Changing your name

Who can change their name?

To change your own name, you generally need to be a UK resident aged 16 or over. This right comes with the important condition that you must not be changing your name for a deceptive or fraudulent reason. When you change your name, you must intend to use your new name for all purposes from that day forward.

It's worth remembering that you can be known by any name you like (such as a nickname) as long as it's not for a criminal purpose. To adopt a nickname informally, you don’t need to take any official steps or create any documents.

While anyone over 16 can make their own deed poll or Statutory declaration of name change, a name change for a child (under 16) must be done by someone with parental responsibility, and the rules are much stricter.

What are the restrictions on name changes?

While you have a lot of freedom in choosing a new name, official bodies, like the HM Passport Office (HMPO), can reject a name change for several reasons. These include:

Public offence

A name change can be rejected if it's considered offensive. This includes names that use or sound like profanity, sexually explicit references, inappropriate religious connotations, or language that is vulgar or libellous. Names associated with criminal activity or that use the name of a person (living or dead) in a way that might cause public concern are also not allowed.

Trade marks and intellectual property (IP)

You can't use a name change to promote or advertise goods or services in a way that's deceptive. While names aren't usually protected by IP laws, you can't use a name if it results in passing-off (ie which means misleading people into thinking your business is associated with a well-known brand or person). For example, if you changed your name to Victoria Beckham and started selling products under that name, this would likely be an infringement of intellectual property. HMPO will not issue a passport if the name contains a trade mark.

Technical criteria and titles

Name changes can also be rejected if they don't meet certain technical rules. A name may be refused if it contains numbers, symbols, or punctuation marks. Exceptions are usually made for hyphens in double-barrelled names (eg Smith-Jones) or apostrophes (eg O'Brien). You also can't just give yourself a title. Applications to include titles like Dr, Sir, Lord, or Lady will be rejected unless you can provide documentary evidence proving you're entitled to use it.

Single names

You should also think carefully about changing your name to a single name (eg Madonna). There is no law preventing a person from being known by a single name, or mononym, but there is a risk that official bodies may be more sceptical of the application and require more evidence of your use of the name.

How can I change my name?

The document you need to prove your name change depends on your circumstances.

Changing your name after marriage or civil partnership

When you get married or enter a civil partnership, you don't automatically have to change your surname. If you do decide to take your partner's surname (or double-barrel your surnames), your marriage or civil partnership certificate is usually all the proof you need. You can simply send copies of the certificate to the record holders to get your documents updated.

If you want to change your name in a different way, for example, by creating a new 'meshed' surname from both of your names, you'll likely need to use a different method, such as a deed poll.

Changing your name after divorce or dissolution

After a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you might want to go back to using your previous surname. To do this, you’ll typically need two documents:

• your decree absolute or final order (the document that legally ends the marriage or civil partnership)

• your birth certificate

Some organisations may also ask to see your marriage or civil partnership certificate to link the names together. If you don't have these documents, or if an organisation won't accept them, a deed poll is a simple alternative.

Changing a name recorded on certain Scottish registers

If you were born in Scotland or have an entry in the Adopted Children Register, the Parental Order Register, or the Gender Recognition Register in Scotland, you may be able to record a change of name with the Registrar General by completing and sending a specific form.

Using this method, you can record a change of first name once and a change of surname up to three times, with five years passing between each surname change. Once you've reached this limit, you can still change your name, but you can't record it officially this way. For more information, see the National Records of Scotland’s guidance on changing your name.

Changing your name for other reasons

For any other situation, like changing a first name or adopting a new surname for personal reasons, you'll need a formal document like a deed poll or a Statutory declaration of name change. These documents act as official evidence of your new name.

Using a deed poll or statutory declaration

For any name change that isn't covered by a marriage or divorce certificate, you'll need a specific legal document to make it official. The two most common and accepted documents for this in the UK are a deed poll and a statutory declaration. While they both achieve the same goal, they are created in slightly different ways.

What is a deed poll?

A deed poll is a formal legal document that acts as a public declaration of your intention to change your name. By signing it, you are committing to using your new name for all purposes. It is not a court order, but is accepted as official evidence of your name change by UK institutions.

Unenrolled vs enrolled deed polls

There are two types of deed poll, but for almost everyone, only one is necessary.

• an unenrolled deed poll is a simple, private legal document that you sign to declare your new name. It must be witnessed, but it isn't registered with any court. This is the most common, cost-effective, and straightforward way to change your name. It's accepted as proof by virtually all UK organisations, including for passports and driving licences

• an enrolled deed poll is registered with the High Court. This is a more complex, expensive, and public process. Your old and new names are published in The Gazette, which is an official public record. Enrolling a deed poll is very rare and isn't necessary for the vast majority of people

What is a statutory declaration, and how is it different from a deed poll?

A Statutory declaration of name change serves the same function as a deed poll. The main difference is the formality of how it's signed. A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that you sign under oath in the presence of a solicitor or another person authorised to administer oaths. 

To complete your Statutory declaration of name change, you'll need to:

1. fill out the form using both your old name and your new name

2. make an appointment with a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths to 'swear an oath'. In Scotland, this can also be a notary public or a justice of the peace. Many local solicitors offer this service for a small fee. Find a local solicitor in your area using the Law Society Directory

3. attend your appointment, and bring photo ID that shows your old name. The solicitor will watch you sign and date the declaration and will ask you to repeat a phrase swearing that the contents are true. They will then sign and stamp the document

Remember that both deed polls and statutory declarations are equally valid, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

Who do I need to tell after I change my name?

Once your name change is official, it's your responsibility to notify all relevant organisations. Failing to do so can lead to problems with things like travel, contracts, and identity verification. Key contacts include:

• government -  HMPO, DVLA (for your driving licence and vehicle registration), HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you receive benefits or a state pension, your local council for your electoral roll and council tax records, and the Land Registry if you own the property to update any title documents

• finances -  your bank, building society, credit card providers, mortgage lender, pension providers, and any organisations you have loans or investments with

• work and education -  your employer, professional bodies you're a member of, and any school, college, or university you're attending

• home and utilities -  your landlord or housing association, and providers of gas, electricity, water, internet, and your mobile phone

•  health  -  your GP, dentist, optician, and any other healthcare providers

If you're ready to change your name, you can make a Statutory declaration of name change. Do not hesitate to Ask a lawyer if you have any questions.