What happens if you don’t like the name you were given at birth? Or what if you’re going through a divorce and want to drop your surname and revert back to the one you inherited from your parents? Changing a name is not as rare as you might think. You just have to know how to do it.
What is a Deed Poll?
A deed poll is a legal document that certifies a person’s change of name. It is a formal declaration that a person has abandoned their old name and will be using a new name from that point forward. In many countries, a deed poll is recognized by government agencies, banks, and other organizations as proof of a name change.
A deed poll typically consists of a declaration by the person changing their name, attesting that they are abandoning their old name and adopting a new name. The declaration is usually witnessed and signed by two independent witnesses who are not related to the person changing their name. The deed poll is then stamped and sealed to give it legal weight.
According to UKDeedPollOffice.org, “You can use a deed poll to update your name on important documents like your passport, driver’s license, with your employer for payroll, etc.”
Why Do You Need a Deed Poll?
Here are some common situations where someone may need a deed poll in order to change their name in the UK:
- Divorce: After a divorce, some people will choose to go back to their original surname or select a brand new last name.
- Personal choice: In cases of toxic family history or a challenging background, some people decide to change their name. Other people simply don’t like their name and want to pick something that fits them better.
- Career decision: You may decide you want a simpler or more memorable name for career purposes. A deed poll can help you change to a better name.
- Legal requirement: There are situations in which changing a name is mandatory for citizenship purposes.
- Cultural customs: In certain cultures, people change names as a rite of passage. A deed poll can help legally facilitate this process.
- Transitioning: Changing genders? Prefer a different name for personal reasons? A deed poll is an option.
- Adoption: When adopting a child, there may be a desire for the child to take on the new adoptive parents’ surname.
Every situation is unique. While marriage, divorce, and adoption are probably the most common reasons for changing a name, it’s not unheard of for people to simply choose a new name as part of a fresh start in life.
How to Get a Deed Poll
Getting a deed poll in the UK involves the following steps:
- Preparation: Choose your new name carefully and ensure that it’s not offensive or in breach of any trademark or intellectual property laws.
- Declaration: Write a declaration stating that you have abandoned your old name and will be using your new name from that point forward. The declaration should be signed and dated.
- Witnesses: Find two independent witnesses who are not related to you and who are over the age of 18. The witnesses must sign and date the declaration and provide their full names, addresses, and occupations.
- Certification: Have the declaration certified by a solicitor or Notary Public. Alternatively, you can use a deed poll provider who will certify the declaration for you.
- Registration: Register the deed poll with the General Register Office. This is not a requirement, but it’s recommended as it provides evidence of the name change.
- Update your Records: Notify all relevant organizations, such as your bank, the Passport Office, the DVLA, and your employer, of your new name. Update all your official documents, including your passport, driving license, and bank accounts.
It’s important to note that the UK does not have a central authority that manages name changes, so a deed poll from one organization may not be recognized by another. However, as long as you have a certified declaration of your name change, you should be able to update your records with most organizations.
Putting it All Together
While many people go through life with the same name, it’s not uncommon for other people to change their first and/or last name at least once during their lifetime. In the UK, a deed poll is the fastest and easiest way to make sure it gets done the right way.
