Changing Your Name By Deed Poll
Debunking Name Change Myths
Many believe changing your name by Deed Poll is complex and costly. However, you don’t need to pay for a basic deed poll or hire a solicitor. All you need are two witnesses, aged 18 or over, to sign your document. Once completed, you can update your official records effortlessly.
What You Don’t Need
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- You don’t need to pay for a basic deed poll.
- You don’t need a solicitor.
- You do need two witnesses (aged 18 or over).
Once your deed poll is signed and witnessed, you can use it to update your:
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- National Insurance records
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Bank accounts and other official documents
It really is that simple.
Creating Your Deed Poll
To make your own Deed Poll, start by drafting the document with your new name. Ensure you have two adult witnesses, who are not close relatives or living at the same address, to sign it. This validates your name change legally.
Witness Requirements
For an unenrolled deed poll, your witnesses must be over 18 and not closely related to you. For enrolled deed polls, one witness should have known you for over 10 years and be a UK or Commonwealth citizen. This ensures the authenticity of your document.
Sample Wording
Use the following template: ‘I, [Old Name], residing at [Your Address], hereby renounce my name [Old Name] and adopt the name [New Name] for all purposes. This change is witnessed by [Witness 1 Name] and [Witness 2 Name].’ Ensure all parties sign and date the document.
Sample Letter Template:
Name Change Deed
[Your Legal Name]
[Your Address]
[Post Code]
I, [Old Name], of [Your Address], have given up my name [Old Name] and 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 adopted the name [New Name], and understand that 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 and new names.
Signed as a deed on [Date] as [Old Name] and [New Name] in the presence of:
[Witness 1 Name], of [Witness 1 Address]
[Witness 2 Name], of [Witness 2 Address]
[Your New Signature], [Your Old Signature]
[Witness 1 Signature], [Witness 2 Signature]
[Date]
Enrolling a Deed Poll with the Courts
Understanding the Process
Enrolling a Deed Poll with the courts is a straightforward process that places your name change on public record. This step is optional but can be beneficial for those seeking additional legal recognition. To begin, you must complete the necessary forms, including LOC020 for the change of name deed, LOC021 for the statutory declaration, and LOC027 as the exhibit cover sheet. The total cost for this service is £50.32. Once completed, these documents should be sent to the Deed Poll Office at the King’s Bench Division, Room E15, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL. You can also choose to apply online or by post, and your new name will be published in The Gazette, providing an official record of your name change.
How to Make Your Own Deed Poll
You can create an unenrolled deed poll yourself. Here’s how:
Witness Requirements
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- You need two adult witnesses (18+).
- They should not be close relatives or live at the same address.
- For enrolled deed polls, one witness must have known you for 10+ years and be a UK/Commonwealth citizen.
Helpful Resources for Name Change
🏛️ Enrolling a Deed Poll with the Courts
If you’re 18 or over, you can enrol your deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice to place your name change on public record. This is optional and not required for most purposes.
Key Details:
- Cost: £50.32
- Forms Required:
- LOC020: Change of name deed
- LOC021: Statutory declaration
- LOC027: Exhibit cover sheet
- Where to Send:
Deed Poll Office
King’s Bench Division
Room E15, Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, London WC2A 2LL
Apply Online or by Post:
- Apply online or download forms
- Your name and address will be published in The Gazette