What is a Deed Poll?
A Deed Poll is a legal document. It binds the person who signs it to a particular course of action as detailed on the Deed Poll document such as a change of name. The modern term for this document is a Deed of Change of Name. By executing the Deed Poll (signing, dating and having it witnessed) you are committing yourself to:
i. Abandoning the use of your former name;
ii. Using your new name at all times;
iii. Requiring all persons to address you by your new name.
A Deed Poll therefore provides documentary evidence that you have changed your name and that you are legally binding yourself to using your new name. A Deed Poll is an English legal document, it is recognised by all UK government departments and UK companies and organisations - subject to the Deed Poll being prepared by a competent company or person.
What is the purpose of a Deed Poll?
If you want to get all of your documents and records changed to show a new name e.g. your medical records, bank account, credit cards, passport, driving licence etc, you will be asked to produce documentary evidence of your change of name. A Deed Poll is a formal statement to prove that you have changed your name and it provides you with the necessary documentary evidence of the name by which you wish to be known. With a Deed Poll, you can change your forenames or surname, add names, remove names or rearrange your existing names. You can change your name at any time and for any reason provided it is not to deceive or defraud or to avoid an obligation. A Deed Poll can be executed by any British citizen aged 18 years or over living anywhere in the world or by anyone, of any nationality, living in the United Kingdom (parents can apply on behalf of their children). It should be noted that a Deed Poll is only recognised by United Kingdom government departments, companies and organisations.
Who can apply for a Deed Poll?
You can apply for a Deed Poll if you:
• are British, or
• live in the United Kingdom as a British Citizen
If you are British, you can be living anywhere in the world.If you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can be of any nationality. If you are a foreign national living in the UK, we advise you to check with your country’s high commission or Embassy in London to see if a Deed Poll issued in the UK will be accepted as documentary evidence to get your passport changed to show your new name. Countries that have a legal system based on the British legal system will usually accept a Deed Poll issued in the UK. Other countries may ask you to get your deed poll ‘legalised’.
Can I change my children’s names?
You can easily change your child’s name by Deed Poll providing those with Parental Responsibility consent to the name change. If your child is 18 or over, they must execute their own Deed Poll. If you have sole Parental Responsibility and the father has regular contact with your child you should still obtain the father’s consent to the change of name. If a parent with or without Parental Responsibility refuses consent to the change of a child’s name then a Court Order permitting the change should be obtained first.
Are there any restrictions on names?
Although there are no laws in the United Kingdom relating to unsuitable names, there are restrictions we impose on what you can change your name to.
We will not prepare a Deed Poll for a name that:
• is impossible to pronounce,
• includes numbers or symbols,
• includes punctuation marks - although you can have a hyphen to link forenames or surnames (for example, if you want a double barrelled surname) and an apostrophe in the case of surnames like O’Brien.
• we consider vulgar or offensive.
• may result in others believing you have a conferred honour or rank, for example, a change of first name to General, Colonel etc.,Other than the above restrictions, you can change your forenames, surname (or both), add names, remove names or rearrange your existing names.
Copyright and trade marks protection of names;
There is no copyright or trade mark protection for people’s names. Therefore, if you want to call yourself Elton John for everyday use, you can. However, you cannot use your new name if it results in passing off or deception. For example, if you changed your name to Elton John and you published music and/or lyrics in that name, you will probably find yourself subject to legal action by the artist Elton John.
Who to advise after changing your name?
After changing your name by Deed Poll you must notify everyone that has your personal records to let them know you have changed your name. Government departments and agencies such as the Passport Office, DVLA and Inland Revenue will need to see your original Deed Poll document (or certified copy) as will your bank, building society and credit card companies. Most other companies and organisations will accept a photocopy. If you have changed the name of your child, you will also be required to provide the letter of consent, which we return when we send you your Deed Poll.
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Do I need to send my Deed Poll back to you after I have signed it?
No, once you have executed (signed, and witnessed) your Deed Poll, you can start using it immediately to get your documents and records changed into your new name. You do not need to return your deed to us as its issued as certified by you and HMD.
Why do I need extra legal Copies?
