How to Use Your Deed Poll
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your name change is legally effective and accepted by all major UK organisations.
1. Print Your Document
Print your Deed Poll on standard white A4 paper. While high-quality paper (100gsm or above) gives a more professional appearance, any standard printer paper is legally sufficient.
Print in black ink. Colour is not required and some organisations may have trouble with coloured prints when photocopying.
We recommend printing 2–3 copies. Some organisations require an original (not a photocopy), so having spares avoids needing to order again.
2. Sign the Document
Sign the document twice: once with your former name and once with your new name. This must be done in the presence of your witness.
Use a black ballpoint pen — do not use pencil, felt-tip, or erasable ink.
3. Get a Witness
Your witness must be an independent adult (18+) who knows you personally but is not:
- A relative (by blood or marriage)
- Someone who lives at the same address as you
- Your partner
Good witnesses include: a friend, colleague, neighbour, teacher, doctor, or solicitor.
Your witness must watch you sign the document, then add their own:
- Full signature
- Printed full name
- Full address
- Occupation
4. Update Your Records
Once signed and witnessed, notify the following organisations with a copy of your Deed Poll:
- HM Passport OfficeApply for a new passport in your new name.
- DVLAUpdate your driving licence online or by post.
- BanksVisit your branch or post a certified copy.
- HMRCUpdate your tax records online via your personal tax account.
- GP / NHSContact your GP surgery to update your medical records.
- EmployerInform your HR department to update payroll and records.
- UtilitiesContact each provider (gas, electric, water, broadband, council tax).
Common Rejection Reasons
- • The document was not witnessed or the witness did not add all required details.
- • The witness is a family member — organisations may reject this.
- • The document was signed in pencil or with erasable ink.
- • A photocopy was submitted instead of an original.
- • The names on the deed poll do not exactly match the name on existing records.
Important Disclaimer
StatutoryDeed provides a document preparation service, not legal advice. The Unenrolled Deed Poll generated by our service is a legally recognised way to change your name in England and Wales. However, we cannot guarantee acceptance by every organisation. If you have complex circumstances (e.g. changing a child’s name without the consent of all parties with parental responsibility), we strongly recommend seeking independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor.