How to legally change your name

Changing your name is easier than you might think. In the UK, you have the right to call yourself almost anything you want.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps of using deed poll to make your new name official.

What is a deed poll?

Most people change their name using something called a deed poll. This is just a document that says you're giving up your old name and taking on a new one.

When you change your name with a deed poll in the UK, you have two options: an enrolled deed poll or an unenrolled deed poll.

Unenrolled deed polls

Most people use unenrolled deed polls. They are:

• Quick and easy to make
• Cheaper (or even free if you make it yourself)
• Accepted by most organisations

With an unenrolled deed poll, you simply create the document, sign it with your witness, and start using it. Most banks, government departments, and companies will accept this type of deed poll without any problems.

How to change your name by deed poll - unenrolled:

1. Make your deed poll document. You can write it yourself or use an online service.
2. Sign it in front of a witness (someone who isn't related to you).

Start using your new name right away!

Unenrolled deed poll example

Below is a template taken from the government’s website which can be used to change your name.

“I [old name] of [your address] have given up my name [old name] and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name].

“Where applicable, I have informed the police that I have given up my name [old name] and have adopted the name [new name] and understand that a failure to do so is a criminal offence.

“I also understand that when I apply for official documents in my new name, such as a British Passport, the relevant authorities may check the history and validity of my old name [old name] and new name [new name]. They may also check the information in any other supporting documents they have requested.

“Signed as a deed on [date] as [old name] and [new name] in the presence of [witness 1 name] of [witness 1 address], and [witness 2 name] of [witness 2 address].

“[your new signature], [your old signature]

“[witness 1 signature], [witness 2 signature]”

Enrolled deed polls

An enrolled deed poll gets officially recorded by the government. Here's what you should know:

• It gets stored at the Royal Courts of Justice in London
• Your name change becomes public record (anyone can see it)
• It costs more (£50.32)
• You will need to fill out additional forms
• You must be 18 or over to enrol your own deed poll

When might you want an enrolled deed poll?

• If you need extra proof of your name change
• If some organisations are not accepting your unenrolled deed poll
• If you want an official record of your name change

How to enrol your deed poll:

1. Fill out the official forms from the government website
2. Pay the fee
3. Send everything to the Royal Courts of Justice
4. Wait for confirmation (this can take several weeks)
5. Your name change will appear in The Gazette (the official public record)

Most people find that an unenrolled deed poll works perfectly well for all their needs. The enrolled option is there if you want that extra bit of official recognition, but it's not necessary for most name changes.

What’s the difference between enrolled and unenrolled deed polls?

Feature	Enrolled Deed Poll	Unenrolled Deed Poll
What it is	Filed with the Royal Courts of Justice	Legal document, but not filed with any court
Record keeping	Kept permanently in the Royal Courts of Justice	No official record kept
Cost	£50.32	Cheaper than enrolled, or free if you make it yourself.
The document	Court keeps the original	You keep all copies
How long it takes	Several weeks or months	Takes effect right away
For passports/ immigration	Better for international recognition	Works for UK passports and most purposes
Witness requirements	Stricter rules for witnesses	Still needs witnesses but less strict
Changing back	Harder to undo	Easier to go back to old name
Proof of name change	Strongest proof available	Might need extra ID for some organisations

How much does it cost to change your name?

You can make a deed poll for free by writing it yourself. If you prefer help, online services charge about £15-£30. The official government service (an enrolled deed poll) costs £50.32.

Telling everyone about your new name

Once you have your deed poll, you need to tell important places about your name change:

• Your bank
• The passport office
• Your doctor
• Your workplace
• The DVLA (for your driving licence)

Most places will want to see your deed poll document, so keep it safe!

Changing a child’s name by deed poll

To change someone else’s name who is under the age of 18, the same processes for enrolled or unenrolled deed poll can be followed. However, you’ll need either:

• Permission from everyone with parental responsibility
• A court order (this currently costs £232, although if you’re on benefits or a low income, you may be able to get help with court fees)

Note: If you are aged 16 or older and want to change your own name, you can do so unenrolled without permission or a court order.

What can't you change your name to?

You can pick almost any name you want, but you can't choose a name that:

• Might help you commit fraud
• Contains swear words
• Uses numbers or symbols
• Is offensive

Other ways to change your name

A deed poll isn't the only way to change your name. Your name also automatically changes when you:

• Get married
• Register a civil partnership
• Get divorced
• Get adopted

Changing your name on official ID

Getting your new name on your passport, driving licence, and other ID is important. Each place has its own form to fill out, and you'll need to show them your deed poll.

Need help?

If you need any assistance, you can:

• Contact Citizens Advice
• Call the passport office or DVLA directly
• Use a reputable online deed poll service that offers support

Changing your name can mark an exciting new chapter in your life. With these simple steps, you can make it official and start fresh with your chosen identity.