Because you will need to notify at least 10 major record holders of your name change, unfortunately this isn't done for you by simply applying for a Deed Poll, here are the top ten record holders that will require to see a legal copy of your deed poll, by legal copy we mean it has an attached seal and issued signature, DVLA, Passport Service, Bank, Credit Card, National Insurance, Tax Office, Mortgage/Landlord, Insurance Policies, Local Council, NHS, and when you write down all the people you need to inform you can easily mulitply this by at least 2. (Having extra copies also removes the worry of the deed being mislaid or lost)
Do I need to get a solicitor or someone similar to witness me sign my Deed Poll?
No, the witness can be anyone so long as they are over the age of 18 and know you and are independent of you i.e. not a relative or partner or someone living at the same address. Therefore, a friend, neighbour or work colleague will be a suitable witness. ( Please note some family GP’s will sign it for free, a school teacher will also sign a child's deed poll).
Are your Deed Polls accepted by the UK Identity and Passport Service?
Yes, our Deed Polls are accepted by the IPS
Are there any other fees payable after I have paid for my Deed Poll?
The only other expense we are aware of is the cost of getting your British passport reissued in your new name. Current passport fees start from £77.50.
I want to change my name but keep my initials?
Steven Ian Roberts, Could be Simon Isaac Robertson keeping the initials (S.I.R)
Will my new passport and driving licence mention my old name?
No, you will receive a brand new passport and driving licence without any mention or reference to your previous name.
How do I update my Drivers Licence, is it free?
Updating your Drivers Licence is a free process so-long as it isnt ready for updating i.e New Photo, Currently an active drivers licence needs updating every 10 years. You will need a D1 Application Form available at most post offices.
Can I use photocopies of my Deed Poll so I don’t need to keep sending out the original?
All major record holders such as the passport office, DVLA and the financial institutions will need to see either your original Deed Poll or what we call a “legal copy” of it. A legal copy is where we, or a professionally qualified person, certifies that a copy of your Deed Poll is a true copy of the original. Unless you know someone personally who can certify a copy, you will probably be charged for this service. When you apply for your Deed.
How many legal copies should I order?
It is difficult for us to say how many legal copies you should order because we do not know how many major record holders you need to notify of your name change and how quickly you want to get your documents and records changed to your new name. Most clients order our deed poll pack which contains 1 Master Copy and 9 Legalised Copies.
I’ve lost my Deed Poll, where can I get a copy from ?
If you ordered your Deed Poll direct from us, we can provide you with a legal (certified) copy of your original Deed Poll from our archives, if not we can produce you a backed dated deed poll so long as you have been using your new name from that particular date, remember if you are untruthful the deed will be deemed invalid.
Why are banks sometimes awkward when changing names?
Occasionally banks like to see you have also updated a drivers licence or another official document to accompany your deed poll. With the amount of fraud in todays world we agree that this is a acceptable practice, even though legally they are going against your legal rights.
Will my credit rating be affected if I change my name by Deed Poll?
Your credit rating will not be affected because when you complete any application form for credit or a loan etc, you will be asked on the application form if you have ever been known by a former name. By disclosing your former name, your credit history can be accessed. Furthermore, when you notify your bank of your change of name, your bank will notify the credit reference agencies.
I am an undischarged bankrupt. Can I change my name by Deed Poll?
Yes you can, but if you are self employed and want to trade in your new name, you must tell all those with whom you do business the name in which you were made bankrupt. In other words, you are not allowed to carry on the same trade in a different name without telling your customers about your former name. This condition does not apply once you are discharged from bankruptcy. You must also notify the Official Receiver dealing with your bankruptcy of your name change.
I have a CRB Disclosure. Do I need to notify the Criminal Records Bureau of my name change?
You do not need to notify the Criminal Records Bureau of your name change. However, when you next apply for a Disclosure, you will apply in your new name and enclose your Deed Poll (or legal copy of it) as evidence of your name change. Please note, the above advice also applys to Disclosure Scotland and Access NI, which are equivalent government agencies in Scotland and Northern Ireland to the Criminal Records Bureau for England and Wales.
Do I need to change my name by deed poll?
No, You can just start using your new name, as long as you dont use both your old and new name together, your legal, Problem being if you want to update your drivers licence, passport or bank account, these organisation's will need to see a signed deed poll, or a signed statement from a official body, i.e Solicitor, MP, GP etc.
My name was changed when I was a child and I now want to revert to my birth name?
Yes you do. Whether you want to change your name to a former name or a new name entirely, you will be required to provide “documentary evidence” of the change. A Deed Poll provides you with the necessary documentary evidence of your name change. After you have reverted to your birth name by Deed Poll, if you are ever asked to prove your identity you can produce your birth certificate alone. However, if you are asked if you have been known by any other name, you must declare your previous names and produce your Deed Poll document if required.
Can I keep my passport in my old name and change it when I get back?
We strongly advise that you do not travel overseas with documents in different names e.g. your passport in one name and your travel documents, credit cards and driving licence etc in a different name. If you cannot get your travel documents changed to your new name, we suggest you change your name after your holiday. If you do go ahead and change your name before you travel, only get those documents and records changed that you will not be taking with you.
My husband and I now wish to change my name to my maiden name. Can I also change my title?
Yes, you can change your title to Miss or Ms when you change your name. When you complete our application form, you will see a section where you can tell us what new title you want so we can incorporate a declaration on your Deed Poll that changes your title. Please note, if you change your title, you must ensure that on any application forms, for example for credit, loans, insurance etc, you make it clear your marital status is married (until your divorce is finalised).
I am changing my surname to my boyfriend’s surname. Can I use the title Mrs?
Yes, you can change your title to Mrs when you change your name. When you complete our application form, you will see a section where you can tell us what new title you want so we can incorporate a declaration on your Deed Poll that changes your title. Please note, if you change your title to Mrs, you must ensure that on any application form for credit, loan, insurance etc, you make it clear your marital status is single.
I am a male-to-female transsexual and wish to change my name. Will I be able to use Miss?
Yes, you can change your title to Miss, Ms or Mrs when you change your name. When you complete our application form, you will see a section where you can tell us what new title you want so we can incorporate a declaration on your Deed Poll that changes your title. Please note, if you change your title to Miss, Ms or Mrs, you must ensure that on any application form for credit, a loan or insurance etc you make it clear your sex at birth was male. This is particularly important for insurances because you may get a cheaper rate if the insurer believes you were born a female. In the event of a claim, you will find you will not get paid out if your sex at birth is established. Furthermore, it is a criminal offence to obtain a financial advantage if you deceive someone.
Do I need to inform everyone who knows me that my name has changed?
Yes you do. Two of the declarations you make on your Deed Poll are that you will entirely abandon the use of your old name and you will only use your new name in future. A list of government departments, companies and organisations that you may need to notify will be included in your Deed Poll pack.
I have built up a good reputation over the years with my clients. Can I still use my old name?
Yes, with the permission of your employer you can continue to use your existing name. Companies are usually happy to allow you to continue using your existing name if there are commercial benefits from doing so example your nick name is “Rocket”.
I am a British citizen living abroad, can I apply for a Deed Poll?
Yes, you can use your Deed Poll to obtain a new British passport from the consular services section at your nearest British mission. You will then be able to use your new passport to get any documents and records changed in the country in which you live. We do suggest however that you check with your nearest British mission before you make your application to ensure there are no special requirements that must be met before they will issue you with a new passport.
What about Asylum Seekers?
HMDeed Polls are accepted by the UK Border Agency for both Asylum Seekers and Refugees. Please enter your immigration status as your nationality when completing your application form with us.
Does my Signature need to change?
A signature is unique to yourself and maybe you sign it without thinking, so the answers is no, unless your signature is readable then you will need to practice a new one.
Does my national insurance number change?
No this is your number for life, Basically that is all we are, a number. Changing your name will only update your National insurance number to your currently known as name.
Who is the Official Deed Poll Service in the UK?
The simple answer there isnt one, Its our legal right to change our name or title as often as we want, most Government departments i.e DVLA, Passport Office need to see a signed deed poll to update there records. It is up to you how much you would like to pay for someone to prepare you a deed poll, costs vary from Free to over £100, Challenge us to find the Official UK Deed Poll Service.
