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One signed original, as many certified copies as you need.
£14.99 — instant PDF download Common questions ↓You only ever sign one original deed poll. From that single signed original, you make as many certified copies as you need — a certified copy is a photocopy that you have hand-annotated and signed to confirm it is a true copy of the original. There is no limit on how many certified copies you can produce, and almost every organisation in the UK will accept a certified copy rather than the original.
The number of certified copies you need depends on how many organisations you are notifying. For a typical name change, you should plan for at least eight: the Passport Office, the DVLA (driving licence and separately the V5C if you own a vehicle), your bank, your employer, HMRC, your GP, and two or three spares for organisations you may not have thought of. If you have multiple bank accounts, pension providers, or utility accounts, add one for each.
Making certified copies costs nothing — just photocopy your original and annotate each copy by hand. It takes a few minutes to make ten copies. The only exception to using certified copies is if a specific organisation explicitly requests the original, which is rare and should be questioned. Always keep your signed original somewhere safe at home — it is irreplaceable.
Deed polls are free to make yourself — you're paying for this service to generate,
format and deliver yours instantly and correctly.
For a typical name change affecting standard UK organisations, make at least 8–10 certified copies. If you have multiple banks, pension providers, or other financial accounts, make more. Copying is free and quick — make extra rather than too few.
Most organisations accept certified copies. A small number may request the original — this should be rare and is worth querying. If you do send the original, use recorded delivery and request it be returned.
Yes. If you want multiple originals (some people prefer this for organisations that seem to prefer originals), you can print multiple copies and have your witnesses sign each one during the same signing session.
A certified copy has a hand-written annotation from you stating "I certify this to be a true copy of the original deed poll" along with your signature and date. An ordinary photocopy without this annotation is not accepted as evidence by organisations.
Best practice is to sign in your new name. Some organisations also ask for a signature in the old name as well. Including both signatures on certified copies is a sensible precaution.