Acceptable names policy

There are no laws currently in force which restrict your use of certain names and therefore you are free to call your self whatever you wish. However, be aware that the UK Name Change Service operates an acceptable names policy and will refuse to process your application for a Deed Poll if the name you have chosen does not comply with our policy. This policy is enforced to ensure that the integrity of the service we offer is upheld at all times.

We will not process an application to change your name if the name you have chosen to change to:

• Does not include one first name and one surname;
• Is difficult to pronounce;
• Includes special characters such as numbers, symbols or punctuation marks (an apostrophe or hyphen is acceptable in the case of names like O'Grady or HENDERSON-SMITH);
• May be considered vulgar, offensive, blasphemous;
• Suggests that you have received a title, honour, rank or award such as Doctor, Sir, Lord, General, Prince, etc.

Please also be aware that we reserve the right to refuse any Deed Poll application for any reason.

Deed Polls for comic name changes

We have no objection to issuing Deed Polls for name changes which might be considered 'funny names' so long as it falls within the remit of our acceptable names policy. For example, in recent months, we have seen people change their names to things like  'Pudsey Bear' and 'Mr Happy Adjustable Spanners'. However, it is worth consulting with your employer etc before making your application to ensure that they too have no objections to the name.

If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of the name to which you wish to change, get in touch with us via our live chat service or call our helpline on 020 3397 0441 and we'll be able to tell you if we're willing to process your name change.