DIY Deed-Poll to Change Your Name in the UK is Easy!

Until a few years I had'nt realised just how easy it was to change ones name in the UK. Like most people I assumed that deed poll was some government linked organisation that I would have to apply to. I assumed I would need solicitors and I assumed the whole process would be a long drawn out legal process that would probably costs me the earth. You may be suprised to know that this is not the case at all. A deed poll is a form of legal contract, but it differs from legal contracts between two or more parties in that it only concerns one person. The name derives from 'deed', a written legal agreement that has been signed and delivered and 'Poll', an old English word used to describe a legal document that had its edges cut or 'polled' so they were straight.

In reality a deed-poll its nothing more than a piece of paper with some legal wording that you and 2 witnesses sign. There is no need to go to court, there is no need to employ a solicitor and there is no need to apply to any form of government department.

Many web sites now offer the deed poll template for you to fill in and print off. Once you sign in and get it witnessed your name is changed !

Its then just a case of letting everyone know by showing them a copy of your deedpoll - your employer, your bank , your doctor, passport office, DVLA etc..

Thats it !
Common questions answered

Q. Is this process fully legal ?
A. Yes it is 100% legal. A deed poll of change of name will contain "exactly" the same wording if you do the process online or if you use a solicitor. The advantage of using an online service is that it saves you time and money. You could even write it yourself as long as you can find out the exact wording required.

Q. How old do I have to be to change my name ?
A. You must be 16 years old to change your name

Q. Where must I live ?
A. You must be resident in the UK - this includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Q. Can I call myself anything I like ?
A. Tricky one, it is normally recommended that certain restrictions should apply. You cannot give yourself a title - ie. Mr John Smith could not become King John, Prince John or Lord Smith. Also you should not use numbers as a name Mr John Smith could not become Mr 12345. In addition to this it is not recommended to use offensive, racist, sexist or blasphemous names - although people have done all of the above in the past !

Q. I've recently divorced my husband do I need a deed poll to revert back to my maiden name ?
A. Strictly speaking no you don't, you can use a combination of your original marriage certificate and your decree absolute to revert back to your maiden name, however a deed poll of change of name makes the process much quicker and easier.

Q. Can I change my name more than once ?
A. Yes you can change your name as many times as you like, you can also revert back to your original name.

Q. Will I have a new birth certificate ?
A. No, your birth certificate will stay exactly as it is.

Q. I have a criminal record can I still change my name ?
A. Yes you can, however if you have a court case pending you must inform the police and the CPS and/or court.

Q. Will changing my name mean I can get rid of debt ?
A. No, you must inform anyone you owe money to that your name has changed.