Changing Your Name by Deed Poll

A deed poll is the most common way to change your name in England and Wales. Thousands of people use them every year to update their identity legally. The process is quick, affordable, and doesn't require any legal expertise.

Here's everything you need to know about changing your name by deed poll.

What is a Deed Poll?

A deed poll is an official document that legally establishes your new name. When you sign it in front of witnesses, it becomes binding proof that you've adopted a different name and no longer use your previous one.



UK law requires all organisations to accept deed polls as valid evidence of a name change. This means government departments, banks, employers, and other institutions must recognise your new name when you present your deed poll.

When You Need a Deed Poll

You need a deed poll if you want to change your first name, middle name, or surname for reasons other than marriage. This includes adopting a completely new name, adding or removing middle names, changing your surname to something different from your family name, or reverting to a previous name after divorce.

When You Don't Need a Deed Poll

You don't need a deed poll if you're taking your spouse's surname through marriage or civil partnership. Your marriage or civil partnership certificate serves as proof of this name change. You also don't need one for informal name changes in social settings where legal proof isn't required.

Eligibility Requirements

Anyone aged 16 or over who lives in England or Wales can apply for a deed poll.

You don't need to be a British citizen. Foreign nationals can apply for a deed poll and use it to update any UK-issued documents they hold.

Choosing Your New Name

You have complete freedom to choose your new first name, middle name, or surname. Most people select names that reflect their identity, family connections, or personal preferences.



A few basic rules apply: your chosen name cannot include numbers or symbols (apart from hyphens and apostrophes), cannot be deliberately offensive, and cannot be selected to mislead or impersonate someone else.

How to Get a Deed Poll

1. Apply Online

Fill out an online application with Deedly. You'll provide your current legal name and the new name you want to adopt. Our team will prepare your deed poll document and send it to your address.

2. Execute Your Deed Poll

When your deed poll arrives, you'll need to sign it in front of two witnesses, a process known as execution. Your witnesses must be adults who know you but aren't related to you or living at your address. Colleagues, friends, or neighbours make suitable witnesses.



After you and your witnesses have signed, your deed poll becomes legally effective.

3. Update Your Documents & Records

Using your deed poll as proof of your name change, you can update your records with organisations and get new documents issued. Your name is legally changed as soon as your deed poll is signed and witnessed, so you can start using it immediately.

Enrolled or Unenrolled?

Unenrolled deed polls are what most people use. They're legally binding and accepted across the UK, including with all government bodies.

Enrolled deed polls involve making your name change part of the public record. This is very rarely needed, costs significantly more, and offers no practical advantage for the vast majority of people.

An unenrolled deed poll is what you need unless you've been specifically told otherwise for very unusual legal circumstances. Find out about enrolled vs unenrolled deed polls to understand the differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

A deed poll from Deedly costs £20, with free delivery.

Who can be my witnesses?

You'll need two independent witnesses to sign your deed poll. They must be adults who know you but cannot be related to you or live at your address.

Friends, work colleagues, or neighbours are all suitable. Family members like parents, siblings, or partners cannot act as witnesses.

How many copies of my deed poll do I need?

We recommend ordering 6-8 additional copies when you apply. This lets you update multiple organisations at the same time rather than waiting for each one to return your deed poll.

Photocopies aren't accepted, so having multiple original copies saves both time and the cost of getting copies certified by a solicitor.

Will organisations accept my deed poll?

Yes. All UK government departments, banks, employers, and other organisations will accept your deed poll. We guarantee acceptance or your money back.

Over 5,000 people have successfully changed their name using our deed polls.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

Getting your deed poll is straightforward. Apply online with Deedly and we'll prepare your document and send it to your door.

The whole process takes just a few days, and once you've signed it with your witnesses, you're ready to update all your records and start using your new name.