Get a Deed Poll: What you need to know

Have you been thinking about changing your name? Are you wondering how the process works? It sounds very technical and official, and that might be holding you back. But it’s actually really straightforward – take a seat, grab your favourite hot drink and read all about how to get a Deed Poll, in case you fancy treating yourself to a brand new name in time for Christmas!

What is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a document that allows your name to be legally changed. It’s very simple – you can complete it in just 10 minutes. Let me talk you through how to get that done.

First, you’ll want to actually get a Deed Poll. All you’ll need to do is give us a few details and declare your old name and your new name. At Vital Certificates, we can guarantee that when you get a Deed Poll from us, it will be accepted by all organisations in the UK, and it’ll be made professionally and efficiently for you by our experts. So you can feel confident that your name change will be a success!

Then, you’ll just need to sign it in front of two witnesses. They’ll need to sign it, too. (There’s some criteria for your witnesses, but I’ll get onto that later.) And it’s as simple as that! Now you have a legally recognised new name.

You just need to send a copy of your Deed Poll off to any companies and organisations you use, to let them know – like your employer, your bank, HMRC, insurance companies. The Passport Office. Things like that. It might be worth ordering a few extra copies when you get a Deed Poll to save you some time when you’re sending them out to different places, so you can sort out a few at once. Then you’ll start getting your official documentation sent to you in your new name! All’s well that ends well.

What do I need to know?

You can change your name to basically whatever you want, with only a few exceptions. All your standard, run-of-the-mill names will be fine, so don’t panic! But if you’re wondering what might not be allowed (either just out of curiosity or because you want to test the limits), check out our guide to the laws and rules surrounding name changes.

When you’ve chosen your name and you’re getting your Deed Poll signed, make sure your witnesses are suitable, or your document won’t be accepted. It’s easy though. Just choose witnesses who are:

• Over 18
• UK residents
• Not related to you, not your partner, and not living in the same household
• Of sound mind
• Physically present when you sign your Deed Poll

Then you’re good to go!

Who are they for?

Anyone can change their name. If you’re getting married and want to change your surname, you’ll want to get a Deed Poll (you might not need one, depending on exactly what you’re changing your name to, but it’ll definitely make things easier to use one). If you’re getting divorced, the same applies.

Maybe you’re wanting to change your name to take a step forward in the transitioning process. You might already go by a new name with friends and family, but to make it official, you’ll need to get a Deed Poll. Then the name you’re comfortable with will be on your ID and your other legal documents, which will have a pretty positive impact on your life!

If you just don’t like your name, for no reason in particular, that’s also fine! You don’t need to justify wanting a new name. Just apply to get a Deed Poll and you can be whoever you want to be!

So what do I do now?

That should cover everything you need to know, but if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out – you can get in touch with us through our live chat system, text us on WhatsApp, or call us on 0330 088 1142.

If you’re happy you know what you’re doing, it’s time to get a Deed Poll! We’ll guide you through the process as you’re ordering it. So go ahead, take the leap! Treat yourself to the name you want, and ring in the New Year feeling happy and comfortable in who you are.