Who to Inform of Your Name Change

Once you have executed your deed poll, you need to inform organisations of your new name. This includes government departments, financial institutions, employers and other record holders.

Legal Requirements

In most cases, you must inform all organisations that hold records about you. There are also specific legal requirements for certain people.

Notifying the Police

You must inform the police of your name change within three days if you are:

  • You are a registered offender
  • There are criminal proceedings against you

Failure to notify the police is a criminal offence in these circumstances.

Creditors

If you have debts, loans or credit agreements, you must inform your creditors of your name change. This is a legal requirement.


Your debts remain valid under your new name. Changing your name does not erase financial obligations.

Government Departments

DVLA

You are legally required to keep your driving licence up to date with accurate information. This includes your name.


Inform the DVLA to update your driving licence and vehicle registration documents. You must apply by post to update your name on your driving licence. There is no fee.


You can read our full guide on updating your driving licence.

You should update your name with all relevant government departments.

HM Passport Office

You do not need to update your passport immediately after changing your name. You can continue using your current passport until it expires if you wish.


However, your passport is one of the most important forms of identification. Many people choose to update it soon after changing their name.


You can read our full guide on updating your passport.

Birth Certificate

You cannot update your birth certificate after changing your name. Birth certificates record the details that were correct when you were born, and cannot be changed retrospectively.



You can use your birth certificate alongside your deed poll and updated identification to prove your identity. Organisations understand and accept this.

HMRC

Notify HMRC to update your tax records and National Insurance records.


This ensures your employment records, tax returns and benefits are processed correctly under your new name.

Benefits and Universal Credit

If you receive any benefits or Universal Credit, inform the Department for Work and Pensions.



Your payments may be delayed if your records do not match your identification.

NHS

Update your NHS records with your GP surgery. They will update your records on the central NHS system.



This ensures your medical records, prescriptions and appointments are recorded correctly.

Financial Institutions

Inform all banks, building societies and financial institutions where you hold accounts.

Banks and Building Societies

Contact each bank where you have an account. Most banks require you to visit a branch or send documents by post.

You typically need to provide:

  • Your original deed poll or a certified copy
  • Photo identification

Each bank has its own requirements. Check with your bank for their specific process.

Credit Cards

Inform credit card providers separately, even if they are part of the same bank as your current account.

Loans and Mortgages

Contact any lenders where you have loans, mortgages or credit agreements.

Investment Accounts

Update your name with any investment platforms, ISAs, pensions or savings accounts.

Employers and Education

Your Employer

Inform your employer's HR or payroll department. They need to update:

  • Employment contracts
  • Payroll records
  • Pension contributions
  • Tax records (P60, P45)

Educational Institutions

If you are a student, inform your school, college or university.


They will update your records, student ID and any certificates or qualifications.

Utility Providers and Services

Update your name with all utility providers and services.

Utilities and Providers

Inform providers of:

  • Gas and electricity
  • Water
  • Phone and broadband

Insurance

Update all insurance policies:

  • Car insurance
  • Home insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Health insurance

Your insurance may be invalid if your name does not match your identification.

Council Tax

Contact your local council to update your council tax records. 

Other Organisations

Professional Bodies

If you are a member of any professional organisations or hold professional qualifications, inform them of your name change.

Subscriptions and Memberships

Update your name with:

  • Gym memberships
  • Subscription services
  • Loyalty cards

Electoral Register

Contact your local council to update the electoral register.


Your name must match the register for you to vote in elections.

Documents to Provide

All organisations require you to show your deed poll when updating your name. Most require the original document, though some accept copies that have been certified.



We recommend ordering multiple original deed polls when you apply. This allows you to update several organisations at the same time, rather than waiting for one to return your document before sending it to the next. This significantly speeds up the process of updating all your records.

Timeline

There is no strict legal deadline for updating your name with most organisations. However, you should do so as soon as possible to avoid problems.


Update first:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • Bank accounts

These are your primary forms of identification. Once updated, other organisations will accept them as proof of your new name.


Update next:

  • HMRC and tax records
  • Benefits and Universal Credit
  • Employer
  • Insurance policies


Update when convenient:

  • Utility providers
  • Subscriptions and memberships
  • Non-essential services

Apply for Your Deed Poll

Once you have your deed poll, you can start updating your records immediately.



Apply online with Deedly and receive your deed poll within days.