Why Change a Name ?

There are a number of reasons for changing your name using Deed Poll.  Many people change their names because, for example:

• A woman upon separation or divorce may want to revert to her maiden name
• People wanting a double-barrelled surname
• A woman wanting to keep her maiden name as her middle name whilst taking her husbands last name
• People who dislike their name, maybe find them embarrassing
• People anglicise their name to make it easier to pronounce or who want to avoid discrimination
• People who change their religion and want their name to be more appropriate for their religion
• People wanting different and unusual or fun names
• Entertainers taking on new names, or their stage names, as their official name. 

Are there any Restrictions on Changing your Name ?

You can pretty much, legally, change your name to anything, however, you should note that a few names would not be legally acceptable.  We do not keep a list of legally unacceptable or offensive names, so it is your responsibility to choose a name that is legally acceptable and not offensive.

Is a Deed Poll Registered Anywhere ?

There is no central register of name changes within the UK and Deed Polls are not registered.  It is however possible to enrol, a Deed Poll.  A Deed Poll is enrolled, lodged for safe keeping, its details published and it made available for public inspection, but this process is very costly.  There is no requirement to have the Deed Polls enrolled and most people changing their name only want to inform the relevant people, anyway.

Changing birth or marriage certificates with a Deed Poll

Deed Poll cannot be used to change historic information, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and academic awards that have already been awarded.  This is because these are historic records, which were issued in the correct name at the time.  This does not stop you from changing your name by Deed Poll.