Step 1: Decide on Your New Name
Before you begin, make sure you are certain about the name you want to adopt. There are very few legal restrictions on what you can call yourself in the UK. However, you cannot change your name to something that is:
- Intended for fraudulent purposes
- Vulgar or offensive
- A title of nobility you are not entitled to (e.g., "Lord", "Sir")
- Likely to cause confusion (e.g., using numbers or symbols)
Step 2: Get a Deed Poll
A Deed Poll is the standard legal document used for name changes in England and Wales. You have two options:
- Use a professional service (recommended) — Services like DeedPollPro generate a properly worded, print-ready document instantly.
- Draft it yourself — You can write your own, but errors in wording can lead to organisations rejecting it.
Our service costs just £14.99 and generates your document instantly as a PDF download.
Step 3: Sign the Deed Poll
Your Deed Poll must be signed in the presence of an independent adult witness — someone aged 18 or over who is not a family member and does not live at the same address as you. Good examples include friends, work colleagues, or neighbours.
You will need to sign the document in two places: once with your old name and once with your new name. The witness then adds their signature, printed name, address, and occupation.
Step 4: Update Your Passport
Send your signed Deed Poll to HM Passport Office along with a completed passport application form. If your current passport was issued more than 12 months ago, you will also need to pay the standard passport renewal fee. Read our full guide on updating your passport.
Step 5: Update Your Driving Licence
Updating your driving licence with the DVLA is usually free. You can do it online at gov.uk or by post. Read our guide to changing your name on your driving licence.
Step 6: Update Your Bank Accounts
Most UK banks require you to visit a branch in person with your signed Deed Poll and photo ID. Some banks (like Monzo and Starling) allow you to update your name through their app. We recommend starting with your main current account first, as this often speeds up other updates.
Step 7: Notify Other Organisations
Here is a checklist of organisations to update:
- HMRC (National Insurance, tax records)
- Your employer (payroll, HR records)
- Your GP and dentist
- Council tax and electoral register
- Utility companies (gas, electric, water, internet)
- Insurance providers (car, home, life)
- Pension providers
- The Land Registry (if you own property)
- Student Loans Company
- Subscription services, loyalty cards, etc.
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Create My Deed Poll — £14.99Frequently Asked Questions
How do I legally change my name in the UK?
The simplest way is to execute an Unenrolled Deed Poll. You sign the document in the presence of an independent adult witness, and then use it to update your records with organisations like the DVLA, HM Passport Office, and your bank.
Is it free to change your name?
You can draft a Deed Poll yourself for free, but professional services like ours (£14.99) ensure the wording is legally precise and accepted by all organisations without issues.
How long does a name change take?
The Deed Poll itself is instant. Updating all your records typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on how many organisations you need to notify.
Do I need to tell the government?
There is no central government register for name changes. You update individual organisations directly using your Deed Poll as evidence.