How to Legally Change Your Name in the UK by Deed Poll
Introduction
In the UK, you have the ability to change your name (or your child’s name) at any time. Changing your name is a legal matter, meaning there isn’t an “official” place where you go to register a name change. Legally, you can simply adopt a new name and start using it.
However, you’ll need a deed poll (or another formal document) to update your passport, driving license, bank accounts, and other official records to reflect your new name.
A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. You can change any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or alter the spelling.
There are two ways to obtain a deed poll:
- Make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll yourself
- Apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll
This article will analyse both types of deed polls, detailing their differences and providing insights into the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
What is an Enrolled Deed Poll?
An enrolled deed poll is a type of name change document that goes through a process with the Royal Courts of Justice and, once completed, becomes a public document. This means that anyone who has your basic information can access this document and see what your previous name was and when you made the change. This is similar to how birth certificates in the UK are public documents and can be viewed by anyone who knows some basic information about you.
This type of deed poll is stored in the Enrolment Books of the Senior Courts of England & Wales for 5-10 years. After that period, enrolled deed polls are stored indefinitely at the National Archives at Kew in Richmond, Surrey.
Part of the enrolment process includes announcing your name change in the London Gazette online, making it publicly accessible.
If you choose to enrol your deed poll, you need to follow the guidance provided on the government website, fill out the essential forms, and send your documents to the King’s Bench Division. After submitting, there is a waiting period of several months for the process to be completed, and you will need to pay an additional fee of £48.32 per name change.
Why Choose an Enrolled Deed Poll?
Opting to enrol your deed poll might seem to offer stronger evidence of your name change compared to an unenrolled deed poll. However, the enrolment process does not make your name change any more official or alter its legal status. Enrolling a deed poll merely creates a permanent public record of your name change.
One main advantage of an enrolled deed poll is that a copy of your original deed poll is kept securely on record by a government body.
What is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?
An unenrolled deed poll, also known as a private deed poll, is a legal document that enables you to change your name without involving the Royal Courts of Justice. This means that the new name is not part of the public record, providing greater privacy for the individual. An unenrolled deed poll is just as legally binding and valid as an enrolled deed poll.
Why Choose an Unenrolled Deed Poll?
There are several reasons why someone might choose an unenrolled deed poll over an enrolled deed poll:
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- Privacy: An unenrolled deed poll allows you to change your name privately, without making it part of the public record. This can be crucial for individuals who have experienced domestic abuse or stalking, or who simply want to maintain their privacy.
- Acceptance: Although an unenrolled deed poll does not require filing with any court or public body, it is accepted by all businesses and organisations in England and Wales as long as it is correctly worded and executed properly. This includes updating your passport, driving license, bank accounts, GP records, and other necessary documents.
- Cost: Unenrolled deed polls are generally less expensive than enrolled deed polls because there is no fee to the Royal Courts of Justice for enrolling the name change.
- Speed: Unenrolled deed polls can be prepared and executed more quickly than enrolled deed polls, as there is no waiting period for the enrolment process to be completed. Once the document is correctly signed and witnessed, it serves as immediate evidence of the name change.
- Flexibility: With an unenrolled deed poll, you can easily revert to your previous name should you change your mind, without having to go through the enrolment process again.
- Age Accessibility: Unenrolled deed polls can be made by individuals aged 16 and over, whereas enrolled deed polls are available only to those aged 18 and over if they are acting on their own behalf.
Are There Any Names I Can’t Choose?
Although there are no specific laws in the UK regarding name choices, individual companies and organisations impose guidelines. For instance, HM Passport Office has rules on acceptable names for official documents.
They’ll Reject:
- Names that may cause outrage or offense: No swear words, sexually explicit names, names with offensive religious connotations, names that are vulgar, offensive, or libelous, or names of famous people that might cause concern.
- Names promoting unlawful activity: No names associated with criminal gangs, extremist organisations, or names that encourage crime or anti-social behavior.
- Names that breach trademark and copyright: You can change your name to a copyrighted name, such as Jack Daniels, but you cannot use it for commercial gain.
- Names that include numbers: Self-explanatory.
- Names that include symbols: The only punctuation or symbols accepted by the British Passport Office are hyphens and apostrophes. They do not accept accents from foreign languages.
- Names that are too long: You have a maximum of 30 characters for first and middle names and another 30 for the surname. If your name is longer, you’ll need to specify how you’d like it shortened on your passport, and you can add your full name to the information section.
Conclusion
Changing your name in the UK using a deed poll is a straightforward process, offering both public and private documentation options. Whether you choose an enrolled or unenrolled deed poll depends on your need for privacy, cost considerations, speed of processing, and flexibility. Understanding the guidelines for acceptable names ensures a smooth transition to your new identity.
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