Blog Deed poll guide 2026
Changing your name by deed poll.
A deed poll is one page, you can make it yourself for free, and it's the proof for almost any name change that isn't covered by a marriage certificate. Here's how it works, how to sign it properly and what to do with it once it's done.
By Anna Akinyosoye, founder of My Name Changed. I've changed my name four times, and I've made and signed more deed polls than I can count.
Updated October 2026 and checked against GOV.UK. Wherever a rule matters, I link to the official page.
The short version
- A deed poll is one page. It says you've given up your old name and you're using your new one for all purposes. It's your proof of the change.
- You can make your own for free if you're 16 or over. No solicitor, no registering it anywhere.
- Sign it in pen, in front of one witness aged 18 or over. Make two or three copies and sign and witness each one.
- Enrolling it is optional. It's £53.05, it goes on public record, and most people don't bother.
- Then use it. The passport office and the DVLA both want one more document showing you already use the new name, like a bill or bank statement.
New here? I'm Anna, and I run My Name Changed. I make deed polls for my customers, and I built a free one for everyone else. This guide works whether you do the rest yourself or not. If you'd rather not, one short form and £45 gets you a deed poll and your new name sent to the DVLA, HMRC, your council and more.
Do you need a deed poll?
Maybe not. It depends on what you're changing your name to, and why. A marriage or civil partnership certificate does the job for some changes, and a deed poll covers everything else.
Tick a few boxes and I'll tell you →
Changing your name for another reason, or not sure where to start? My UK name change guide →
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Taking your partner's surname
Or double-barrelling, or combining both surnames. Your marriage or civil partnership certificate is your proof, so you don't need a deed poll.
Certificate -
Blending or making up a surname
Mainstone and Stein becoming Mainstein, or a brand new surname. A certificate doesn't cover it, so this is a deed poll.
Deed poll -
Changing a first or middle name
Adding one, dropping one or swapping one. A certificate only covers surnames, so it's a deed poll. One deed poll covers every part of your name in one go.
Deed poll -
Going back to an old name
After a divorce or separation, you can often use the papers that link your names, but each organisation wants a different mix. A deed poll does it alone, and you don't have to wait for the divorce to finish.
Deed poll -
Any other reason
Family, estrangement, in memory of someone, or just because. Any reason is a good reason, and a deed poll is how you prove it.
Deed poll
Living in Scotland? A deed poll works there too. If you were born or adopted in Scotland and you're 16 or over, you can also record the change with National Records of Scotland, which is optional. Living abroad? GOV.UK says permanent residents overseas can't use a deed poll to change their name, so check the rules where you live.
So what is a deed poll?
It's a short legal document where you say, in writing, that you've given up your old name and you'll use your new one from now on. That's the whole thing.
It's spelt deed poll, with two Ls. You'll see it written as deed pole, deed pol, deedpoll or depol too, and they all mean this same page.
What goes on the page:
- Your old name and your new name, in full, including middle names.
- Your address.
- A statement that you've given up your old name, and you'll use your new one for all purposes and in all dealings.
- The date you started using your new name.
- Your signature, and your witness's. Their name, address and occupation go on it too.
It's a single page. Not a stack of paperwork, and nothing gets sent off to a court or a register. Once it's signed and witnessed, it's your proof from that day, and you can use it straight away.
Three ways to get one
You don't need a solicitor, and you don't have to pay for one. Anyone can write their own, so here are your options, cheapest first.
- Free Make your own. Fill in a few boxes and I'll make the page for you, ready to print. It all happens on your phone or computer, so nothing you type is sent anywhere. Make yours free →
- £15 I print two and post them. On thick paper with an embossed seal, plus the PDF. You still sign and witness them yourself. Order two →
- £45 I do the deed poll and tell everyone. Your deed poll is included, and I send your new name to the DVLA, HMRC, your council, GP and more. Start mine →
Quick PSA before you pay for one. Most deed poll sites charge about £22 to £36 for this one page, then add postage and extras. I paid about £40 for one before I knew you could make your own, like a mug, and I don't want you doing the same. If a site tries to sell you an online vault for it, you don't need one. It's a piece of paper.
