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Deed Poll FAQs

How do I apply for a Deed Poll? 

Just fill in the application form with the required details. 

What do I do when I get the Deed Poll?

On receipt of your Deed Poll, you need to execute it.  Once, executed, the Deed Poll then becomes a legal document for you to use to change all records held on you to your new name.

How do I execute the Deed Poll?

All executing the Deed Poll means is that you sign and date the Deed Poll in front of a witness and the witness also signs and dates the Deed Poll document confirming that you signed the Deed Poll document in front of them.

Who witnesses the Deed Poll?

Within the UK anyone can witness the Deed Poll, but they must meet the follow criteria: The witness should:

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Not live at your address of residence
  • Be independent, that is not be a family member
  • Be able to speak, read and understand English
  • Be of sane mind and capable of comprehension

However, in some places, such as Bailiwick of Jersey, the Deed Poll signing needs to be witnessed by a local solicitor of notary public.  In some parts of the world you may need the Deed Poll to be witnessed by a solicitor, so check with the British Embassy in that part of the world.

Do I need a solicitor to witness or attest the Deed Poll?

No you do not need a solicitor to witness or attest our Deed Polls.  See the FAQ on “Who witnesses the Deed Poll?”

A person at my bank said I need a solicitor to do my Deed Poll, otherwise it is not official, what should I do?

They are mistaken, a deed poll is a legal document for changing your name.  You do not need a solicitor to draw up your deed poll and charge you silly money.

If you encounter this problem,we suggest that you get your governmental documents such as your passport sorted first and then approach the bank.  This is because banks, due partly to anti-fraud legislation and due greatly to a few legally uninformed individuals passing legal opinions, is one of the few rare occasiions we have encountered problems. These are all resolved by getting documentation such as passports, driving licenses sorted first and then approaching the bank.

Do I need to register the Deed Poll anywhere?

Once you execute your Deed Poll, you can use the Deed Poll to get your records and documents changed to your new name.  You do not need to register the Deed Poll with anyone or anywhere.

Are your Deed Polls accepted by the UK Identity and Passport Service, DVLA, Inland Revenue and other government departments?

Simple answer: Yes! And also Guaranteed to be accepted.

Will my new passport or driving licence have my old name on it?

Your new passport or driving licence will only contain your new legal name that you have adopted through Deed Poll.  It will not mention or reference your previous name.

Can I use photocopies of executed Deed Polls?

All major record holders such as government departments and financial institutions will need to see your original Deed Poll, the one you executed.  They may also accept a “legal copy” of it.  They will not accept photocopies of executed Deed Polls.

What is a certified Deed Poll copy and do I need this?

A certified Deed Poll copy is a photocopy of a Deed Poll document that has been verified as being true by a person holding a certain position of responsibility, such as a solicitor or notary public.  We know of some Deed Poll services charging good money for providing this service, however, we suggest that you do not need to unnecessarily waste money in doing so. When you order our electronic Deed Poll, we suggest you print out a number of copies of this Deed Poll and you execute these together, thereby having a number of original Deed Polls that you can use.  If you order a physical copy of our official seal stamped Deed Poll, you have the option of ordering a number of Deed Polls for a fairly nominal charge.  This would be cheaper than paying large sums of money for certified copies.

Would changing my name through Deed Poll affect my credit rating?

Changing your name through Deed Poll or any other means will not impact upon your credit rating, or any applications you may have made for credit or loans.  By disclosing your previous name or former name, your credit history can be accessed.  Also, when you notify your bank of your name change, this will ensure that the bank notifies the relevant credit reference agencies.

Can I change my name through Deed Poll if I am an discharged bankrupt?

Yes, if you are a discharged bankrupt can change your name through Deed Poll.  

Can I change my name through Deed Poll if I am an undischarged bankrupt?

You can still change your name through Deed Poll.  However, as an undischarged bankrupt, you are required to inform those with whom you do business the name in which you were made bankrupt.  This is to ensure that you do not continue on the same trade under a different name without telling your customers about your former name.  You must also notify the Official Receiver dealing with your bankruptcy.

Can I change my name through Deed Poll if I have a criminal record?

Yes, you can change your name through Deed Poll.  However, if you have an existing or pending criminal action against you, you must notify the police station dealing with your case of your name change.  If you are on probation, you must notify your probation officer of your name change.  If you are on the Sex Offenders’ Register, you must notify the police within 14 days of your name change.

