We offer a Change of Name Deed service. You do not have to follow a legal process to start using a new name. But you might need a ‘deed poll’ to apply for or to change official documents like your passport or driving licence.
To change your name, you need to be a British citizen over the age of 18. Please contact us to make an appointment.
You will be required to attend in person and produce the following original documents:
- proof of identity – either your full birth certificate (showing parents’ names) or your current passport
- marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Decree Absolute (if divorced)
- proof of address – a recent bank statement or utility bill showing your correct address
A trained registration officer will prepare and witness the Change of Name Deed. You will receive your name deed at the end of your appointment. The process usually takes up to half an hour. This includes the preparation and production of two officially stamped and signed Change of Name Deeds.
We will give you one original deed to keep and we will keep a copy for our records. Your birth certificate will not change. The name deed will run alongside your birth certificate and you should keep both documents together at all times.
When deciding on your chosen name, the new name must not:
- be rude or offensive
- be used to create the impression of an inherited or awarded title, for example Sir, Dame, Lord, Lady
- be chosen with the intent to defraud
Cost
The fee for name deed is £65
You can buy additional certified copies on the day for £10.
Your can order extra copies up to 10 years after the deed was made for £30
You can pay by debit or credit card.
If you want copies after 10 years, you will need a fresh Change of Name Deed drawn up and the full fee for the service at that time would apply.
Frequently asked questions about name changes
I am getting married or registering a civil partnership, do I need a Change of Name Deed?
If you are getting married or registering a civil partnership and taking your partner’s name, or ‘double-barrelling’ your names, then you will not need to apply for a Change of Name Deed. The certificate that you will be issued with after the ceremony or signing has taken place can be used as proof of how you have changed your name.
If, however, you have decided to combine your names (also known as ‘meshing’), for example combining Smith and Miles to Smiles, then a Change of Name Deed would be advisable.
Can I change my child’s name?
If your child was born in England or Wales and is under the age of one year old, you can change your child’s forename only on the birth certificate through a ‘certificate of naming’ which is available from your local Register Office. This service costs £40 and copy certificates after the entry is made will be £12.50.
We do not currently offer the Change of Name Deed service for anyone under the age of 18.
Informing people of your change of name
After you’ve changed your name there are a number of people that you may wish to tell about the change. These include:
- Passport agency
- Insurance companies
- Driving/vehicle licence agency
- Pension fund
- Banks
- TV licence
- Building societies
- Child’s school
- Credit card company
- Utility companies
- Doctor
- Local authority
- Dentist
- Electoral roll
- Employer
- Professional organisations
- Inland Revenue
- Library
- Child benefit agency
- Clubs