Which Companies Accept a Deed Poll? (The Definitive List)
A common fear for anyone changing their name online is: "Will the banks actually accept this? Or will they laugh me out of the branch?"
It is a valid concern. You are about to present a piece of paper to the Passport Office and ask them to change your legal identity. You need to know it’s going to work.
The short answer is: Every UK company and government body accepts a correctly executed Deed Poll.
However, how they accept it (and what else they ask for) varies. Here is the definitive list of who accepts a Deed Poll and what they require.
1. Government Bodies (The "Strict" Ones)
These organisations set the standard. If they accept your Deed Poll (which they will, if it is from us), everyone else will follow.
- HM Passport Office (HMPO): Accepts Deed Polls for all name changes.
Requirement: Must be an Original document (not a photocopy). - DVLA (Driving Licence): Accepts Deed Polls to update licences for free.
Requirement: Must be an Original document. - HMRC (Tax & National Insurance): Accepts Deed Polls to update tax records.
Requirement: Can usually be done online via Government Gateway, but they may request a posted original. - The Courts: If you are involved in legal proceedings, the courts accept Unenrolled Deed Polls as proof of identity.
2. Financial Institutions (Banks & Lenders)
Do banks accept online Deed Polls? Yes.
It does not matter if you paid a solicitor £300 or bought it online for £19.49. As long as the wording is legally correct and witnessed, they must accept it.
High Street Banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, NatWest, etc.)
They all accept Deed Polls. However, because of strict anti-money laundering laws, they almost always require you to visit a branch in person.
- Requirement: Original Deed Poll + Your NEW Photo ID (Passport/Licence).
- Note: Some banks may accept the Deed Poll + Old ID, but it depends on the branch manager's discretion.
Credit Card & Mortgage Providers
Most will accept a certified copy sent by post, though some digital-first banks (like Monzo or Starling) may allow you to upload a photo of the document via their app.
3. Travel & Utilities (The "Easier" Ones)
These companies are generally much easier to deal with and often accept a scanned copy via email.
- Airlines: Warning! Airlines do NOT accept a Deed Poll to let you fly. Your ticket name MUST match your passport. You must use your Deed Poll to update your passport before you travel.
- Utility Companies (Gas, Electric, Water): Accept Deed Polls easily (often over the phone or email).
- Mobile Phone Networks: Usually require you to take the document into a store or upload a scan to their support chat.
- Local Council (Council Tax/Electoral Roll): Accept scanned copies via email or online forms.
Why Do Some Deed Polls Get Rejected?
If every company accepts them, why do we hear stories of rejection?
It is almost never because the Deed Poll is "illegal." It is usually because it looks "unofficial."
1. The "DIY" Problem
If you print a Deed Poll at home on flimsy printer paper, a bank clerk may suspect it is a forgery or a prank. They have the right to refuse documents that they do not believe are genuine.
2. Missing Information
If the witness has forgotten to include their address, or if the document isn't dated, the Passport Office will reject it instantly.
Our Guarantee
We solve the rejection problem.
Our Deed Polls are printed on high-grade, heavy legal paper and feature an official seal. When you hand this document to a bank manager or send it to the Passport Office, it looks authoritative and professional.
We guarantee that our Deed Polls will be accepted by all UK government bodies and companies, or your money back.
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