Do I Need a Deed Poll?

In general to start using another name and have your official documents such as your passport updated, a Deed Poll is required. However, not every instance will need a Deed Poll.

Name Change Upon Marriage or Civil Partnership

When a woman takes her husbands name upon marriage, the marriage certificate will be accepted as documentary evidence of the name change. Similarly, the civil partnership certificate is used if a couple wish to operate under the same surname. In this case, a covering letter will be necessary to point out which partners surname is being used.

If a couple decide on a less traditional name change, a Deed Poll document is required. For example, a man taking his wife’s surname or a couple meshing their surnames. Further information on name change upon marriage or civil partnership is found in our Marital Rights section.

Name Change Upon Divorce

Sometimes following a divorce, a woman may choose to revert to her maiden name. To do so, she should send her decree absolute to organisations informing them of her name change. This should be accepted by all departments including the Identity and Passport Office. A Deed Poll document will not be necessary.

However, if a woman decides to change her name before the divorce is finalised, a Deed Poll is needed. This does not affect any future divorce proceedings. Further advice can be found in our Marital Rights section.

Name Change Upon Separation

Women who adopt their spouse’s surname upon marriage may wish to start using their maiden name upon separation. In order to do so, a Deed Poll document is necessary. This provides sufficient documentary evidence of a change of name to all departments and organisations. Changing your surname upon separation does not affect any subsequent divorce proceedings.

Changing a Child’s Name Upon Adoption

Adoptive parents often wish to change their child’s surname to that of their own. Many feel this makes it easier for them to start operating as family. When a child is formally adopted, they do not require a Deed Poll to change their surname. This is because the Adoption Certificate replaces the Birth Certificate and acts as evidence of the change. A Deed Poll document is only required if the family wishes to change their child’s forenames or make other changes after the initial one.

In cases of informal adoption, a Deed Poll is required. For informal adoptions, all people with parental responsibility must approve the name change. A Deed Poll can be filed once approval is obtained.

Name Change Upon Becoming Widowed

Upon being widowed, a woman can revert to her maiden name without the need for a Deed Poll. Her husbands death certificate with her marriage certificate showing her maiden name should be accepted as documentary evidence. When given such certificates, organisations and departments will amend their records to show the new surname.

Name Change by Usage

It is still possible to change your name by starting to use a new one. Simply begin using the chosen name consistently in all aspects of your life. That then becomes the name that you are known by when dealing with others.

As straightforward as this possibility first appears, problems inevitably arise. For example, it is impossible to change your name on your passport. The Identity and Passport Service will not update records without first having documentary evidence. Banks, building societies, and the like are equally unlikely to amend your details.

Operating under more than one name causes confusion and misunderstandings. For such reasons, name change through usage is an unpopular choice. In the long run, it is far simpler to use the more traditional option of executing a Deed Poll. By use of a Deed Poll, all of your records can be updated quickly and easily. Additionally, it allows you to officially operate under your new name in all areas of your life.

Name Change for Any Other Reason

A name change for any reason other than those mentioned above needs a Deed Poll to update official records. You may choose to change forenames, surnames, and middle names. Or you might want to add or remove names. You can also rearrange current forenames and alter spellings.