Deed Polls

If you wish to change your or your child’s legal name then you can use our Deed Poll service.

What is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legal document – not a certificate. It is a form of legal contract but differs from legal contracts between two or more parties in that it only concerns one person (and it is only signed by that person in the presence of a witness). A Deed Poll legally binds the person who signs it to a particular course of action as detailed in the Deed Poll document.

What does your Deed Poll contain?

A Deed Poll for a change of name contains three declarations and by executing the Deed Poll (signing, dating and having your signing witnessed) you are legally committing yourself to:

• Abandoning the use of your former name;
• Using your new name only at all times;
• Requiring all persons to address you by your new name only.

What is the purpose of a Deed Poll?

Suppose you want to change your name and get all your official documents and records changed to show your new name e.g. your UK passport, driving license, bank account, credit card, medical records, etc. In that case, you will be asked to produce documentary evidence of your name change. A Deed Poll document is a formal statement that enables you to prove to such record holders that you have changed your name and it provides you with the required documentary evidence of the name by which you wish to be known.