How to legally change your name

A change of name might be prompted by:

• The merging of two families.
• Marriage or civil partnership
• A wish to be called a different name.
• A divorce.

You will need to have a legal document to change the name on key documents e.g. passport, driving licence or key service providers e.g. banks.

You will need to update and/or inform the following if you change your name:

• Passport.
• Driving Licence.
• National Health Service (NHS).
• HMRC.
• Your financial providers e.g. bank, building society.
• Shares and investments.
• Will and/or LPAs.
• Organisations e.g. council, utility companies.
• Benefits office.

How to:

1. Marriage and civil partnerships
   • The government provides information on passports for newlyweds and civil partners. This includes applying for a new passport if you intend to go abroad for your honeymoon. Just make sure you allow enough time e.g. three months.
   • You will normally receive several certified copies of your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
   • Send a certified copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate to all the appropriate organisations. Your records should be updated for free and records updated fairly quickly.
2. Divorce or ending a civil partnership
   • You may be able to go back to your original name by showing record-holders either your:
     • Marriage certificate and decree absolute.
     • Civil partnership certificate and final order.
     • Please note that some organisations will not change your name back without a deed poll.
3. Deed Poll for a change of name
   • A deed poll is a legal document. There are two types:
     • Unenrolled – you can make an unenrolled deed poll yourself.
     • Enrolled – you need to apply to the Royal Courts for an enrolled deed.
   • You don’t need a deed poll to start using a new name but most organisations e.g. government offices, financial organisations will want to sight of an enrolled deed poll.
   • The government website provides comprehensive instructions and the costs of applying for an enrolled deed poll for a change of name.
   • If you are not sure about sorting this yourself, then we are happy to advise you. We charge £100 plus VAT for this service.
   • For legal reasons, we do not sign pre-prepared deed polls for a change of name, even when appropriate ID and proof of address documents are provided.
4. Changing the name of a child (under 18)
   • There are several reasons for wishing to change a child’s name. The government website provides further information on this.