy" they post to you. We don't think that's fair.
At uknamechange.com, both our Basic and Complete packages provide you with an instant, high-quality PDF download of your legal Deed Poll.
The Secret: Because you receive a PDF, you can print it as many times as you like on nice, thick paper. Every single time you sign one of those printouts with your witnesses, you have created another legal "original."
The Magic Number: Why You Need at Least Five
You could print and sign just one deed poll. But here is what happens:
You send that one copy to the Passport Office. You wait 4-8 weeks for them to process it and send it back. Only then can you send that same document to the DVLA and wait another 3 weeks. Then the bank. It takes forever.
The Fast Lane Strategy
To change your name quickly, you need to notify multiple organisations at the same time (in parallel). We recommend printing and signing between 5 and 10 originals.
Here is a typical breakdown of who needs an original copy simultaneously:
| Priority Level | Who Needs It? | Why they need an original |
|---|---|---|
| Critical (Send immediately) | HM Passport Office | Strict government security check. |
| Critical (Send immediately) | DVLA (Driving Licence) | Legal requirement for ID. |
| High (Send immediately) | Your Main Bank | Financial security regulations. |
| High (Send immediately) | Mortgage Provider / Landlord | Legal contracts. |
| Medium (Keep handy) | Spare Copies for Employer/Utilities | Often requested for HR records. |
Get the Tool That Makes It Easy
Having unlimited copies of your deed poll is fantastic, but it's only half the battle. You still need to know exactly who to send them to, and what other forms (like passport applications) must go with them to avoid rejection.
Don't guess. Our Complete Package (£29.99) provides your instant PDF Deed Poll PLUS our essential Step-by-Step Guide and Dashboard access. We tell you exactly how to notify the major organisations so you get it right the first time.
