Deed Poll Direct

When you change your name, organisations that hold records about you will normally require documentary evidence before changing the name shown on their records.

This can include government departments, banks, employers, utility companies, pension providers, medical organisations and other organisations that hold personal information about you.

What is documentary evidence?

Documentary evidence is a document that supports your request to have the name on your records changed.

The type of evidence you need can depend on the reason for your name change and the requirements of the organisation you are contacting.

Changing your name by Deed Poll

If you wish to change your name for another reason, a Deed Poll can provide documentary evidence of your change of name.

Once your Deed Poll has been correctly completed, signed and witnessed, you can use it when asking organisations to update their records to your new name.

This can include records such as your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, employment records and medical records, subject to the individual organisation's requirements.

What part of your name can you change?

A Deed Poll can be used to record a change to your first name, middle names or surname.

This can include adding a name, removing a name, changing the spelling of a name or changing the order of your names.

After changing your name

Once your name has been changed, you will need to contact the organisations that hold your personal records and ask them to update the name they hold for you.

Each organisation may have its own procedures and may ask to see your original Deed Poll or another form of supporting documentation.

Some historical documents may not change

Certain documents are historical records of the circumstances that existed when they were issued and are not normally amended simply because you later change your name.

Examples can include birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption certificates, civil partnership certificates and divorce documentation.

Educational certificates may also remain in the name you used when the qualification was awarded.

Where in the UK are you?

The law on changing your name is not the same everywhere in the British Isles. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements, and the Crown Dependencies have their own registries again. If you were born outside England and Wales, read the relevant page before ordering anything.

• Changing your name in Scotland — National Records of Scotland or a Deed Poll?
• Changing your name in Northern Ireland — a separate jurisdiction with its own routes
• Changing your name in Wales — including Welsh spellings and accented characters
• Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey — the islands have their own registries