Statutory Declaration Deed Poll UK: Adult Name Change
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Changing your name as an adult in the UK is usually done through a deed poll, and in many situations a statutory declaration is used alongside it to confirm the change is genuine. This is a sworn statement made by someone who knows you well, and it can help satisfy banks, government departments and other organisations that the new name you are using is really yours.
The rules around who can witness the declaration, what it needs to contain and how it is sworn can feel fiddly the first time you look at it. This page walks through the purpose of the declaration, who typically signs it, what information belongs in it, and the practical steps involved in getting your new name recognised after it has been sworn.
What this document is
A statutory declaration for an adult deed poll is a formal written statement, sworn in front of an authorised person, which confirms that an adult has chosen to adopt a new name and is using that name for all purposes. It sits alongside the deed poll itself, which is the document in which the person renouncing their former name records the change.
The declaration is usually made by a third party who knows the person well enough to vouch for the fact that the change is genuine and voluntary. Once sworn, it carries the same weight as evidence given on oath, which means making a false statement in it is a criminal offence.
Organisations that need reassurance before updating their records, such as banks, HMRC, the DVLA and HM Passport Office, may ask to see a deed poll together with a supporting statutory declaration. The declaration does not itself change your name. It simply provides sworn confirmation that the change recorded in the deed poll is real and has been adopted in everyday life.
How to use this document
- Decide who will make the declaration. Choose an adult who has known you for a sustained period and is willing to swear to the facts on your behalf. The person should not be a close family member and should be someone who can credibly confirm your identity and the fact that you have genuinely adopted your new name in day to day life. 2. Prepare the wording of the declaration. Set out your former name, your new name and a clear statement that you have abandoned the old name and are using the new one for all purposes. Include the declarant's details and a line confirming the contents are true. Keep the wording straightforward and accurate, because it will be sworn under oath. 3. Gather supporting identity evidence. Collect documents showing your previous name, such as a birth certificate or old passport, along with any paperwork that already reflects your new name, for example a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or naturalisation paperwork. Having this material ready helps when organisations later ask for proof linking the two names together. 4. Swear the declaration before an authorised person. Take the signed declaration to a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, notary public or an authorised officer of the court. The declarant will read the statement, confirm its truth and sign in front of the authorised person, who will then add their own signature, stamp and details. A fee usually applies, so check the current charge in advance. 5. Use the declaration to update your records. Send or show the sworn declaration alongside your deed poll to banks, HMRC, the DVLA, HM Passport Office, your employer, your GP and any other organisation that holds your details. Keep the original safe and provide certified copies where possible, since some bodies will want to see the wet ink version before making changes.
Common questions
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Common questions
Q Is a statutory declaration the same as a deed poll?
No. The deed poll is the document in which you formally renounce your old name and adopt a new one. The statutory declaration is a separate sworn statement that supports the change, typically made by someone who knows you, confirming the name change is genuine. Many people use the two documents together because some organisations want more than the deed poll alone before they update their records.
Q Who can witness or swear a statutory declaration in the UK?
In England and Wales a statutory declaration must be sworn in front of a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, notary public or an authorised officer of the court. The person administering the oath is independent and must not be related to the declarant or have any interest in the subject matter. They will charge a fee for the service, and rates can vary between providers, so it is worth asking before you attend.
Q Do I need a statutory declaration if I already have a deed poll?
Not always. A properly executed deed poll is often enough on its own for most organisations to accept a name change. However, some institutions, particularly when unusual circumstances exist or when the deed poll is unenrolled, may ask for extra reassurance. A statutory declaration can help in those situations by giving a sworn, third-party confirmation that the change is real and being used in everyday life.
Q Can a family member make the statutory declaration for me?
It is usually preferable for the declaration to be made by someone outside your immediate family, such as a long-standing friend, colleague or neighbour. This gives the statement more independent weight when shown to banks and government bodies. The declarant should know you well, be willing to confirm your identity and the genuine use of your new name, and be comfortable swearing to those facts under oath.
Q How much does it cost to swear a statutory declaration?
A fee applies each time a declaration is sworn, and the amount depends on who administers the oath and how many documents are involved. Solicitors and commissioners for oaths set their own charges, so it is sensible to ring around locally before booking an appointment. Check gov.uk and the provider's own price list for the current amount rather than relying on figures you see on older guidance pages.
Q What happens if information in the declaration is incorrect?
A statutory declaration is made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835, which means knowingly providing false information is a criminal offence. Mistakes that are purely clerical, such as a misspelled address, can usually be corrected by preparing a fresh declaration and swearing it again. Always read the document carefully before signing and make sure the declarant understands what they are confirming before they take the oath.
Q Will organisations accept my new name straight away?
Most banks, the DVLA, HM Passport Office, HMRC and employers will update their records once they have seen a valid deed poll, and sometimes a statutory declaration as well. Each organisation has its own internal process, so turnaround times differ. You may need to provide certified copies, complete a short form or attend in person. Keep originals safe, because you are likely to be asked for them more than once.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovChange your name by deed poll – gov.ukgov.uk
- LegislationStatutory Declarations Act 1835 – legislation.gov.uklegislation.gov.uk
- Official SourceFind a solicitor – The Law Societysolicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure how the declaration fits with your deed poll?
Name changes can feel straightforward until a bank or government department asks for paperwork you did not expect. An experienced legal adviser can talk you through how a statutory declaration supports an adult deed poll based on what you describe on the call.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about the declaration
- Practical perspective on how to approach your name change
- Clarity on what organisations typically ask for in your circumstances
- Help thinking through your next steps based on what you describe
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.