Change of Name Deeds

Four ways to say goodbye to Mr Smith

The information below applies to adults only as the law applying to changing a child's name is complex and more specific advice from McKinnells can be sought.

Option 1 - Just call yourself something else! - In England and Wales you do not have to follow any legal procedure in order to change your names. You can call yourself whatever you want, as long as you are not doing it in order defraud anyone. There is nothing wrong with this approach from a legal point of view and you can start today. However, changing your name informally does cause some practical difficulties. You may find that for documents such as passports and driving licences, the organisations are unwilling to accept that your name has changed without some evidence in writing.

Option 2 - Change Your Marital Status - OK, maybe a bit severe if all you want to do is change your name, but your marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, decree absolute or dissolution of civil partnership certificate will usually be accepted as evidence that your name has changed. Organisations may ask to see the document alongside your birth certificate. You are not obliged to change your name when your marital status changes and can continue to use your original name if you wish.

Option 3 -Statutory Declaration - A statutory declaration is a specially worded document that is sworn as an oath in front of a solicitor or a magistrate. If you are thinking of using this method of changing your name you should find out whether the organisations you are seeking to convince of your name change, will accept a statutory declaration as evidence. McKinnells can prepare the paperwork and help you to witness this procedure.

Option 4- Deed Poll - This method uses a formal deed. The deed has to be signed in the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses have to give their names, addresses and occupations. The deed must contain set phrases in order to be valid. McKinnells can prepare a deed poll on your behalf. If you wish to go further to prove the change of name, you can enrol the deed poll in Central Office of the Supreme Court. A fee is payable to the court. Only British, British Dependent Territories, British Overseas or Commonwealth citizens and British subjects who are permanently resident in the UK are entitled to enrol a deed poll.

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