2. Nationality and country of residence

You don’t have to be a British citizen or even born in the UK to change your name by Deed Poll: British citizens and foreign nationals can apply for a name change. However the procedure is slightly different depending on where you were born and where you live now. Please read the section below that applies to you.

2.1     I am a British Citizen living IN the UK

If you’re a British citizen and you live in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man or the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey) you can apply to change your name and there are no restrictions.

The only issue might be if you are an undischarged bankrupt, have dual nationality, a criminal record or are detained under the Mental Health Act. If any of these apply to you, then please read the appropriate sections below.

Also, if you live in the Bailiwick of Jersey and plan to change your passport at the Jersey Passport Office, your Deed Poll will need to be witnessed by a local solicitor or notary public. Note: you don’t need to ask a solicitor to witness the signing of your Deed Poll if you change your passport at any of the seven UK mainland passport offices.

2.2     I am a British Citizen living OUTSIDE the UK

You can apply to change your name by Deed Poll, just like any other British citizen. The only difference is that, before applying for the name change, you will need to check with your nearest British mission (i.e. the consular services section at the nearest British Embassy or High Commission) to see if they have any special requirements before they will issue you with a new British passport.

For example you might need to produce some form of ID in your new name e.g. driving licence, bank statement, etc as proof that you are using your new name for all purposes.

2.3     I am a Foreign National living IN the UK

Before applying to change your name by Deed Poll you will need to check with your country’s embassy or high commission to see if they will accept a Deed Poll as evidence of your name change.

Different countries have different regulations so if your embassy will accept your Deed Poll, you may find there are some special requirements. For example the Danish and Estonian Embassies require their nationals to have their Deed Poll legalised before they will accept it (click here to find out about legalisation).

2.3.1    Can I change my name WITHOUT changing my passport?

Most foreign nationals can change their name by Deed Poll without getting their foreign passport changed. However if you do manage to get all your UK documents and records changed to your new name, because your passport is still in the old name, you may have problems when travelling outside the UK. This is because your passport will show one name whereas all your other official documents will show another.

2.3.3    What if I go on to apply for British citizenship?

If you go on to apply for British citizenship your Deed Poll will be accepted by the UK Border Agency. Consequently your naturalisation certificate and your British passport will be issued in your new name.

2.4     I am a Foreign National living OUTSIDE the UK

In this situation a Deed Poll will only be effective if you need it for a specific purpose. A typical example might be where you are in the process of applying for British citizenship from abroad and you want your British passport to show a different name. In this case you will need to apply for a Deed Poll.

......................................................

Sections in this article
Click on the links below to view each section of this article.

1.         Age requirement
2.         Nationality and country of residence
3.         If you have dual nationality
4.         Asylum seekers and refugees
5.         Undischarged bankrupts
6.         People with criminal records
7.         People detained under the Mental Health Act

This page was last checked today by Amanda Dawson, Senior Deed Poll Officer.