Welcome to the HMDeed Poll Service you can rest assured that we understand the complexities for changing names, maybe you want to become a Miss or Ms officially before your divorce is finalised or you just dont like your present name, there are so many reasons, and we can legally and officially provide you with the legally recognised document (Deed Poll) that shall allow you to change your or your child's name. We would also like to make it very clear that changing your or your child's name in anyway is your responsibility for informing people of your change of name, many people think this is done for them automatically, unfortunately it isn't done for you by anyone.
We as a group have been advising & issuing deed polls documents since 1989 and in this time have advised a countless number of people regarding this kind of legal document, to all types of people from all walks of life, so you can be assured that we know our business well and will be around for many years to come and always shall be at the end of the phone should you require any help or advice.
On average we issue over 140 Certified Deed Poll's each week, which comfortably keeps us busy, and in this time we have never had a rejected deed poll by any government department or organisation unless fraud was detected or a current name wasn't submitted correctly. (i.e a middle name or names omitted)
We are also known to the DVLA and Passport Service for issuing deed polls on a regular basis, so we can guarantee you that if we prepare a deed for yourself or family that it will be accepted. We do offer a full money back guarantee, but this has never been put to use by any client. All our deeds are prepared individually then given a unique barcode, which will give us and you only quick access to your deed poll in the future should it be required, we do give you the option to delete or store your deed poll, deleting from our system will prevent future searches and would mean re-submitting a new application.
Only being online since November 2009 has seen our business grow which with continual commitment and a friendly customer service, we hope to help many more people in the future.
We look forward to being a service to you.
Kind Regards
Simon Halliwell
We like to keep our service simple and totally legal, this enables us to keep our fees low without Compromising Quality
HMD Deed Poll Service, 132-134 Great Ancoats Street, New Islington, Manchester. M4 6DE
Data Protection Act No. 1998 Z2345873 Direct Telephone: 0161 8341543
Call's made to us are monitored and recorded for training purposes
Contrary to popular belief, a woman’s surname does not automatically change to her husband’s surname upon marriage. Neither will your marriage certificate indicate in anyway what surname you will be using following your marriage.
A marriage certificate simply records the names of the couple who are marrying, After your marriage, it is your own personal choice what you want your surname to be,Your options, which are explained in detail in this article, are:
The following options do not require you to change your name by Deed Poll:
Continue using your maiden name If you decide to continue using your maiden name, you do not need to do anything following your marriage because you are not changing your legal name. However, if you wish to change your title to Mrs.Take your husband’s surname If you decide to follow tradition and take your husband’s surname, your marriage certificate provides you with the necessary documentary evidence that you have changed your surname to your husband’s (as his surname appears on your marriage certificate). By sending a copy of your marriage certificate to record holders, with a covering letter, your documents and records will be changed to show your new surname. Please note, for important documents like your passport and driving licence, you will need to send your original marriage certificate – so buy a few extra marriage certificates from your registrar or minister after your marriage ceremony.
Please note, if your marriage certificate is not in English because you have married in a non English speaking country, you will need to provide record holders with either an official translation of your marriage certificate into English or a Deed Poll, which is usually less expensive than paying for an official translation.
Options that may need, or will need, a Deed Poll
Many brides today are deciding against following the tradition of giving up their surname for their husband’s surname because they wish to maintain a link to their family name by including their family name in their new married surname. Options that accommodate this are:
Double-barrelling your surnames A double-barrelled surname uses both the couples’ surnames. The two elements of the new surname can be linked by a hyphen or kept separate e.g. Smith-Jones or Smith Jones.
It is personal choice whether a hyphen is used and which order the names are placed – although there is a tradition in some social circles to place the man’s surname last.
Most couples however decide the order by what sounds better when the new double-barrelled surname is spoken.If you decide to have a double barrelled surname, a Deed Poll is often required. Although government departments and many companies and organisations will change their records to show a double-barrelled surname upon presentation of the marriage certificate, many will not, particularly the financial institutions. A Deed Poll will guarantee that your double-barrelled surname will be accepted by everyone without question. The only way to find out if you need a Deed Poll to get your non-government documents and records changed is to contact, for example, your bank, building society, credit card company and mortgage company etc and ask what their policy is for changing your surname to a double-barrelled surname upon marriage.
A further option if you plan to double-barrel your surnames If you will both be double-barrelling your surnames by Deed Poll, the cost of a second Deed Poll can be avoided if your husband-to-be changes his surname by Deed Poll before you marry. Consequently, upon marriage, you can take your husband’s double-barrelled surname, in the traditional way, by using your marriage certificate as documentary evidence of your change of surname (because your husband’s double-barrelled surname will be on your marriage certificate). Please note, your husband-to-be should only follow the above advice if he has sufficient time to get all the documents he will be taking with him on your honeymoon changed to his new double-barrelled surname, for example, his passport, travel documents, driving licence, credit cards etc.
We suggest he should apply for his Deed Poll at least two months before your wedding to allow sufficient time to get everything changed before you travel on your honeymoon (he is strongly advised not to travel overseas carrying documents in different names). Your husband-to-be will also need to notify your minister or registrar that he has changed his surname by Deed Poll so your marriage notice can be amended to his new double-barrelled surname. Please note, before your marriage notice is amended, your husband-to-be may be asked to prove he has changed his name “for all purposes” by producing supporting documents such as his passport and driving licence showing his new double-barrelled surname.
Therefore, it is advisable to get these documents changed first so they can be taken, with his Deed Poll, to your registrar or minister.
Making your maiden name a middle name Although most women are happy to take their husband’s surname upon marriage, many do not like the idea of totally abandoning their family name and would like a way of keeping a link to their family without having a double-barrelled surname. The solution is to have your current surname added as a middle name. For example, if Sally Marie JONES marries Richard SMITH, the new name will be Sally Marie JONES SMITH. Furthermore,in recognition of the woman giving up her surname and taking her husband’s surname, the man could add his wife’s surname as a middle name too.
Using the example above, the husband would change his name to Michael JONES SMITH.
Such name changes can be accomplished by Deed Poll.
If your marriage certificate is not in English because you have married in a non English speaking country, you will need to provide record holders with either an official translation of your marriage certificate into English or a Deed Poll, which is usually less expensive than paying for an official translation.
When to apply for your Deed Poll If you need to apply for Deed Polls to change your surname, there are two options to consider in respect of the timing of your application: Apply in time for signing on your wedding day If you wish to sign your Deed Poll documents on your wedding day (immediately following your ceremony or later at your reception), you should order your Deed Polls at least three weeks before your wedding (this allows for any delays). When you complete your application forms, please write in the comments box the date of your wedding. We will then date your Deed Polls for your wedding day.
After you sign your Deed Polls after your ceremony, you will keep them safe at home and upon your return from your honeymoon you will start the process of letting everyone know of your change of name by Deed Poll.
Changing your title to Mrs Regardless of what you decide to do with your surname following your marriage, you will probably want to change your title to Mrs. This section tells you what you need to do for each of the options discussed above.
If you will be applying for a Deed Poll to change your name If your proposed name change requires you to apply for a Deed Poll, when you complete your application form, you can request the addition of a change of title declaration on your Deed Poll document. Therefore, both your name and title change appear on your Deed Poll.
Your Deed Poll Pack will include an example covering letter to use when you notify everyone of your change of name and title by Deed Poll.
If you will be taking your husband’s surname If you choose the traditional option of taking your husband’s surname upon marriage, when you send your marriage certificate to all concerned notifying them that you have taken your husband’s surname following your marriage, you should mention in your covering letter that you have also changed your title to Mrs. If you will continue using your maiden nameIf you decide to not to change your name following your marriage, but wish to change your title to Mrs, you do not need to apply for a Deed Poll. You simply need to write to all concerned notifying them that following your marriage, you are not changing your surname but have changed your title to Mrs. A copy of your marriage certificate will suffice. Please note, your title does not appear on your passport so there’s no need to get it changed.
Making other changes to your name If you will be applying for a Deed Poll to change your name following your marriage, you can also take the opportunity to make other changes to your name. For example, you may wish to change, add, rearrange or remove forenames.
