UK Legal Requirements for Changing Your Name: Who Can Do It?
Unlike many other countries, the UK has a remarkably liberal approach to names.
You do not need to appear before a judge, you do not need to register with a government bureau, and you do not need a specific "legal reason" (like marriage) to change your name.
However, there are still strict legal requirements you must meet for your name change to be accepted by official bodies like HM Passport Office. Here is the checklist of rules you need to follow.
1. The Age Requirement
The rules differ depending on how old you are.
- 16 and Over: You are legally considered an adult for the purpose of name changes. You can execute your own Adult Deed Poll without your parents' permission.
- Under 16: You cannot change your own name. Someone with Parental Responsibility (usually your mother and/or father) must apply for a Child Deed Poll on your behalf.
Note for Under 16s: If both parents are on the birth certificate, both must consent to the name change in writing. You cannot change a child's name behind the other parent's back.
2. Citizenship and Residency
Do I need to be a British Citizen?
No. You can use a UK Deed Poll to change your name on UK records (like your bank account, NHS record, or driving licence) even if you are a foreign national living here.
However, a UK Deed Poll cannot change a foreign passport. To change a non-UK passport, you must follow the laws of that specific country. If you hold dual citizenship, you should ensure both passports eventually match to avoid travel issues.
3. "Banned" Names (What You Can't Choose)
While you can generally choose any name you like (e.g., "Skywalker" or "Princess-Consuela"), HM Passport Office will reject names that fall into specific restricted categories.
You cannot choose a name that:
- Is Offensive: Contains swear words, racial slurs, or sexually explicit language.
- Promotes Crime: Incites hatred or illegal activities.
- Is Misleading: You cannot name yourself "Doctor," "Sir," "Lord," or "Prince" if you do not hold that title, as this is considered fraudulent.
- Contains Numbers/Symbols: You cannot be called "C-3PO" or "Ke$ha." Names must consist of Latin characters (A-Z) and standard punctuation (hyphens/apostrophes).
- Is Unpronounceable: A string of random letters (e.g., "Jkmnsz") may be rejected.
4. The Witness Requirement
A Deed Poll is not valid unless it is witnessed. This is a strict legal requirement.
When you sign your document, you must have someone watch you do it and then sign it themselves. Your witness must be:
- Aged 18 or over.
- Independent (Not a relative and not living at the same address).
- Able to speak and read English.
Friends, colleagues, and neighbours make perfect witnesses.
5. No Fraudulent Intent
Finally, the most important rule: You must not change your name to deceive or defraud.
It is perfectly legal to change your name if you have a criminal record or debt (bankruptcy). However, you must notify the relevant authorities (police or official receiver) of your new name.
If you change your name to escape a debt, hide a criminal past from an employer, or commit fraud, you are breaking the law.
Summary: It's Easier Than You Think
As long as you are over 16, not choosing an offensive name, and not trying to commit fraud, you are legally entitled to change your name to whatever you want.
All you need is the document to prove it.
Get Your Legally Compliant Deed Poll
We ensure your name change meets all UK government standards. We check your application for banned words and formatting errors before issuing your document.
