How to Certify a Deed Poll Copy UK

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

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

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 One-off payment — nothing renews Accepted by DVLA & HM Passport Office

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

Your deed poll

A4, print-ready Updates as you type Yours to keep

Common questions

What exactly do I write on a certified copy?

Write on the photocopy: "I certify this to be a true copy of the original deed poll" followed by your signature (in your new name) and the date. Some organisations also ask for a signature in your old name; including both is good practice.

Does my certified copy need to be witnessed or signed by anyone else?

Usually not. Unlike the original deed poll, a certified copy does not need witnesses: you certify it yourself by signing and annotating the photocopy. A few organisations, such as some banks and overseas authorities, want a copy certified by a solicitor or other professional instead, so check if you are unsure.

Can I post a certified copy or does it need to be presented in person?

Most organisations accept certified copies by post. The Passport Office and DVLA are the exceptions: both want the original deed poll. Banks vary; some require in-branch presentation, others accept postal or digital copies. Check with each organisation before sending.

What if an organisation asks for the original?

The Passport Office and DVLA always do, and the odd bank or insurer may too. Send it by a tracked service, keep a record of when and to whom it went, and ask for it back. If you need originals for several organisations at once, sign more than one copy in front of your witnesses: each is an original.

How many certified copies should I make?

Make at least 6. You will typically need one for each bank, HMRC, your employer and your GP, plus a few spares. The Passport Office and DVLA need the original instead. Making copies is free and takes minutes.