Does a Name Change Statutory Declaration require both the new signature and the old signature?

Steve139

Hello,

If anyone has used a Statutory Declaration (and not a Deed Poll) to change their name, can you please tell me if you signed the document with only your new signature (for your new name)... or... did you sign it with both your new signature and your old signature (for your former name)?

I'm asking because I've found example Statutory Declaration templates online where some require just your new signature and some requre both.

In case you wondering why I'm not using a Deed Poll, it's because it's not easy for me to find two witnesses (who aren't relatives) to sign the document, whereas I can get the SD witnessed by a Solicitor for a nominal fee of only £7 

Anyway, your help would be much appreciated.

TBagpuss

There's no hard and fast rule as it is up to each organisation to decide what they will accept as proof of a change of name.

However, my experience is that the Passport Agency won't accept them if they don't have both signatures so I'd recommend using one where you do provide both.

(also, unless you are attaching an exhibit, which would be unusual for a change of name, the fee for a Statutory Declaration is £5, although I'd suggest that you ask the solicitor whether they would be willing to do some certified copies of it at the same time so you have the original plus 4 or 5  copies, as most places will accept a certified copy (passport agency is likely to want the original) so you can update things more quickly, and run less risk of the original being lost, if you get some certified copies as well) 

Also -I'm not in the last surprised that you aren't using a deed poll. Unless you absolutely need one (for instance, because they are preferred for people applying for gender recognition certificates) then they are a nightmare - very badly designed form, and much more complicated than a simple change of name deed!) 

smudge56

You only need to sign your  new name on a statutory declaration.  On a change of name deed you have to sign  your old and new names   

gazebo

If you want to change your name on your passport, the statutory declaration or change of Name deed will need to be signed in both your old and new name.

smudge56

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/866125/loc021-eng.pdf.  Statutory declaration. Only new name needs to be signed 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/866124/loc020-eng.pdf   Deed poll  signatures in Both old and new names 

That included changing names on passports 

TBagpuss

smudge56 said:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/866125/loc021-eng.pdf.  Statutory declaration. Only new name needs to be signed 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/866124/loc020-eng.pdf   Deed poll  signatures in Both old and new names 

That included changing names on passports 

Unfortunately the passport agency routinely rejects them if they don't have both signatures .