How to sign it properly
This is the bit that makes it count. It takes five minutes, one pen and one witness.
- Print two or three copies. Organisations want originals, so one can be "on holiday with the DVLA" while you use another. Each copy gets signed and witnessed separately.
- Sign in pen, not electronically. Every signature on it has to be wet ink. The passport office won't accept an electronic one.
- Sign in your new name and your old name, in front of your witness, and write the date.
- Your witness signs too, and adds their name, address and occupation, on every copy.
- One witness is enough. In law, a deed you sign yourself needs one witness, and the passport office's own guidance asks for at least one. GOV.UK's template has space for two, so if an organisation asks for two, get a second person to sign as well.
Who can be your witness? Anyone aged 18 or over who watches you sign. They don't need to be a solicitor.
witness tip
Pick someone who isn't a close relative and doesn't live with you. It's not a rule, but some organisations are fussy about it, and it costs you nothing to avoid the problem.
I use one witness on my own deed polls, and I've used them with the DVLA and the passport office myself.
What can you change it to?
Almost anything. You can change any part of your name, add or drop names, add or remove a hyphen, or change the spelling. But GOV.UK has a few rules.
- Fine Any name you can say out loud. It has to be pronounceable. Hyphens are fine, and so are established names with an apostrophe, like O'Hara.
- Not allowed Numbers, symbols and anything offensive. No numbers, symbols or punctuation, and nothing offensive or against the public interest. So, sadly, no "Ltd" on the end.
- Doesn't need one Your title or capital letters. A deed poll can't change your title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx, Dr) or the capitals in your name. For your title, you just tell people which one you use.
Should you enrol it?
Probably not. A deed poll you make yourself is called an unenrolled deed poll, and it's legal proof of your new name. Enrolling is an extra step you can choose to take.
- What enrolling is. The High Court puts your deed poll on public record, and your new name is published in The Gazette.
- What it costs. £53.05, paid to the court. You have to be 18 or over, and it can take several months.
- It's public. If privacy matters to you, that's a good reason not to enrol.
- Why some people do. GOV.UK says some banks, mobile phone companies and energy suppliers may only accept an enrolled one, but it doesn't say which. The passport office accepts an unenrolled deed poll, and none of the deed polls I've prepared for customers has been turned down.
- Worried about one organisation? Ask them first. It's a two-minute question, and it could save you £53.05.
Signed it? Now what?
The deed poll is your proof. Next you use it to tell everyone who has your name on file.
- Passport office Deed poll + one more document. They want one document from the last 12 months showing you already use your new name, like a bank statement or utility bill. Passport guide →
- DVLA The original, not a photocopy. A deed poll on its own isn't enough for the DVLA. They want a document in your new name too, dated after the deed poll. Driving licence guide →
- Everyone else Most just want to see it. Banks, your GP, your employer, HMRC. Each has its own way of taking it, so use the checklist to work through them. Free checklist →
Do an easy one first. Because the passport office and the DVLA both want a document in your new name, change something simple like your bank or energy supplier first. Once you've got one statement or bill in your new name, the rest gets easier. And keep spare signed copies, so you're never left without proof while one is in the post.
What it costs
Prices from October 2026. Other companies' prices change, so check before you pay.
| Make your own deed poll | Free |
|---|---|
| Two printed on thick paper, posted | £15, from me |
| One page from a typical deed poll site | About £22 to £36, plus extras |
| Enrolling it (optional) | £53.05, paid to the High Court |
| Deed poll plus telling everyone | £45, from me |
Or let me do the boring bits.
You fill in one short form, and I prepare your deed poll and post it to you to sign with your witness. Then I send your new name to the DVLA, HMRC, your council, GP, energy, water, electoral roll, TV Licensing and State Pension. £45, one-off, deed poll included. Literally just me, not a big corporation and not a call centre.