Continuing to use your maiden name for work or professional purposes With the permission of your employer, it is perfectly acceptable and legal to continue using your maiden name for work or professional purposes. Often, there are clear commercial and career enhancement benefits if you have a good reputation in your profession and are well known to your clients, peers and superiors. In some situations, a change of name at work may be commercially detrimental and your employer will hope you continue using your maiden name.
If you change your name by Deed Poll and continue to use your maiden name, you are not in breach of the declarations you make on your Deed Poll committing yourself to using your new name for all purposes. This is because at work, you are always acting on behalf of your employer and not in your own name.
If you are self-employed, you can continue to trade in your former name. Legally, your will be [New Name] trading as [Former Name].UKDPS
Traditionally, a man does not change his surname upon marriage. However, many men decide to either:
The alternatives to tradition If you decide against tradition and wish to consider one of the above options, please read on.
Double-barrelling your surname with your wife’s surname OR taking your wife’s surname A double-barrelled surname uses both the couple’s surnames. The two elements of the new surname can be linked by a hyphen or kept separate e.g. Smith-Jones or Smith Jones. It is personal choice whether a hyphen is used and which order the names are placed – although there is a tradition in some social circles to place the man’s surname last. Most couples however decide the order by what sounds better when the new double-barrelled surname is spoken.If, following your marriage, you wish to double-barrel your surname with your wife’s surname, or take your wife’s surname, a Deed Poll is often required. Although some companies and organisations will change their records to your new double-barrelled surname, or to your wife’s surname, upon presentation of your marriage certificate,many will not, particularly the financial institutions e.g. banks and building societies. A Deed Poll will guarantee that your new surname will be accepted by everyone without question. Please note, government departments, including the Passport Office and DVLA accept marriage certificates as documentary evidence of a man changing his surname to a double-barrelled surname or for a man taking his wife’s surname. The only way to find out if you need a Deed Poll to get your non-government documents and records changed is to contact, for example, your bank, building society, credit card company and mortgage company etc and ask what their policy is for changing your surname upon marriage.
A further option if you will be double-barrelling your surnames If you and your wife will be double-barrelling your surnames by Deed Poll, the cost of a second Deed Poll (for your wife) can be avoided if you change your surname by Deed Poll to your double-barrelled surname before you marry. Consequently, upon marriage, your wife can take your double-barrelled surname, in the traditional way, by using your marriage certificate as documentary evidence of her change of surname (because your double-barrelled surname is on your marriage certificate). Please note, you should only follow the above advice if you have sufficient time to get the documents you will be taking with you on your honeymoon changed to your new double-barrelled surname, for example, your passport, travel documents, driving licence, credit cards etc. We suggest you should apply for your Deed Poll at least three months before your wedding to allow sufficient time to get everything changed before you travel on your honeymoon (you are strongly advised not to travel overseas carrying documents in different names). You will also need to notify your minister/registrar that you have changed your surname by Deed Poll so your marriage notice can be amended to your new double-barrelled surname.
We suggest you take with your two or three documents in your new name e.g. your passport, driving licence and say a credit card, so you can demonstrate to your minister/registrar that you are using your new name for all purposes.
Making your wife’s surname a middle name
If your wife will be taking your surname upon marriage, in recognition of her giving up her family name, you could make your wife’s surname one of your middle names. Such a gesture may be greatly appreciated by your wife and not make the name change process following marriage one-sided. If you wish to make your wife’s surname a middle name, you can do this by Deed Poll.
“Meshing” your surnames
Meshing surnames is a term used to describe the blending of elements of each of the couple’s surname to create a new surname for both of them. For example, if kelly JOHNSON marries Neil CLARKE, they could mesh their surnames to become Kelly and Neil JOCLARKE (or JOCLARKES). Because you will be both be applying for a Deed Poll, you could also consider adding your original surnames as middle names, thereby maintaining a link to your original family names.
