Limits on the number of characters in a name
When you change your name by Deed Poll you are limited to 250 characters (including spaces) for forenames (i.e. first name and middle names) - and 30 characters (including spaces) for a surname.
If you want to change your name to a name that exceeds these limits, simply send us an email and we’ll let you know if we are able to accommodate the request.
Note: Passports can only contain 30 characters (including spaces) for forenames and 30 characters for a surname. With driving licences you’re allowed even less space: a maximum of 30 characters in total including forenames and surname. Other record holders will also have similar limitations on what can be entered on their computer systems.
This means that, in practice, if you plan to change your name to a long name you will only ever be able to use part of it on official documents.
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Sections in this article
Click on the links below to view each section of this article.
1. Name restrictions
2. Characters we can print on our Deed Poll documents
3. Title restrictions
4. Fun names
5. Copyright and trade mark protection of names
6. Applying for a passport in a fun or trademarked name
7. Limits on the number of characters in a name
This page was last checked today by Amanda Dawson, Senior Deed Poll Officer.