What proof do I need?
Changing your name in the UK? There are really only two kinds of proof: a marriage certificate or a deed poll. Answer a question or two and you'll see which one's yours.
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Your marriage certificate. That's it.
Your marriage or civil partnership certificate is your proof of name change. Nothing else needed.
Lost it, or can't find it? That's okay. You can order a copy, or use a deed poll instead. It does the same job.
You'll need a deed poll.
A deed poll is one page saying you've stopped using your old name and started using your new one. You sign it in front of a witness, and it's your proof.
A deed poll is the simplest route.
Some organisations will accept your divorce papers, usually with your marriage and birth certificates. But they all want a different mix, which gets fiddly fast.
A deed poll works on its own, for an old name or a brand new one. You don't need to wait for your divorce to finish, and your ex doesn't need to sign anything.
Want me to sort the whole thing? One form, £45, deed poll included, and I tell everyone for you.
Your answer shows up here.
The rules, in plain English.
Which proof you need depends on what you're changing, not why.
When your marriage certificate's enough
Your marriage or civil partnership certificate is all you need if you're:
- Taking your partner's surname
- Double-barrelling or joining both surnames
Only your surname, and only names already on the certificate. Changing your first or middle name at the same time? Then you need a deed poll instead.
When you need a deed poll
Pretty much everything else:
- Blending surnames, or making up a new one
- Moving your old surname into your middle name
- Changing a first or middle name, even if you're getting married too
- Divorce, separation or annulment
- Any other reason, or just because
Hit a snag? That's okay.
These come up a lot, and none of them stop you changing your name.
- Lost your certificate? You've still got options. Order a copy, or use a deed poll instead. It does the same job, and you don't need the certificate to make one.
- Not divorced yet? You don't have to wait. Once you've separated, you can change your name with a deed poll whenever you're ready. Your ex doesn't need to sign anything.
- Only got one copy? Have a backup. Some organisations, like the DVLA, want the original. A deed poll means you've still got proof while your certificate's in the post.
So what's a deed poll?
It's one page saying you've stopped using your old name and started using your new one. You sign it in front of a witness, and that's your proof.
Anyone can write their own, for free. I made a free one you can fill in here, if you want it. Make yours free here → You don't need a solicitor, and you don't need to register it anywhere.
That's exactly why I don't charge for mine. If you use my service, your deed poll's included in the £45, with copies. I print it on nicer paper and add an embossed seal, because if it's proof of your new name, it should look the part.
The bit people actually pay me for is everything after: working out who needs telling, filling in every form, and sending it all off.
Questions about proof
Still not sure? Email hello@mynamechanged.com or DM me on Instagram or TikTok. Happy to help, even if you're doing it yourself.
What proof do I need to change my name after marriage?
If you're taking your partner's surname, or double-barrelling or joining both surnames, your marriage or civil partnership certificate is your proof. For anything else, like a blended surname or changing your first or middle name, you need a deed poll. See the full marriage guide →
Is my marriage certificate always enough?
No. It only covers taking your partner's surname, or double-barrelling or joining both surnames. Blending them into something new, moving your old surname into your middle name, or changing any other part of your name needs a deed poll.
What if I've lost my marriage certificate?
You can order a copy, or use a deed poll instead. A deed poll does the same job, and you don't need your certificate to make one.
What proof do I need to change my name after divorce?
Some organisations accept your divorce papers, usually with your marriage and birth certificates, but they all want a different mix. A deed poll works on its own, so it's the simplest route. You don't need to wait for your divorce to finish, and your ex doesn't need to sign anything. More on divorce →
Can I write my own deed poll?
Yes. Anyone can write their own deed poll for free, and there's a free template on my site. You sign it in front of a witness. You don't need a solicitor. Make yours free here →
Do I need to register my deed poll?
No. You can register (enrol) it with the courts if you want to, but you don't need to. Most people don't.
What proof do I need to change my first or middle name?
A deed poll, whatever the reason. A marriage certificate only covers surnames, so if you're getting married and changing your middle name too, one deed poll covers the whole lot.
Do you charge for the deed poll?
No. If you use my service, your deed poll and copies are included in the £45. Mine's printed on nicer paper with an embossed seal. What you're paying for is me telling everyone for you.
What proof does the passport office want?
It depends on your proof. If it's your marriage certificate, that's usually all they need. If it's a deed poll, they usually want one document showing you already use your new name too, like a utility bill or bank statement from the last 12 months. Passports aren't part of my service yet, so it's one you sort yourself. My passport tips →
Proof sorted. Now the admin.
Want me to do the rest? One form, £45, deed poll included, and I tell everyone for you.
150+ people helped since the start of June.