How to Legally Change Your Name by Deed Poll
Last updated: March 2026
Changing your name by deed poll is simple, legal, and recognised across the UK. Apply online in 4 minutes — no solicitor, no court visit, no complicated paperwork. We print and post your official deed poll so you can start updating your records straight away.
4 Simple Steps to Legally Change Your Name
Apply Online
Complete our simple online form in just 4 minutes. Enter your current and new name, choose your package, and check out securely — no paperwork or appointments needed.
We Print & Deliver
Your deed poll is professionally printed on premium parchment paper for an official, high-quality finish. Ready to sign as soon as it arrives.
Fast Delivery
Orders placed before 3 PM are dispatched the same day via Royal Mail Tracked 24 — completely free. Track your delivery every step of the way.
Update Records
Once signed and witnessed, send your deed poll to the DVLA, HMRC, your bank, GP, employer and more to officially update your name everywhere.
What Is a Deed Poll?
A deed poll is a legal document that proves you have officially changed your name. It is the standard and most widely used method for a legal name change in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Accepted Everywhere
Once signed and witnessed, a deed poll is accepted by every UK organisation — including HM Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, banks, employers, the NHS, and universities.
No Solicitor Needed
Unlike a statutory declaration, a deed poll does not need to be sworn before a solicitor. And unlike an enrolled deed poll, it does not need to be published in The London Gazette.
Change Any Part of Your Name
You can use a deed poll to change your first name, middle name, surname, or your entire name. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, personal preference, gender transition, or simply wanting a fresh start.
What About Scotland?
In Scotland, the process is different. Name changes are handled through the National Records of Scotland (NRS) rather than by deed poll. You can still use our service if you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland — but Scottish residents should apply directly via the NRS website.
Who Can Change Their Name by Deed Poll?
Almost anyone living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can legally change their name by deed poll — regardless of age, gender, or reason. Here's how it works for different situations:
Adults (16+)
Any UK resident aged 16 or over can change their name by deed poll without anyone else's permission. The process takes just 4 minutes online and no solicitor is needed. Your new name is legally valid as soon as the deed poll is signed and witnessed.
Adult deed pollChildren (Under 16)
Children can have their name changed by deed poll, but everyone with parental responsibility must give consent. If one parent objects, a court order may be required. Our form guides you through the consent requirements step by step.
Child deed pollAfter Marriage or Divorce
A marriage certificate lets you take your spouse's surname, but a deed poll is needed for other changes — such as double-barrelling surnames, creating a completely new surname, or reverting to a maiden name after divorce.
Start your name changeGender Transition
A deed poll is commonly used alongside a gender recognition process. You can change your name before, during, or after obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate. Many organisations will update your records with just a deed poll.
Transgender name change guideSigning & Witnessing Your Deed Poll
Once your deed poll arrives, you need to sign it in the presence of an independent witness. This is what makes it a legally binding document — no solicitor, notary, or official appointment is required.
Sign With Both Names
Sign your deed poll using both your old name and your new name in the presence of your witness. Use a black ballpoint pen for the clearest result. Each copy you ordered needs to be signed individually.
Your Witness Signs
Your witness then signs the deed poll and adds their full name and address. This confirms they have seen you sign and that they know you by your old name. They do not need to be a solicitor or hold any qualification.
Start Using Your New Name
That's it — your name change is now legally effective. You can immediately start updating your records with organisations like your passport, bank, employer, GP, and the DVLA.
Who Can Be a Witness?
- Any independent adult (aged 18+) who knows you personally
- A friend, work colleague, neighbour, or manager
- A professional — teacher, doctor, accountant
- Not a family member, spouse, or partner
Your witness confirms they have known you by your old name — they do not need any professional qualifications or legal status.
How Many Copies Do You Need?
We strongly recommend ordering multiple copies of your deed poll. Many organisations — particularly banks and government departments — require an original document and may hold onto it for several weeks.
Having 3–5 copies means you can update multiple organisations at the same time, rather than waiting for each one to return your deed poll before sending it to the next.
Who Do You Need to Notify After Changing Your Name?
Once your deed poll is signed and witnessed, you'll need to contact every organisation that holds your personal records. Most people start with their passport and driving licence, then work through banks, employers, and utilities.
