Changing name by deed poll in 2025

TsetseRoar

I want to change my given name; my only reason for doing this is that I have never liked my first name and want to make a fresh start.

I don't mind paying for this...a lot of money if that's what it takes, but no more than is necessary. No unnecessary faff either.

The UK government deed poll site describes enrolled and unenrolled deed polls, and suggests that, while an unenrolled deed poll is simpler, banks may not accept it.
Then, from the instructions for an enrolled deed poll, it seems I will need to find a friend who's known me for 10 years plus and have them sign a document in the prescence of a solicitor. A pretty expensive and faff-ridden route.

However, there are many solicitors, and just online platforms, that have services that are entirely remote, and claim that the resulting document(s) will be accepted by banks, DVLA etc. Some charge as little as £17 for this.

It's all a bit confusing. I'm either overcomplicating it, or the various online sites are overpromising / misleading.

FlorayG

I was told that because I was christened I could not change my given name except with permission from some high up church official, I forget which. So I just changed it and told everyone my new name some 40 years ago. I have all documents in that name the only one I had to be careful with was my will, which starts with 'last will and testament of FlorayG (also known as ThisOtherName)...

Brie

Be prepared to be asked why you changed it and to prove you are the same person.  So banks, employers, education, government etc.  I think it's much easier with a first name rather than a surname because a lot of people do make informal changes.  Going by their middle name instead of their first name, going by a shortened version (Bob instead of Robert).  

And frankly while we might know a thing or two if you want an official legal answer you might want to talk to a solicitor - might just need someone via a work platform or your legal cover on your car but that might be more reassuring.  

And fyi - £17 sounds so cheap it might be too good to be true.

Saver73

TsetseRoar said:

I want to change my given name; my only reason for doing this is that I have never liked my first name and want to make a fresh start.

I don't mind paying for this...a lot of money if that's what it takes, but no more than is necessary. No unnecessary faff either.

The UK government deed poll site describes enrolled and unenrolled deed polls, and suggests that, while an unenrolled deed poll is simpler, banks may not accept it.
Then, from the instructions for an enrolled deed poll, it seems I will need to find a friend who's known me for 10 years plus and have them sign a document in the prescence of a solicitor. A pretty expensive and faff-ridden route.

However, there are many solicitors, and just online platforms, that have services that are entirely remote, and claim that the resulting document(s) will be accepted by banks, DVLA etc. Some charge as little as £17 for this.

It's all a bit confusing. I'm either overcomplicating it, or the various online sites are overpromising / misleading.

A family law solicitor in your local area could prepare a change of name deed for a fixed fee, usually around £100, though more if it's a complex request.  You can find family law solicitors in your area via the Law Society find a solicitor website.


https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/

Edited to add - usually the solicitor will provide you with a number of certified copies to use at your bank, DVLA etc

TsetseRoar

Thanks all, I'm going to find a local lawyer via the lawsociety web page. I'll let you know what I end up paying and if there are any issues.

smudge56

Why don’t you make your own deed poll and save money. https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll

You can use this to change your name on you driving licence and passport. For your passport you will also need one piece of evidence that you are using your new name for all purposes.

GDB2222

If you prepare the documents yourself and just need a solicitor to witness the signature, the cost is usually quite low, ie around £10-20. 

smudge56

GDB2222 said:

If you prepare the documents yourself and just need a solicitor to witness the signature, the cost is usually quite low, ie around £10-20. 

Anyone can witness it. As long as it’s signed in both the  old name and the new name and dated. It can be witnessed by anyone

EnPointe

FlorayG said:

I was told that because I was christened I could not change my given name except with permission from some high up church official, I forget which. So I just changed it and told everyone my new name some 40 years ago. I have all documents in that name the only one I had to be careful with was my will, which starts with 'last will and testament of FlorayG (also known as ThisOtherName)...

This is utter rubbish   and  yet another reason why the abuser and abuser apologist -ridden Churches  need to be next on  list to be  stripped of  perks with regard to taxation 

EnPointe

Saver73 said:

TsetseRoar said:

I want to change my given name; my only reason for doing this is that I have never liked my first name and want to make a fresh start.

I don't mind paying for this...a lot of money if that's what it takes, but no more than is necessary. No unnecessary faff either.

The UK government deed poll site describes enrolled and unenrolled deed polls, and suggests that, while an unenrolled deed poll is simpler, banks may not accept it.
Then, from the instructions for an enrolled deed poll, it seems I will need to find a friend who's known me for 10 years plus and have them sign a document in the prescence of a solicitor. A pretty expensive and faff-ridden route.

However, there are many solicitors, and just online platforms, that have services that are entirely remote, and claim that the resulting document(s) will be accepted by banks, DVLA etc. Some charge as little as £17 for this.

It's all a bit confusing. I'm either overcomplicating it, or the various online sites are overpromising / misleading.

A family law solicitor in your local area could prepare a change of name deed for a fixed fee, usually around £100, though more if it's a complex request.  You can find family law solicitors in your area via the Law Society find a solicitor website.


https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/

Edited to add - usually the solicitor will provide you with a number of certified copies to use at your bank, DVLA etc

there is no need at all to waste 100 GBP on this  

a deed poll  is  very  easy to draw up and does not  require a lawyer 

enrolled deed polls are unnecessary for the vastest majority of  things 

EnPointe

GDB2222 said:

If you prepare the documents yourself and just need a solicitor to witness the signature, the cost is usually quite low, ie around £10-20. 

you may be confusing  this with a Statutroy Declaration of change of name, which again an individual can draw up   and  a Solicitor  can only charge the  legally Mandated  fee of 5 gbp to witness  ( stat dec   only needs 1 signature  and they don;t have ot know you , )