Do I need to notify the Criminal Records Bureau of my name change by Deed Poll if I have a CRB Disclosure?

You do not have to notify the Criminal Records Bureau of your name change by Deed Poll.  However, when you next apply for a Disclosure, you must apply in your new name and enclose a Deed Poll as evidence of your name change.

Once I change my name through Deed Poll can I revert to my old name and do I still need to use Deed Poll to do this?

If for any reason you want to revert back to your old name or indeed to take on another name, you need to use Deed Poll to do this.

I have booked my holiday abroad in my old name, now I want to change my name through Deed Poll what should I do?

If you cannot get your travel documents and reservations on one name, then avoid inconsistency in your name or other personal details, especially if you are travelling abroad.  With the state of the current security situation you should avoid unnecessary complications.  It may be better in this event to change your name after your holiday.

I am married but wish to separate or divorce my husband, can I change my name through Deed Poll to my maiden name.  Can I also change my title from Mrs to Ms or Miss?

Using our Deed Polls, you can change your name and your title.  However, if you change your title, you should ensure that you make clear your marital status is married on any application forms you fill in, until your divorce is finalised.

I am not married, but wish to assume my boyfriend’s surname and the title Mrs, can I do this through Deed Poll?

Using our Deed Polls, you can change your name and your title.  However, if you change your title, you should ensure that you make clear your marital status is single on any application forms you fill in.

Should I inform everyone who knows me that I have changed my name?

You should inform anyone who knows you of your name change.  Additionally you must inform anyone who legitimately holds personal information on you, such as the various governmental departments that you have changed your name through Deed Poll and show documentary evidence of this, i.e. your executed Deed Poll.

A full list of who you should inform is included in our Deed Poll information pack, which will be sent to you on receipt of your application.

Can I get my education certificates, birth or marriage certificates changed onto my new name?

You cannot get any historic documents changed over onto your new name.  This is because the name used on these documents was correct at the time they were issued. Education certificates when used in, for example, job applications, can be produced with your Deed Poll as evidence of the link to your former name on the certificates.

I want to change my name by Deed Poll, but I want to continue using my existing name at work, due to the good reputation I have built up with it over the years. Is this permitted?

With permission from your employer, you can continue using your existing name.  You would not be in breach of your declaration of abandoning your former name as stipulated on your Deed Poll because at work you would be acting on behalf of your employer, so any contract or agreement you sign would be in the name of your employer and not in your name as such.

I want to change my name by Deed Poll, but I am a sole trader and my current name is my business name.  Can I continue using my current name for business or do I need to change this?

If you change your name through Deed Poll, you do not need to change your trading name.  You would not be in breach of your declaration of abandoning your former name as stipulated on your Deed Poll because for business purposes, you are not acting in your own name but on behalf of your trading name.

Can I change my name by Deed Poll if I am a British citizen living abroad?

You can use our Deed Poll to obtain a new British passport from the consular services at your local British Embassy, High Commission or British mission.  You can then use your new passport to get any documents or records changed in the country you live in. Our Deed Polls will allow you to do this, however, there may be special arrangements with regards to witnessing the Deed Poll, for the particular country you live in, so check with the local British Embassy, High Commission or British mission what they will require from you.

I am not a British citizen but I live in the UK and want to change my name, can I use Deed Poll to do this?

Many countries allow their nationals who live in the UK to change their passport using our Deed Polls, but you should check with the counsellor section of your country’s embassy or high commission.  Some countries may require a solicitor to witness the Deed Poll, for example, the Pakistani High Commission requires its nationals to have their Deed Poll witnessed by a solicitor, before they issue a passport on the new name. Once you have the passport issued in your new name, you can then use the Deed Poll to change all documents and records held by UK government departments into your new name.  This is to ensure that are changing your name for “all purposes”.

What is legalising my Deed Poll and how do I do it?

All legalisation means is that the UK government confirms the authenticity of a legal document or a certificate which is issued within the UK.  This enables foreign countries or their embassies to accept the documents because their authenticity has been confirmed by the UK government. Legalisation is handled by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.  You need to take the Deed Poll and have it witnessed by a Solicitor or a notary public.  You then send your executed Deed Poll to the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes, Buchinghamshire.

Changing Your Name Now!

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Standard Deed Poll Service

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