FAQs about Name Change
Name Change FAQs
In what circumstances would someone decide to choose their name?
There are many circumstances explaining why someone would choose to change their name. Besides an obvious reason (personal wishes or dislike of their current name), a person may wish to change their name if they:
- Get divorced
- Wish to use a double-barrelled surname after marrying
- Adopt a new religion
- Change gender
Can I change my name without following any formal legal procedure?
Yes you can, so long as your intention is to not deceive or defraud somebody.
Should I follow any legal procedures to change my name?
If you want to apply for a new passport, you may need to follow certain legal procedures to prove that you have decided to change your name. Evidence of a name change can include a deed pool, a public announcement, a statutory declaration or a letter from a responsible person.
What does deed poll mean and who can use a deed poll?
A deed poll is a formal legal declaration stating that your name has changed. A deed poll can be used by anyone over the age of 16 and are a British citizen living in the United Kingdom.
Does a deed poll need to be witnessed?
Yes.
Who can act as a witness?
Anyone over the age of 18 with sufficient mental capacity (i.e. understanding of why they are acting as a witness) can witness a deed poll, so long as they are not related to you.
Do deed polls need to be registered?
No.
Can deed polls be stored and registered somewhere official?
Yes, they can be “enrolled” at Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature.
Can a child change their name?
Whilst children under the age of 16 cannot change their name via deed poll, anyone with parental responsibility for the child may do so. Persons with parental responsibility can include the biological mother, the biological father if married to the mother at the time of birth, step-parents or other persons if they have been given parental responsibility by those who previously held it (the biological mother, for example).