'Deed' is a signed and delivered written agreement & 'Poll' was a legal term to describe how a document was cut (polled). Deed Polls have been in use for more than 150yrs in the UK. You can view Deed Polls dating from 1851 at The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU.

 

Introduction to UK Name Changes by Deed Poll

Any person that is 16 or over and is resident in the United Kingdom can legally change their name at any time. You can change your name for any reason providing it is not to deceive anyone (e.g. to avoid paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation). The most cost-effective way to change your name is to simply ask people to start calling you by your new name - this is known changing a name by usage.

While changing your name by usage is the most cost effective (free) option, you will encounter problems further down your name change route. The problems will arise when you are trying to get particular official documents changed to your name. Government departments like the DVLA and the Identity and Passport Service will require what is called "documentary evidence" of your name change before they will re-issue your documents. You will also find that many private companies and organizations such as financial institutions and utility providers require documentary evidence of your change of name before they will amend their records.

Documentary evidence is a term given to describe a document that will be accepted by Government departments, private companies and organizations to change a persons name. You would describe the following as documentary evidence that can be used to change your name:

·         Marriage certificate will allow a woman to change her surname to that of her new husband

·         Decree absolute certificate will allow a woman to revert to the surname she was using before the marriage

If you wish to change your name for any reason that is not listed above (marriage, civil partnership, adoption, etc), you will need to provide documentary evidence of your name change before you will be able to get official documents and records amended. Deed Polls act as the documentary evidence required in order to prove your change of name and ensure that all Government departments, private companies and other organizations will update or re-issue their records and documents without delay.

To change your or your child's legal name by Deed Poll, please call freephone 0800 612 68 24 or apply online here.

This page was last updated: 13th December 2009