When to apply for your Deed Polls If you need to apply for Deed Polls to change your name, there are two options to consider in respect of the timing of your application:
Apply in time for signing on your wedding day If you wish to make the signing of your Deed Polls part of your nuptials (and sign your Deed Poll documents after your marriage ceremony or later at your reception), you should apply for your Deed Polls at least three weeks before your wedding (this allows for any postal delays). When you complete your application forms, please write in the box in section titled “Any other information” the date of your wedding (use the comments box on the application form). We will then date your Deed Polls for your wedding day, which looks so much better than hand writing the date. After signing your Deed Polls after your ceremony (but not before), you will keep them safe at home and upon your return from your honeymoon you will start the process of letting everyone know of your change of name by Deed Poll.
Apply upon returning from your honeymoon If you do not wish to sign your Deed Polls on your wedding day, you can apply for your Deed Polls upon returning from your honeymoon. You can of course still order before your wedding if you wish, particularly if you want your Deed Poll documents to hand for signing upon returning from your honeymoon.
Making other changes to your name If you will be applying for a Deed Poll to change your name following your marriage, you can also take the opportunity to make other changes to your name. For example, you may wish to change, add, rearrange or remove forenames(UKDPS)
1. Dislike Current Name
A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn't like his or her name as given at birth; perhaps they'd prefer something more unique than Britney or Ashley or something less unique than a homespun name that combined parents' names. In this same vein, people with names that could be embarrassing, especially if mispronounced or misspelled, may also seek name changes.
2. Changing Name Following Divorce
If a woman has taken her husband's name upon marriage, she may decide to reclaim her maiden name upon separation or divorce or take on an entirely new name.
3. Husband Taking Wife's Name upon Marriage
It's becoming increasingly popular for a husband to take his wife's surname, the name change process is the same as for a wife taking her husband's surname upon marriage.
4. Changing Child's Surname to Mother's or Father's
In the case of an absent father, a mother may wish to have a child's surname changed to hers; on the flip side, if a formerly absent father is now in the picture, a name change to the father's surname may also be desired.
5. Couples Combining or Hyphenating Surnames to Form a New One
Another popular trend with married or cohabitating couples is the creation of a new surname using parts of each partner's name or simply hyphenating the two last names for a brand new joint surname.
6. Desire for a Less or More "Ethnic" Name
People with names that are identifiably "ethnic" sometimes request name changes for various reasons, including ease of pronunciation and spelling; on the other hand, some individuals would like to reclaim their ethnic heritage by returning to a surname that may have been lost over the years or by the adoption of a new one.
7. Transgender Name Changes
Transgender people often request name changes to reflect gender. Names can be changed to simply the masculine or feminine form of the current name or can be new names altogether.
8. Religious Reasons
Whether it's because of a recent religious conversion or simply to honor a person's religious deity, name changes for religious reasons are quite common; take, for example, Steve Kreuscher who changed his name to In God We Trust to honor the help God gave him during hard times.
9. Same-Sex Partners Sharing Surname
Same-sex partners they can choose to share a surname, which can be particularly convenient in financial or legal transactions.
10. Political Statement
Although some may consider it extreme to change your name to support a cause, name changes for political reasons are not unheard of. In the past 10 years, Christopher Garnett became KentuckyFriedCruelty.com, Brandi Valladolid became RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no central register of name changes in the United Kingdom. Deed Polls are not registered anywhere unless they are "enrolled" i.e. lodged for safe keeping, in the Close Rolls of the Chancery (from 1851 to 1902) and from 1903, in the Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature, which is located within the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, London. After about five years, the court's enrolled Deed Poll records are transferred to the National Archives, which is situated in Kew, Surrey. The National Archives contain Deed Poll records going back to 1851.
Enrolling a Deed Poll provides a public record of a person's name change and since 1914 the details of the name change are advertised in either the London or Belfast Gazette. Alarmingly, the person's name change details and home address are also published on the London Gazette's website for all to see. Fortunately, it is not a requirement to enrol a Deed Poll. Furthermore, because enrolling significantly adds to the cost and the time taken to change a person's name and because most people who change their name only wish to inform those who have a reason to know, only about 250 enrolled Deed Polls are issued annually. We, on the other hand, issue about 7,000 "unenrolled" Deed Polls annually and our records are confidential and not available for public inspection.
One other reason enrolled Deed Polls are not popular is the requirement for separated women to have their husband's written consent to revert to their maiden name. Also, the witness to the signing of an enrolled Deed Poll needs to be a property owner who has known the person changing their name for at least ten years. This needs to be confirmed by the witness swearing a Statutory Declaration before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. Whereas the Deed Polls we issue simply need to be witnessed by someone independent such as a friend, neighbour or work colleague. (UKDPS)
There are very few circumstances where a birth certificate can be changed. This is because a birth certificate is an historical record, which was correct when the birth was registered. In most situations, if you want to be legally known by a name that is different to your birth name, all you can do is apply for a Deed Poll to change your legal name. When you receive your Deed Poll document, you will use it to get all your official documents and records changed to your new name. In the future, if you are asked to prove your identity (say for example you apply for a passport or bank account) you simply produce your birth certificate and your Deed Poll document. The new name shown on your Deed Poll overrides the name on your birth certificate.
There are a few circumstances that enable you to get your, or your child’s, name entry in the birth register amended. Consequently, a new birth certificate can be issued showing the new or amended name details. If you are able to get a new birth certificate issued, a Deed Poll is not required as the new birth certificate will be accepted by everyone as documentary evidence of the change of name thus enabling all documents and records to be changed to the new name. The rules differ throughout the United Kingdom as the following sections explain.
For births and adoptions registered in England or Wales:
The name on a birth certificate issued in England or Wales can be changed in the following circumstances:
Changing a child’s forename(s) If you only wish to change the forename(s) of your child, it is possible to have your child’s new forenames added to the birth register provided the new forenames were given either in baptism within 12 months of the birth being registered or by regular use within 12 months of the birth being registered. The new forenames may be added to the birth record after 12 months, but you will need to provide documentary evidence that the new forenames were in use within 12 months of registration. Upon re-registration, a new birth certificate can be purchased that shows the new forenames.
Changing a child’s surname from the mother’s surname to the father’s surname (parents not married)If the natural parents of the child were not married to each other at the time of the birth and the father did not attend with the mother to register the child, it is possible to re-register the birth at any time in the future to include the father’s details and change the surname of the child to that of the father (only if both parents agree, otherwise a court order is required). Upon re-registration, a new birth certificate can be purchased.
Changing a child’s surname from the mother’s surname to the father’s surname (parents married since birth)If the natural parents have married each other since the birth was registered, the birth can be re-registered to show the child as a child of the parents’ marriage. Upon re-registration, the child and mother’s surname can be changed to that of the father and a new birth certificate can be purchased.
Removing the father from a birth certificate if he is not the biological father If you are able to produce to the General Register Office DNA paternity test results (from a court approved DNA testing laboratory) that the person recorded on your child’s birth certificate is not the biological father, you can have the father’s name removed from your child’s birth record and buy a new birth certificate without any details shown for the father. If your child’s surname is the father’s surname, you can have your child’s surname changed on the birth certificate to your surname.
If you have changed your gender and obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate If you are at least 18 years of age and have gender dysphoria and have been living in your acquired gender for at least two years, you can apply to the Gender Recognition Panel for a Gender Recognition Certificate, which will enable you to obtain a new birth certificate showing your new gender and name. The new birth certificate can be used as documentary evidence of your change of name thus avoiding the need for a Deed Poll. For further information email them the General Registrar Office for England and Wales, or call them on 0151 471 4806. Alternatively, telephone or visit your local register office.
For births and adoptions registered in Scotland:
The name on a birth certificate issued in Scotland can be changed in the following circumstances:
Changing a child’s forename(s) who is under one year of age If a child’s forename(s) (but not surname) are changed within the first year of life, the change can be recorded in the birth register if an application is made within two years of the birth of the child. The application must be signed by everyone with parental responsibility for the child. When a certificate of the child’s birth entry is subsequently issued, the new name is substituted for the name originally registered. The fee (as at January 2011) for recording a change of forename(s) is £55 (fee includes a new birth certificate).
Because of the higher cost and the longer time it takes to register a name change in Scotland, most parents who wish to change their child’s forenames do so by Deed Poll.
