Deed Poll UK: Change Your Name Legally (2026)
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Changing your name is a personal decision, and in the UK the most widely recognised way to do it is through a deed poll. Whether you are moving on from a previous relationship, reconnecting with a family name, or simply choosing a name that feels right, a deed poll gives you a written record of that decision that organisations will accept.
This page walks you through what a deed poll actually is, how it is signed and witnessed, what you can and cannot do with your new name, and how to get your records updated afterwards. If you have questions about your particular circumstances, you can also book a call with an experienced legal adviser who will talk it through with you based on what you describe.
What this document is
A deed poll is a written statement in which one person declares that they are giving up their old name and will be known only by a new one going forward. In legal terms it is a unilateral deed, which simply means it binds the person making it rather than creating obligations between two sides like a contract would.
The name itself comes from older legal drafting: 'deed' for a signed and witnessed written instrument, and 'poll' from the practice of cutting the edges of such documents flat, as opposed to the indented edges used when two parties each held a matching copy. Once a deed poll has been signed and witnessed correctly, it becomes evidence of your new name that banks, government departments, employers, and other organisations will generally accept when updating their records. It does not change any of your legal rights or duties, only the name you go by.
How to use this document
- Decide on your new name. Think carefully about the forenames, surname, and any middle names you want to use. You can add, remove, swap, or completely replace names, but the name you choose needs to be one that can reasonably be used in everyday life and meet the conditions organisations such as HM Passport Office will accept.
- Prepare the deed poll document. The wording needs to include the three key declarations: that you are giving up your former name, that you will use your new name at all times, and that you ask others to address you by your new name only. The document should set out both your old and new names in full.
- Arrange a suitable witness. Your witness must be eighteen or over, must understand English, must not be a member of your family or live at the same address, and must be someone who knows you independently. A neighbour, colleague, or friend who is not related to you will usually work well for this purpose.
- Sign and date the deed poll. You and your witness sign the document together, with the witness watching you sign before adding their own signature, printed name, and address. The date of signing is the date your new name formally takes effect for the purposes of updating your records.
- Update your official records. Once the deed poll is signed, start contacting the organisations that hold records in your old name. Passport, driving licence, HMRC, bank and building society accounts, GP and dental records, utility providers, and your employer are typical starting points. Each organisation will tell you what they need to see.
Common questions
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Common questions
Q Do I need a solicitor to make a deed poll?
No. A deed poll is a personal declaration and does not have to be prepared or witnessed by a solicitor to be valid in England and Wales. The important thing is that the wording contains the standard declarations, that it is signed correctly, and that the witness meets the usual requirements. Many people put one together themselves, although some prefer to have the document prepared for them for peace of mind.
Q Can I change my child's name by deed poll?
Yes, but there are stricter rules for children. For a child under sixteen, the application has to be made by someone with parental responsibility, and every person who holds parental responsibility for that child must consent. If one parent refuses, you may need a court order before the change can go ahead. Children aged sixteen or seventeen can usually apply in their own right with parental consent.
Q Are there any names I am not allowed to choose?
You have a lot of freedom, but there are limits. Organisations such as HM Passport Office will generally refuse names that are offensive, that include numbers or symbols, that are impossible to pronounce, that promote criminal activity, or that imply an official title or honour you do not hold. If in doubt, check what the Passport Office will accept before you commit to a particular name.
Q Will every organisation accept my deed poll?
Most mainstream organisations in the UK accept a properly signed and witnessed deed poll, and HM Passport Office and the DVLA both recognise them for updating passports and driving licences. Some organisations prefer what is called an enrolled deed poll, which is one that has been entered on the records at the Royal Courts of Justice. Enrolment is optional and involves extra steps and a fee.
Q Does a deed poll change my birth certificate?
No. Your birth certificate is a historical record of the facts at the time of your birth and is not reissued when you change your name. Your deed poll sits alongside the birth certificate as evidence of the name you now use. There are only limited circumstances, such as a formal re-registration of a birth, in which the birth record itself can be altered.
Q How long does a deed poll last?
A deed poll does not expire. Once you have signed it and started using your new name, the document remains valid evidence of that change indefinitely. You should keep the original in a safe place because some organisations will ask to see it rather than a copy, and occasionally you may need to produce it again years later when opening new accounts or applying for documents.
Q Can I change my name back later?
Yes. There is no limit on how many times a person can change their name in the UK. If you later decide to revert to a previous name, or change to a different one entirely, you can simply make a new deed poll using the same process. Bear in mind that repeated changes in a short period can sometimes raise questions with banks and official bodies.
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.uk)gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSEnrol a deed poll at the Royal Courts of Justicegov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovHM Passport Office: change of name guidancegov.uk
Legal helpline
Questions about changing your name?
A name change sounds simple, but the details around witnesses, children, and updating records often throw people. An experienced legal adviser can talk you through what is involved based on what you describe, so you feel confident before you sign anything.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about the deed poll process
- Practical perspective on witnessing and signing in your circumstances
- Clarity on what to watch out for when updating records in your new name
- Guidance tailored to what you describe about your situation
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.