Changed name by deed poll... Passport office rejected it

sav91

mgdavid wrote: »

see post #9
you seem to be ignoring (or not comprehending) the difference between changing your name by deed poll and remaining living in the UK, and wanting to apply for a UK passport to travel abroad. The former only requires a deed poll which can be DIY. The latter want the deed poll to be confirmed / authenticated / endorsed (call it whatever you like) by a solicitor,

Did you not see the PDF I posted from gov.uk in post #7?

In fact, when I queried this with the passport office, their own operator admitted that the PDF was actually the same guidance notes used internally there.

Thanks for your input, but I'd rather hear from posters with accurate knowledge about the process.

mgdavid

sav91 wrote: »

Did you not see the PDF I posted from gov.uk in post #7?

In fact, when I queried this with the passport office, their own operator admitted that the PDF was actually the same guidance notes used internally there.
......

Yes I did,and think either you misunderstood or were misled / misinformed by the passport office person; the .pdf is not definitive, it states '...When an application has been received and that application has a change of name, examiners should be applying the confirming identity process outlined in the policy and procedures guide in conjunction with this policy.'
So without a copy of the Policy & Procedures Guide we are as much in the dark as you are.
On a point of detail who did you get to witness your deed poll? (not their name, just their status / relationship).

sav91

Finally some good news!

Called them back this morning and was informed that the senior manager had looked at the change of name deed and everything is a-okay :-). The passport has now been printed and should be with me in the next few days.

I just hope they apply some consistency in how they deal with change of name deeds, and realise that a self-made, unenrolled deed poll is a valid and legal proof of a change of name. A deed poll stamped by a solicitor or agency is no more valid or 'official' than one you can make yourself with the correct wording etc.

Thanks for all of your advice guys! :-)