How to Change Your Name

The process of legally changing your name in the United Kingdom is simpler than you might think. You don't need to go to court, hire a solicitor, or deal with complicated paperwork.

Whether you're getting married, starting fresh, or choosing a name that feels right, here's what you need to know.

How Name Changes Work

In the United Kingdom, you use a deed poll to change your name. This is a straightforward legal document that makes the change official.

Once it's signed and witnessed, you use it to update your records with banks, government departments, employers, and other organisations. By law, all UK organisations are required to accept it.

Who Can Change Their Name

If you're 16 or over and live in the United Kingdom, you can change your name without needing anyone's permission.

You can change your first name, middle name, surname, or any combination, with very few restrictions on what you can choose.

Why People Change Their Names

People change their names for many reasons. Some take a spouse's surname after marriage. Others revert to a previous name after divorce. Some choose a name that better reflects who they are.



Whatever your reason, you have the right to change your name in the UK. You don't need to justify your decision to anyone.

How it Works

1. Apply for a Deed Poll

Complete the online application and submit your details. Your deed poll will be expertly drafted, sealed and assigned a serial number, and delivered to you by post within a few days.

2. Sign and Witness Your Deed Poll

Sign your deed poll in the presence of two witnesses. They must be over 18, not related to you, and not live at your address. Friends, neighbours, or work colleagues are all acceptable.



Once it's signed and witnessed, your deed poll becomes legally binding.

3. Update Your Documents

Once your deed poll is signed and witnessed, your name is legally changed. Your deed poll serves as proof, allowing you to update your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, and other official documents.

Documents You'll Need to Update

Once your name is legally changed, you'll need to update your records with various organisations. Your driving licence serves as primary identification and is often required when updating other records, so it's a good place to start.

You'll also need to notify your bank, employer, HMRC, and utility providers. Most organisations make the process straightforward. You send them your deed poll as proof, and they update their records.

For a complete list of who to inform and the order to update them in, see our article on updating your documents after a name change.

Common Questions

How much does it cost?

It costs £29 to apply for a name change deed poll online.

Can I choose any name I want?

Yes, you can change your name to almost anything you choose. The main restrictions are that your name cannot include numbers or special characters (except hyphens and apostrophes), impersonate someone else, or contain offensive language.

You can change your first name, middle name, surname, or any combination.

Do I need to register my name change?

No. There's no official registry for names or name changes in the UK. Your deed poll is your legal proof of name change, and you use it to update your records directly with individual organisations like your bank, passport office, DVLA, and employer.

Will I be able to get a new passport and driving licence?

Yes. Once your name is legally changed, you can update your passport and driving licence.

You'll send your deed poll to HM Passport Office and DVLA along with your application, and they'll issue new documents in your new name.

Do I need to be a British citizen?

No. Anyone who lives in the United Kingdom can change their name, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.

You can use your deed poll to update documents like your eVisa, UK driving licence, and bank accounts.

How long does the whole process take?

You'll receive your deed poll within a few working days of applying. Once it arrives, you can sign it immediately and your name is legally changed.



Updating your documents with different organisations varies depending on their individual processing times. Most people have their main documents and records updated within a few weeks of receiving their deed poll.

Ready to Change Your Name?

Apply online and receive your deed poll by post within a few days. Once signed and witnessed, your deed poll is legally binding and accepted by all UK organisations.