Don't Like Your Name? Change It By With A Deed Poll

If you want to get all your documents and records changed to show a new name for example your UK passport, etc, you will be asked to produce some kind of documentary proof of your change of name. A deed of change of name is a formal statement to prove that you have changed your name and it provides you with the necessary documentary proof of the name by which you want to be known.

A change your name by deed poll works in the same way as a marriage certificate for a married woman who wants to take her spouces surname. She writes to everyone that has her name records, enclosing her marriage certificate as documentary proof requests that her last name is altered to her husband's. When changing your name by Deed Poll, you simply write to everyone, enclosing your Deed Poll as documentary evidence, and request that your name is changed to the new name shown on the Deed Poll.

With a deed poll, you can change your forenames or surname, add names, remove names or rearrange your existing names. You can change your name at any time and for any reason provided it is not to deceive or defraud or to avoid an obligation.

Please note, a deed of change of name can be executed by any British citizen aged 16 years or over living anywhere in the world or by anyone, of any nationality, living in the UK (parents can apply on behalf of their children). It should be noted that a Deed Poll is only recognised by United Kingdom government departments, companies and organisations. If you are a foreign national dwelling in the UK, you should check with your country's high commission or embassy in London to see if a deed of change of name will be accepted to get your passport changed to show your new name. Countries that have a legal system based on the British legal system will commonly accept a deed of change of name issued by us.

Our deed poll advice contains a comprehensive list of organisations, that you will need to notify of your change of name. The list details what you must do for each. We also supply an example covering letter that you can use when you send your deed of change of name to the parties to get your records and documents changed.

Its worth noting a deed of change of name cannot be used to get civil partnership, changed because these are historical records, which were issued in the correct name. Please read Can a birth certificate be changed for further information about the few circumstances where a birth certificate can be changed, thus avoiding the need for a deed of change of name.

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