Is There a Government Name Change Service in the UK?

What GOV.UK says about changing your name

GOV.UK's own guidance describes two routes. If you are 16 or over, you can make a deed poll yourself and start using your new name straight away. This is called an unenrolled deed poll, and it is what most people use. If you are 18 or over, you can also apply to put your change of name on public record through the High Court, which is called enrolling it. Enrolment costs £53.05, takes several months and publishes your old name, new name and address in The Gazette.

Neither route involves a government official approving your new name. Enrolment is the closest thing to an official record, and it is optional. Our guide to enrolled and unenrolled deed polls explains who it helps.

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Is there an official deed poll certificate?

No. There is no certificate of name change in the UK. Your signed deed poll is the document, and the copies you certify from it are what you send out. Websites that sell an "official deed poll certificate" are selling a deed poll with a more official-sounding name.

Your birth certificate does not change either. It records the name you were registered with at birth and stays that way, apart from narrow exceptions such as adoption or a Gender Recognition Certificate.

Is there a government name change form?

Not a single one. Each organisation has its own process, and each will ask to see your deed poll. The DVLA uses form D1 for a driving licence and the V5C for a vehicle logbook. The Passport Office has its normal passport application. HMRC, your bank and your employer each have their own way of updating your records.

The name change checklist lists the organisations to contact and how each one works, starting with your passport and driving licence.

Do I need to use the government to change my name?

No. A deed poll you write yourself is just as valid as one prepared by a solicitor or an online service, and GOV.UK's guidance explains how to make your own. What matters is the wording and that you sign it in front of two adult witnesses. Making your own deed poll covers the wording if you want to do it for free.

The £19.99 deed poll on this site is a convenience: the wording is done for you, you see a preview of the finished document, and you download it straight away. It carries no more legal weight than a free one done correctly, and we would rather you knew that.

What about marriage, divorce and Scotland?

If you are taking your spouse's or civil partner's surname, your marriage or civil partnership certificate is the evidence, and no deed poll is needed. After a divorce, many organisations will accept your marriage certificate and final order to go back to a previous name. See changing your name after marriage for the details.

Scotland works differently. People born or adopted in Scotland can ask National Records of Scotland to record a change of name. Our Scotland guide explains the options.

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £19.99 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 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 £19.99

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Your deed poll

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

Common questions

Does the government change your name in the UK?

No. No government department changes your name or approves a new one. You change it yourself with a deed poll signed in front of two witnesses, then update each organisation that holds your records.

Is there an official name change certificate in the UK?

No. The UK does not issue name change certificates. Your signed deed poll is the legal evidence of your new name, and organisations accept certified copies of it.

Is a deed poll an official government document?

A deed poll is a legal document, but it is not issued by the government. You make and sign it yourself. Enrolling it with the High Court puts it on public record, but that is optional.

Where do I get a name change form?

There is no single government form. Each organisation has its own process: form D1 for a DVLA driving licence, the V5C for a vehicle logbook, and the standard passport application for HM Passport Office. Each one asks to see your deed poll.

Can I change my name on GOV.UK?

GOV.UK explains how to change your name but does not do it for you. You can use GOV.UK services to update some records, such as your passport or electoral registration, once you have a deed poll or marriage certificate.