Congratulations! You have your deed poll, and you are officially a new you. Now comes the administrative marathon: updating your name with the government, banks, and utility companies. While changing your name with your bank is free, updating government documents like passports and driving licences comes with a price tag.
If you aren't careful, these fees can spiral into the hundreds. At UK Name Change, we have helped thousands of people navigate this process, and we have picked up some valuable money-saving hacks along the way. Here are five ways to keep more cash in your pocket while making your name change official.
1. The Driving Licence "No-Photo" Loophole
Did you know it is technically free to change your name on your driving licence? The DVLA does not charge for a change of details (name or address).
The cost only kicks in if you decide to update your photo at the same time. While it is tempting to have a fresh picture to match your new identity, keeping your existing photo (provided it is still valid) saves you the £17.00 fee. You simply need to complete the D1 form and send it off with your deed poll and current licence. Your new licence will arrive with your new name and your old photo, costing you absolutely nothing.
2. Go Digital with Passports (And Skip the Booth)
Renewing a passport is the single most expensive part of the name change process. However, you can minimize the damage by avoiding two things: paper forms and photo booths.
- Apply Online: Applying for a passport online is significantly cheaper than using the paper form available at the Post Office. You save roughly £10–£12 just by using the digital service.
- DIY Photos: In the past, you had to pay £6–£8 for a set of booth photos. Now, the government prefers digital photos taken with a smartphone. Ask a friend to take a photo of you against a plain white wall (following the online guidelines). It is completely free and often results in a better picture!
3. The "Duplicate Original" Trick
This is our number one insider tip. Many institutions (like the Passport Office) require an original deed poll; they will not accept a photocopy. If you only have one original, you have to send it to one organization, wait for them to return it, and then send it to the next. This takes months.
To speed things up, some people pay a solicitor to make "certified copies" of their deed poll. Solicitors can charge £10 to £25 per copy. This is a waste of money.
The Solution: When you sign your deed poll, sign multiple copies (we recommend 5–10). Because you and your witness sign all of them in ink, they are all considered "originals." You can now send them to the DVLA, Passport Office, and Bank simultaneously without paying a penny for certified copies.
4. Avoid Third-Party "Checking" Services
If you search for "update driving licence" on Google, you will often see ads for third-party websites that promise to "check your application" for a fee of £40 to £80.
Avoid these sites. They do not fast-track your application; they simply check your spelling and forward your details to the DVLA (which you could do yourself for free). Always ensure you are on the official GOV.UK website when updating government documents. The official site will clearly state the standard fees without hidden "processing" charges.
5. Timing is Everything
If your current passport still has a few years left on it, ask yourself: do I need to travel internationally right now?
You are not legally required to update your passport immediately if you are not traveling. You can change your name on your driving licence, bank accounts, and bills (your "domestic" ID) now, and wait to update your passport later to spread out the cost.
Note: If you book flights, the name on the ticket MUST match the name on the passport you present. Do not book a flight in your new name until your new passport has physically arrived.
Conclusion
Changing your name shouldn't break the bank. By being savvy with your photos, signing multiple originals, and using online government services, you can save over £50–£100 during the transition.
The first step is getting the deed poll itself. Our service is designed to be the most affordable starting point for your journey.
Ready to begin? Get your deed poll pack today.