Change of Name FAQs

This section of our website contains a list of questions which we are frequently asked about name changes and the Deed Poll process. If your question is not answered here, feel free to ask one of our advisors live using our Live Chat Service.

In-depth FAQs

Quick-fire questions

Below is a long list of frequently asked questions which do not require as much of an in-depth answer as those above and therefore do not need their own page.

Q: Do I need to return my Deed Poll once it has been executed?

A: Unless you ordered additional services from us such as our certified copies service, there is no need for you to return your executed (signed) Deed Poll to the UK Name Change Service. As soon as you sign the Deed Poll and have it witnessed, you have legally changed your name and can therefore start using the document to get your records amended immediately.

Q: Who can witness me signing my Deed Poll?

A: The only requirements for the person witnessing you executing (signing) your Deed Poll are that they must be at least 18 years old and be totally independent of you (not a member of your family or someone residing at the same address). You will usually find that neighbours, work associates and friends make perfect witnesses to your change of name.

Q: Will I be able to get my passport reissued using your Deed Polls?

A: As per our guarantee, our Deed Polls are accepted by all government agencies, private companies and other organisations within the United Kingdom which includes the Identity and Passport Service (the executive agency of the Home Office responsible for issuing British passports). So, in short, you will be able to have your passport reissued in your new name using a Deed Poll issued by the UK Name Change Service.

Q: Do passports and driving licenses mention old name changes?

A: No, neither passports nor driving licenses mention any previous names which you have had. Therefore, once you have changed your name by Deed Poll and applied for a replacement passport and driving license, there will be no mention of your old name. Please note, however, that both the Identity and Passport Service and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will keep a record of your previous name on their internal systems.

Q: Will my credit rating be affected following my change of name?

A: The short answer is that your credit rating will not be affected at all following your change of name (be it by Deed Poll or any other reason such as marriage). Whenever you apply credit you will be asked to complete a form which requests that you supply all names which you have previously been known by. Disclosure of your previous names means that the company processing your application for credit can check your previous history. Also be aware that when you notify banks, etc of your change of name, they in turn will tell the credit reference agencies to which they subscribe.

Q: Can people with a criminal record change their name?

A: Yes. There are no restrictions on people with a criminal record changing their name by Deed Poll or by any other means (marriage, civil partnership, etc). However, if there are ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions against you, you should tell the police station which is dealing with your case of your change of name, probationers should notify their probation officer of the legal name change immediately after executing the Deed Poll, and people required to sign the sex offenders’ register must notify their local police force of the change of name by Deed Poll within 14 days of the change taking place.

Q: I wish to reverse a name change which took place when I was a child. Will I need a Deed Poll in order to do this?

A: Yes. Whenever you change your legal name (even when reverting to a previously held name), you must provide documentary evidence of the name change in order for it to be accepted by official record holders such as the Identity and Passport Service and the DVLA. However, once you have used your Deed Poll to change all of your records back to your previous name, you can then just provide your original birth certificate if you are ever asked to prove your identity in the future. You must tell people of your previous names where required.

Q: Can I revert to my maiden name while in the process of getting a divorce or ending a civil partnership?

A: Yes you can. While waiting for your divorce proceedings to complete (this also applies to civil partnership dissolutions), you can apply for a Deed Poll in order to revert to the name you used before marriage. Be aware that you must disclose your correct marital status if you are asked to.

Q: Who do I need to inform of my name change?

A: Everyone! Two of the three declarations on your Deed Poll state that you will completely abandon your former name and from the date on the Deed, you will take and adopt your new name for all purposes. Therefore, in order to comply with the declarations you make, you must inform everyone of your change of name. We will include a comprehensive list of organisations to be informed in your name change pack to aide you in the notification process.

Q: Can I get my degree certificate, etc amended after a name change?

A: Documents such as degree and other educational certificates cannot be amended following a legal change of name. This is because they are considered historical documents which were correct at the time of issue. Therefore, when asked to produce your certificates, you must also produce documentary evidence (your Deed Poll) of your name changing from the one shown on your certificate to the one you are using at the time.

Q: What's the difference between a Deed Poll and a Statutory Declaration?

A: Deed Polls and Statutory Declarations (Stat Decs) are very similar in that they are both legal documents drawn up for the purposes of changing your legal name. However, there are additional requirements in order for Stat Decs to become legally binding. The most obvious difference is that Stat Decs must be notarised by a solicitor or Magistrates Court clerk which will incur a fee between £10 and £100. Moreover, because Stat Decs are a far less common way to change your name, there are sometimes problems in getting your Stat Dec accepted by some private companies and organisations such as banks and building societies whereas there are no problems in getting Deed Polls accepted.

Still have questions?

If you still have questions which have not been answered in this FAQ, you can contact us using our live chat service, by emailing enquiries@deed-poll.org.uk or by calling our helpline on 020 3397 0889.