Change of Name Deed
Overview
Use a Change of Name Deed to legally change all of part of your name.
- Accepted by all UK document issuing institutions.
- Solicitor drafted for reliability.
Change of Name by Deed Poll
A Change of Name Deed can be used to legally change your name to a new name of your choice. In the UK you are legally allowed to go by whatever name you wish, subject to certain restrictions relating, for example, to words that are offensive, promote racial or religious hatred or contain a title to which you are not entitled to use. If you want to obtain formal documentation in that new name you need to complete and file a Change of Name Deed. The method is often referred to as Change of Name by Deed Poll. Once completed, you must send your signed and witnessed Change of Name Deed to the appropriate document issuing agencies such as the Passport Agency and HMRC, in order to obtain a new National Insurance card and formal recogntion of your change of name.
Using our Change of Name Deed Template
Our Change of Name Deed is downloaded in a template format ready for you to edit to enter your personal details and desired new name. The Deed will need to be witnessed and then sent to the relevant document issuing agencies so that new documentation can be obtained in your new name.
A Change of Name Deed is often used by a woman after entering into a Separation Agreement so that she may be called by her maiden name prior to a divorce being filed for or completed. We have a Seperation Agreement template within our Divorce Papers section. However, you can use a deed to change your name for any reason you want.
There are a number of limitations on changing your name by deed poll that apply before you can proceed with your name change. To change your name you must be at least 18 years of age. You cannot retrospectively change your name, for example on certificates such as academic certificates or a decree absolute when divorcing.
Associated Documents
For further documentation in relation to marriage or divorce, please see our Personal Documents, Divorce section.
