Name Change Checklist

After a name change you should update every organisation that holds your details — starting with ID documents (your passport and driving licence), then government and tax (HMRC, the electoral register, your council), your bank and other financial providers, your GP and other health services, your employer, and finally utilities, subscriptions and memberships. The checklist above builds a personalised version based on your circumstances so you don't miss anyone. For a full reference, see our list of companies that accept a deed poll, or read the complete guide to changing your name in the UK.

Update your primary photo ID first — your passport and driving licence — because other organisations often accept those as proof. Then do HMRC and your bank, followed by everything else. Because some organisations keep your original document for a while, it helps to order a few certified copies of your deed poll so you can update several at once.

Some organisations — notably the Passport Office and DVLA — want to see an original document, while many banks and utilities accept a certified copy or an online upload. That's why we recommend ordering several original copies of your deed poll so you can update multiple organisations at the same time rather than waiting for one to return it.

There's no legal deadline — your name change is valid as soon as your deed poll is signed and witnessed. In practice it's best to update the essentials (passport, driving licence, bank, HMRC and your employer) promptly so your ID and pay records match, then work through the rest at your own pace using this checklist.

Yes. Your ticked items and answers are saved privately in your own browser, so you can close the page and pick up where you left off. Nothing is sent to us or stored on our servers — and you can download or print your checklist at any time. Haven't changed your name yet? You can get your deed poll from £14.49 first.

Yes — the checklist works for a child's name change too. Just remember that legally changing a child's surname needs the consent of everyone with parental responsibility. Once that's agreed, our child deed poll service handles the paperwork, and you can use this list to update the child's passport, school, GP and other records. See exactly how it works to get started.

Most UK banks let you update your name online, by post or in branch — you'll usually need to show or send your deed poll (or marriage certificate). Some banks accept a photo or upload; others want to see the original in branch. Our step-by-step guide to changing your name with UK banks covers the exact process for the major high-street banks.

Yes — you should tell HMRC so your tax code, National Insurance record and any tax credits or benefits stay correct. You can update your details online through your Personal Tax Account; HMRC often passes the change to the DWP too. Once your deed poll is signed, see exactly how the name-change process works.

The deed poll itself is just £14.49 with UK Name Change, and most organisations on this checklist — banks, HMRC, your council, utilities and your GP — update your name free of charge. Your driving licence is free too; the main paid item is usually a new passport. Work out your total with our free name change cost calculator.