Anna x
Questions about changing your name by deed poll
Anything else? Email hello@mynamechanged.com or DM me on Instagram or TikTok. More answers on the FAQs page.
What is a deed poll?
A deed poll is a legal document where you say you've given up your old name and you'll use your new one for all purposes. It's one page, and it's your proof of the name change.
Is it deed poll, deed pole or depol?
It's "deed poll", with two Ls. People also type deed pole, deed pol, deedpoll or depol, and they all mean the same thing: the one-page document that changes your name. If you searched one of those, you're in the right place.
How do I change my name by deed poll?
Make a deed poll with your old and new names, print two or three copies, and sign each one in pen in front of a witness aged 18 or over. Your witness signs too. From then it's your proof, and you can use it to update your passport, driving licence, bank and everything else. Make one free →
Is a deed poll legally binding?
Yes. It's a legal document that shows you've given up your old name and use your new one for all purposes. Once it's signed and witnessed, you can use it straight away, and most UK organisations accept it. GOV.UK says a few banks, mobile phone companies and energy suppliers may want an enrolled one, so ask first if you're worried.
Do I need a solicitor to do a deed poll?
No. You can write and sign your own. It just needs to be dated, signed in pen and witnessed.
How much does a deed poll cost?
Nothing, if you make your own. Most deed poll sites charge about £22 to £36 for one page, plus extras (October 2026). I'll print and post you two for £15, or do your deed poll and tell everyone for £45. Order two for £15 →
How many witnesses do I need for a deed poll?
One. In law, a deed you sign yourself needs one witness, and the passport office's own guidance asks for at least one. GOV.UK's template has space for two, so if an organisation asks for two, get a second person to sign as well.
Who can witness a deed poll?
Anyone aged 18 or over who watches you sign it. They don't need to be a solicitor. It's best to pick someone who isn't a close relative and doesn't live with you, because some organisations won't accept those.
Do I need to enrol my deed poll?
No. Enrolling puts it on public record with the High Court and publishes your new name in The Gazette. It's optional, costs £53.05 and you have to be 18 or over. Most people don't bother.
Can I do a deed poll online?
You can make one online, but you can't sign it online. It has to be printed and signed in pen in front of a witness, because the passport office doesn't accept electronic signatures. Mine takes two minutes to make and nothing you type is sent anywhere. Make one free →
Can I change my first name or middle name by deed poll?
Yes. You can change any part of your name, add or drop names, add or remove a hyphen, or change the spelling. One deed poll covers all of it.
Can a deed poll change my title?
No. GOV.UK says a deed poll can't change your title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx). You just tell organisations which one you use, so you don't need to pay extra for a "change of title" add-on.
Can I use a deed poll for my passport and driving licence?
Yes. The passport office accepts an unenrolled deed poll with one document from the last 12 months showing you use your new name. The DVLA wants the original, not a photocopy, plus a document in your new name too. Passport guide → Driving licence guide →
Can I use a deed poll to go back to my maiden name?
Yes. You don't need to wait for your divorce to finish, and your ex doesn't need to know, agree or sign anything. A deed poll does the job on its own. Changing your name after divorce →
How long does a deed poll take?
A deed poll you make yourself works as soon as it's signed and witnessed. After that, it depends on each organisation. Online updates can take days, the passport office says to allow three weeks, and an enrolled deed poll can take several months.
How old do I need to be to make a deed poll?
16 or over to make your own. You have to be 18 or over to enrol one, and my £45 service is for adults, 18 and over.
Does a deed poll work in Scotland?
Yes. If you were born or adopted in Scotland, you can also record your new name with National Records of Scotland, which updates your birth record. That's optional.
Can I use a deed poll if I'm trans or non-binary?
Yes. You don't need a Gender Recognition Certificate, a doctor's letter or surgery to change your name by deed poll. Changing the gender on your passport or NHS record, or your legal gender, are separate processes. If you use my £45 service, I'll change your name and your title, but I can't do gender markers yet.