HMPO want proof of mothers name change?

nubbz

Tried applying for a passport but because my mother changed her name by deed poll they want proof of her changing her name....
"In order for us to proceed with the application please send us proof of your mother's change of name"

Which I think is stupid but it's their system.
I offered the birth certificate of my mother, father and expired passport of both parents but no, they need proof that my mother changed her name.

I have no proof at all because my mother has lost the deed poll certificate and I spoke to a deed poll replacement service and they said they don't keep records going back 20 years. The only thing I can think of is a statutory declaration but will that be proof that she changed her name? I doubt it. Would really appreciate help as when I phoned them up they wouldn't even tell me what counts as proof other then a deed poll certificate which I already told them can not be found.

richardw

Is there a register of deed poll certificates to reference the certificate number to ?

peachyprice

richardw wrote: »

Is there a register of deed poll certificates to reference the certificate number to ?

You can have it enrolled at the RCJ in London, which you don't legally have to, and it's not a register as such. Even then they only keep a record for around 10 years then send them to archive There is no official register as there is with births, deaths and marriages.

peachyprice

nubbz wrote: »

Tried applying for a passport but because my mother changed her name by deed poll they want proof of her changing her name....
"In order for us to proceed with the application please send us proof of your mother's change of name"

Which I think is stupid but it's their system.
I offered the birth certificate of my mother, father and expired passport of both parents but no, they need proof that my mother changed her name.

I would have thought if they had issued a passport to your mother in hew new name they would already be in possession of that information

nubbz

So would I, but they are insisting on proof still and are not being helpful as to what qualifies as proof.

If I got my mother to fill out a statutory declaration would that be sufficient? The entire thing is a joke, they got my birth certificate with my mothers maiden name on it and they have my mothers passport number with her new name on it but they are insisting on proof of the name change.

I'm going to try and ring them Monday for more clarity as they wasn't very helpful today. I mean what if my Mum died or I fell out with her; I would then have no means of getting the information or for my Mum to fill out a statutory declaration.

alanrowell

Rules on passports have tightened up substantially in the past decade or two

littlereddevil

And quite rightly so Alan

nubbz

Agreed but they cant expect me to provide proof of something 20 years ago especially if there is no record of it.

This wouldn't of been an issue if I gave them my fathers passport and not included my mothers...... I just didn't think it would of been an issue, my parents, grandparents and great grand parents are all British by birth and I have no doubt my ancestors are British back to the 1800s at the least. I have a stepbrother who is Welsh, that is as foreign as I get....
Anyone got ideas?

richardw

So it appears they may be asking for something that may not be checkable, so they may just look at it and file it.

nubbz

Well I thought I would try the webchat as they might be more helpful then the people on the phone as they would have time to research and come back to me. Here is what I wrote to them.

Hello,

I got sent a letter by you asking for proof of my mothers name change from **** to *******. Unfortunately I do not have this as my mother has most likely thrown it. Having checked I can confirm that deed poll certificates are not kept from over 20 years ago. So I have no physical proof of her name change.
So, can you suggest a means of proof that may work?

I have provided you with my birth certificate with my mothers maiden name on it and her old passport with her new name on it. Surely this shows that she has changed her name and is my mother. This is quite stressful as you sent me a letter asking for proof without giving me any clue as to what proof you will deem as acceptable. I can not provide you with a deed poll of the name change it is lost.

You granted my mother a passport with her new name so if anyone has any records of the change it would be you.

I did manage to find my expired fathers passport if this would help and his birth certificate. If I can prove my father was born in the UK surely this would be enough to prove I have a right to a passport?


Please give me some clarity as I need this passport and I have no idea of how to provide you with the proof you want. You can't expect people to keep records from 20 years ago.
Especially when there is no means of getting a replacement.

Here is the reply

Thank you for your enquiry.

Due to the complexity of this issue you will need to ring the passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000.

:wall::wall: