Legally change your name in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland with a free deed poll. Our template includes the correct legal wording accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and all major UK organisations.
A deed poll is a legal document that allows you to officially change your name in the United Kingdom. It is a formal declaration, signed by you and witnessed, stating that you have abandoned your former name and will use your new chosen name for all purposes going forward. Under English common law, every person has the right to be known by whatever name they choose, and a deed poll provides the documented evidence that organisations require to update their records.
There are two types of deed poll: unenrolled and enrolled. An unenrolled deed poll is a private document that is not registered with any court. It is the most common type and is accepted by virtually all UK organisations, including HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, HMRC, and the NHS. An enrolled deed poll is formally registered at the Royal Courts of Justice under the Enrolment of Deeds of Change of Name Regulations 1994 and published in The London Gazette. Enrolment is entirely optional and carries an additional fee; the unenrolled version is equally valid in law.
A deed poll can be used to change your forename, surname, or both. It is commonly used after marriage or divorce, for personal preference, for cultural or religious reasons, or to correct a misspelling. Whether you are changing one letter or your entire name, the process and legal requirements are the same.
Our deed poll template includes all the sections required for a legally valid name change document in the United Kingdom. Each section follows the standard format accepted by government agencies and private organisations alike.
Creating a legally valid deed poll is straightforward. Our template guides you through every step, producing a document that meets the requirements of all major UK organisations. Follow these five steps to change your name.
Changing your name by deed poll is a well-established legal process in the United Kingdom. Understanding the legal framework, witness requirements, and how organisations handle name changes will help you complete the process smoothly and avoid delays.
Important: This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as changing a child's name without the consent of all those with parental responsibility, consult a licensed solicitor.
Reviewed by legal professionals. The content on this page and the template clauses have been reviewed by licensed solicitors in England and Wales to ensure accuracy and legal soundness for standard deed poll name changes.
In England and Wales, every person has the common law right to use whatever name they choose, provided it is not for fraudulent purposes. A deed poll formalises this right by creating a legally recognised document that organisations can accept as evidence of your name change. There is no requirement to obtain permission from any court or government body to change your name as an adult.
If you wish to have a public record of your name change, you can apply to enrol your deed poll at the Royal Courts of Justice under the Enrolment of Deeds of Change of Name Regulations 1994. This involves submitting your deed poll along with a statutory declaration and the enrolment fee. The change is then published in The London Gazette. However, enrolment is entirely optional and an unenrolled deed poll carries the same legal weight for day-to-day use.
HM Passport Office accepts an unenrolled deed poll as evidence when applying for a new passport in your changed name. You will need to submit a passport application along with your signed deed poll and current passport. The DVLA also accepts deed polls for updating your driving licence. Both agencies require the deed poll to contain specific wording, which our template provides, and to be properly witnessed.
High street banks, building societies, HMRC, the NHS, your employer, utility companies, and insurance providers all accept an unenrolled deed poll for updating your name on their records. Each organisation has its own process; some accept the original document in branch, while others require a certified copy to be sent by post. It is advisable to print several copies and have each one signed and witnessed identically.
Create a legally valid deed poll in minutes. Our free UK template provides the correct wording accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and all major organisations across the United Kingdom.
Free · Instant PDF · No account required