Change Name With a Criminal Record UK

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £14.99 My childUnder 16 — £19.99

Name you are changing from

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Name you are changing to

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

A few details about you

Email address

Only used to retrieve your deed poll if you lose it. No marketing emails.

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

Your current address

Address line 1

Address line 2 optional

Town / City

Postcode

Date of deed

Your witnesses

A UK deed poll requires two witnesses. They must be adults, not related to you, and present when you sign. They do not need to be a solicitor.

Legally recognised across the UK Secure payment via Stripe Instant PDF download No account needed

Add the letter pack All 9 letters written for you and filled in with your details — ready to print, sign and post. £6.99

See the 9 letters

Address included, ready to post

HMRC — tax and National Insurance
DVLA — driving licence

You add the address

HM Passport Office
Bank or building society
GP surgery / NHS
Employer — HR and payroll
Local council — council tax and electoral register
Utilities & broadband
Pension provider

Being straight with you: the DVLA and passport letters are cover letters — a driving licence is changed with the free D1 form, and a passport needs a new application. The letters make the paperwork easier, not different.

Post me printed copies 2 copies on heavyweight 100gsm paper, 1st class next working day — as well as your instant download. £7.99

Deed poll £14.99

Make your deed poll — £14.99

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Common questions

Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?

Yes, you can use a deed poll. However, if you are on the Sex Offenders Register, you must notify the police of any name change within three days. This legal obligation is separate from the deed poll process and continues regardless of the name change.

Does a name change remove my criminal record from DBS checks?

No. A name change does not remove, modify, or affect criminal records. DBS checks can reveal records under previous names, and failing to disclose a conviction when required to do so is itself an offence.

Do I have to tell organisations about my old name when I change it?

Your deed poll shows your previous name. When you present it to organisations, they will see your old name. Separate from this, certain legal obligations (such as sex offender notification requirements) require proactive disclosure to the police regardless.

If I have a spent conviction, does the name change affect the rehabilitation period?

No. A name change does not affect the rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions remain spent; unspent convictions remain unspent. The rules about disclosure apply to the conviction, not the name.

Should I get legal advice before changing my name if I have a criminal record?

If you have any notification obligations, court orders, or are unsure about your disclosure requirements, we recommend seeking advice from a solicitor before proceeding. We are a document generation service and do not provide legal advice.