What's in a Name: Changing Your Name by Deed Poll

Changing your name by deed poll is really quite simple. People decide to change their name for many reasons but the process of actually changing it only requires the completion of a deed poll in the presence of a witness.

Most people have their name chosen or given to them by their parents. This may be due to a family connection, current trends, a perception of how the name sounds or a decision made on a whim. However you were given your name it is most likely that it has stayed with you since birth. Like it or not it was your declared name and someone made the decision for you.

Some people legally adopt a new name due to marriage. After marriage a new surname is often taken, normally by the woman, to create a family unit. In some cases a double barrelled surname may be used to maintain both partners’ surnames. Divorce or remarriage can also lead to a name change especially when children are involved.

There are many reasons why an individual may want to change their name. They may dislike their name, they may simply fancy a change, or they may wish to change their name due to divorce. Whatever the reason, completing a name change deed poll is quite straight forward.

A deed poll is basically a legal document. It is a way of legally agreeing to do something. In the case of a name change deed poll you are legally agreeing to change your name. The name change deed poll clearly states your previous name and your selected new name. This document is then signed and officially witnessed so that you can legally change your name.

There is no need to visit a solicitor or pay a legal firm to make this change for you. You can easily complete a name change deed poll yourself.

Once done you now need to inform people of your new name. This is done by sending the deed poll, or a copy of it, to any organisation that needs to be notified. This includes the passport office, HMRC, your employer, DVLA, your doctors, banks and building societies, the telephone company and utility service providers. This list is by no means exhaustive and is only provided as an example.