If you want to get all your records and documents altered to show a new name e.g. your credit cards, etc, you will be asked to show some kind of documentary evidence of your change of name. A change your name by deed poll is a formal statement to prove that you have changed your name . It provides you with the necessary documentary proof of the name by which you wish to be known.

A change your name by deed poll works in the same way as a marriage certificate for a married woman who wants to take her spouces last name. She writes to everyone that has her name records, enclosing the marriage certificate as documentary proof requests that her surname is changed to her husband’s. When changing your name by Deed Poll, you simply write to everyone, enclosing your Deed Poll as documentary evidence, and request that your name is changed to the new name shown on the Deed Poll.

With a change your name by deed poll, you can change your forenames or surname, add names, remove names or rearrange your existing names. You can change your name at any time and for any reason provided it is not to deceive or defraud or to avoid an obligation.

Its worth noting a deed of change of name can be executed by any British citizen aged 16 years plus dwelling anywhere in the world or by anyone, of any nationality, living in the United Kingdom (parents can apply on behalf of their children). It should be noted that a Deed Poll is only recognised by United Kingdom government departments, companies and organisations. If you are a foreign national living in the UK, you should check with your country’s high commission or embassy in London to see if a deed of change of name will be accepted to get your passport changed to show your new name. Countries that have a legal system based on the British legal system will commonly accept a deed of change of name issued by us.

Our deed poll advice contains a comprehensive list of companies, that you will need to notify of your change of name. The list details what you need to do for each. We also supply an example covering letter that you may wish to use when you send your deed of change of name to the parties to get your records and documents changed.

Its worth noting a deed poll cannot be used to get civil partnership, changed because these are historical records, which were issued in the correct name. Please read Can a birth certificate be changed for further information about the few circumstances where a birth certificate can be changed, thus avoiding the need for a deed of change of name.

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