How to change your name

A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You can change any part of your name, add or remove names or hyphens, or change the spelling.

Your new name must:

  • be pronounceable
  • not include symbols, numbers or punctuation (unless it’s a hyphenated name or part of an established name like O’Hara)
  • not be offensive or against the public interest (for example, adding Ltd to the end of the name)

You cannot use a deed poll to:

  • change which letters are capitalised in your name
  • change titles, for example Mr, Mrs, Sir, Lady or Doctor

There are different rules for changing your name if you were born in Scotland.

Choose a deed poll

If you’re 16 or over, you can make a deed poll yourself and start using a new name (called an ‘unenrolled deed poll’). If you’re 18 or over, you can apply to put your name change on public record through the High Court (called an ‘enrolled deed poll’). 

An enrolled deed poll costs £50.32.

Some organisations (such as some banks, mobile phone companies or energy providers) may only accept an enrolled deed poll to change your name on their records. Contact the organisation to understand the deed poll they will accept as proof of your new name.

Choose to:

If you’re a permanent resident overseas, you cannot change your name by deed poll.

Marriage and civil partnership

You do not need a deed poll to take your spouse’s or civil partner’s surname. Send a copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate to record-holders.

If you divorce or end your 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

Some organisations will not change your name back without a deed poll.

If you’re a registered offender

You must tell the police you’ve changed your name within 3 days if you’re a registered:

  • sex offender
  • violent offender
  • terrorist offender

You must go to your local prescribed police station to do this. You’ll be told where this is on release.

It’s a criminal offence if you do not tell the police you’ve changed your name.