Deed Poll: How Can I Legally Change My Name?

Changing your name by deed poll | 5 minute read

Deciding to change your name can be for many different reasons. You may be getting a divorce, you may be reassigning your gender, or you may simply dislike the name you were given at birth. Whatever the reason behind it, changing your name is a legal matter and will have to be handled formally.

In the UK, your name is legally “established” by its usage. You could wake up one day and start living under another name, and no one can say otherwise. However, you will need to formally update all of your legal documents to reflect your new name, such as your driving license and your passport. 

What is a deed poll and when might i need one?

A deed poll is a document that legally shows the changing of someone’s name. They can be very flexible, allowing the applicant to add, remove or change names. You can also add hyphens to an existing name or alter the spelling. You will need to apply for one in the following situations:

• If you have completed the gender reassignment process and now need to legally edit all of your documents
• Simply because you don’t like the name you were given at birth
• If your name has caused you discrimination throughout your life
• You have finished the divorce process and now what to change your name
• If you are a mother and you want your child to have the same surname as you

What are the different types of deed poll?

There are two official types of deed poll that you can apply for. An unenrolled deed poll is for anyone who is over the age of 16 who wants to make the change on their own and use this change as proof of their new name. An unenrolled deed poll doesn’t go on public record. Despite the fact you can do it yourself, it’s always best to use the assistance of a lawyer to avoid mistakes.

An enrolled deed poll is for anyone who is over the age of 18. Unlike an unenrolled deed poll, you have to apply for an enrolled deed poll, and all of your updated details will go on public record. While you don’t necessarily have to use legal assistance for your deed poll, it is time and cost effective to do so in the long run. 

I’m re-assigning my gender: what do i need to consider?

More likely than not, those reassigning their gender will choose a new name that is either gender-fluid or of the opposite gender. Legally changing your name and gender will also require you to have a gender recognition certificate (GRC). This recognises your chosen gender and allows you to legally live in that gender going forwards.

Those reassigning their gender can change their name on most public and private records in the UK, including driving license, passport, and work documents. The only things that are more difficult to alter are your birth certificate, any criminal records you may have and the gender marker on any HMRC or tax forms. This is where an enrolled deed poll will come into play. You can use it to change these records and inform your employer of the name change.

How can i change my child’s name?

If your child is over 18, they will need to apply for an enrolled deed poll themselves. However, if they are under the age of 18, you can make an unenrolled deed poll using the assistance of a lawyer, or you can apply for this through the Royal Courts of Justice.

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