Government
- HM Passport Office
- DVLA (driving licence)
- HMRC (tax records)
- Electoral register
- DWP (benefits)
Financial
- Banks & building societies
- Credit card providers
- Pensions & investments
- Insurance (car, home, life)
- Student Loans Company
Household
- Council tax
- Energy suppliers (gas & electric)
- Water company
- Internet & mobile phone
- TV licence
Work, Health & Education
- Employer & payroll
- GP, dentist & NHS records
- University or school
- Professional memberships
- Subscriptions & loyalty cards
Need Help Notifying Everyone?
Our name change dashboard gives you step-by-step instructions, ready-made letter templates, and direct links for updating 30+ organisations — so you don't miss anyone. It's included free with every order.
What to Do After You Receive Your Deed Poll
Not sure where to start? Read our complete guide on what to do after you receive your deed poll — covering signing, notifying organisations, and updating your ID documents in the right order.
For a complete breakdown, see our full list of organisations that accept a deed poll.
Deed Poll vs Other Ways to Change Your Name in the UK
In England and Wales, there are three main legal methods for changing your name: a deed poll, a statutory declaration, and an enrolled deed poll. All three are legally valid — but they differ significantly in cost, speed, privacy, and convenience. Here's how they compare so you can choose the right option for your situation.
Deed Poll (Unenrolled)
The most popular and practical way to change your name. An unenrolled deed poll is a signed legal document that proves your intention to abandon your old name and use a new one. It is accepted by every UK organisation — including HMRC, the DVLA, banks, and the NHS.
- Accepted by all UK organisations — government, banks, employers
- No solicitor, court visit, or legal appointment required
- Completely private — your name change is never published
- From just £19.49 with free Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery
- Ready and dispatched within 1–3 working days
- Apply online from home in under 5 minutes
Statutory Declaration
A statutory declaration is a formal sworn statement made before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths. It carries the same legal weight as a deed poll, but requires an in-person appointment and comes with higher costs.
- Legally valid for changing your name
- Must be sworn in person before a solicitor or commissioner
- Solicitor fees typically range from £80 to £150 or more
- Requires scheduling an appointment — may take days
- No additional legal benefit over an unenrolled deed poll
Enrolled Deed Poll
An enrolled deed poll is registered at the Royal Courts of Justice and permanently recorded on public record. Enrolment is entirely optional — it provides no additional legal standing compared to an unenrolled deed poll.
- Permanently registered at the Royal Courts of Justice
- Your old and new names are published in The London Gazette
- Court filing fees of £42.44 plus additional costs
- Processing can take several weeks through the courts
- Not accepted or required by most organisations
An unenrolled deed poll is the method the UK government recommends for adults wanting to legally change their name. It's the fastest, most affordable, and most private option — and it's fully accepted everywhere.
Common Questions About Deed Polls
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. For the full list, visit our FAQ page.
The standard way to legally change your name in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is by deed poll. You apply online, receive your printed deed poll by post, sign it with an independent witness, and then use it to update your name with the Passport Office, DVLA, HMRC, banks and all other organisations. No solicitor, court order or government approval is required.
Yes. A deed poll is the standard legal method for changing your name in England and Wales. It is accepted by all UK organisations including HM Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, every high-street bank, employers, the NHS, and universities. There is no legal requirement to enrol it at the Royal Courts of Justice — an unenrolled deed poll carries exactly the same legal weight.
Our deed poll service starts from £19.49 with FREE Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery. The Complete package at £39.99 also includes a personal name change dashboard with step-by-step guides and ready-made letter templates for 30+ organisations. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions. For a full breakdown, see our guide to deed poll costs.
The application takes about 4 minutes. Orders placed before 3 PM are dispatched the same day via Royal Mail Tracked 24, so your deed poll typically arrives within 1–3 working days. Once signed and witnessed, you can immediately start updating your records. See our passport name change guide for details on updating your passport.
No. A deed poll does not need to be prepared, witnessed, or certified by a solicitor. You just need one independent adult witness — a friend, colleague, or neighbour. Using a solicitor typically costs £80–£150 and is completely unnecessary. Read more about why you don't need a solicitor.
Technically, yes — you can write your own deed poll at home for free using pen and paper. However, many organisations reject DIY deed polls because they lack the correct legal wording or formatting. Our professionally printed deed polls start from just £19.49 and are accepted by all UK organisations, including the Passport Office, DVLA, and banks. The price includes free Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery and correct legal phrasing — so you avoid delays and rejections. See our full cost breakdown.
Ready to Change Your Name?
Apply online in under 5 minutes. From just £19.49 with free tracked delivery.