Who To Inform Of Your Change Of Name

Obtaining your Deed Poll is the first step in the name change process. Once the Deed Poll has been executed (signed and witnessed), you must contact every organisation that holds your personal records to tell them that you have changed your name. Government departments and financial institutions such as the Identity & Passport Service, DVLA, banks and building societies will normally require you to send them the original Deed Poll or a certified copy. Most other companies and organisations such as your telephone, broadband, electricity and gas providers will only need a photocopy. Please note, you must also send the letter of consent which will be returned to you if you are informing organisations of a child’s change of name.

Organisations that will accept the original Deed Poll or certified copy:

  • Identity & Passport Service (formerly UK Passport Service
  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
  • Department for Work & Pensions (Department of Social Security)
  • HM Revenue & Customs (Inland Revenue)
  • National Insurance Office
  • HM Land Registry
  • The Police
  • Banks
  • Building Societies
  • Credit / Store Card Companies
  • Employer

Organisations that will accept a photocopy of the original Deed Poll:

  • Telecome Company
  • Mobile Telephone Company
  • Internet Service Provider
  • Mail Order Companies
  • Electricity Company
  • Gas Company
  • Water Company
  • Local Authority
  • TV Licensing Authority
  • Doctors
  • Dentist
  • Optician
  • Solicitor
  • Private Heath Company
  • Finance Company
  • Investment Company
  • Private Pension Company
  • Insurance Company

The above is not an exhaustive list of the organisations you may need to inform of your change of name. An information sheet titled “Who to inform of your change of name” will be included with your Deed Poll pack and will include notes about each organisation to aid you in the process of informing them.


Last updated: 07/02/2008

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