How to Legally Change Your Name
The process of changing your name in England and Wales is one of the simplest in the world. You don't need to apply to a court, visit your local council office, or hire an expensive solicitor.
Instead, you can change your name in just a few days using a document called a deed poll - a legally binding declaration that states your intention to abandon your old name and adopt a one for all purposes.
There are no strict criteria that you have to meet in order to be eligible for a deed poll. Anyone aged 16 or over who resides in England or Wales can change their name at any time, for any reason, by following a few simple steps.
The Name Change Process
Changing your name with a deed poll is a straightforward process that involves just a few key steps. Below, we outline exactly what you need to do to legally adopt your new name.
1. Apply Online
You can apply for a deed poll online in just a few minutes. We’ll prepare your legal deed poll document and deliver it directly to your door within 1-3 days.
Cost to Apply
It costs £23 to apply for a deed poll. Payment can be made securely by credit or debit card.
2. Sign and Witness
When you receive your deed poll document in the post, you’ll need to sign and date it to confirm that you wish to be known by your new name instead of your old one.
Your deed poll will also need to be witnessed (signed) by two people who know you personally.
Witness Requirements
Anyone aged 18 or over can act as a witness, provided they are independent of you. This means you cannot use a relative or someone who lives at the same address. Most people ask two friends, neighbours, or colleagues.
3. Start Using Your New Name
Congratulations! Once your deed poll has been signed and witnessed, you can legally start using your new name!
Your deed poll serves as proof of your name change, allowing you to update your name with all of your record holders and on official government documents, such as your passport and driving licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my new name?
Unlike Births and Deaths, there’s no registry for names or name changes in the United Kingdom, so you don’t need to officially ‘register’ your new name.
Your signed and witnessed deed poll acts as legal proof of your name change. You can use it to individually update your name with each of your record holders such as HM Passport Office for your passport and DVLA for your driving licence.
We carry a full list of bodies and organisations that you should notify when you change your name.
What can I change my name to?
You can legally change your name to almost anything. Whether you’re adjusting a middle name, combining surnames with a partner, or adopting an entirely new name, a deed poll makes it possible.
There are some restrictions—you cannot change your name to include numbers, special characters, copyrighted terms, or anything deemed offensive. However, these restrictions do not affect most people.
Are deed polls accepted by the government?
The UK Government recognises deed polls as the correct and legal method for changing your name. Once you have a signed and completed deed poll, you can update your name on your passport, driving licence, and other official documents.
At Deedly, we’ve issued over 5,000 deed polls and guarantee acceptance by all UK government bodies - or your money back.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to legally change your name in the United Kingdom, then a deed poll is the quickest, easiest and most popular way to do it! You can apply online now and get your professionally prepared, legally binding name change document delivered straight to your door as soon as the next day!