How to Sign a Deed Poll: Signatures and Witnesses

Before you sign

Print the deed poll on plain white A4 paper and read it through. Check that your old and new names are spelled exactly as you want them, including middle names, and that the date printed on it is the day you will sign. On this site you choose that date in the form. Do not sign until both witnesses are with you.

Your witnesses must be 18 or over. GOV.UK warns that some organisations will not accept a deed poll if a witness is a close relative or lives at your address, so pick two people who are neither: a friend, neighbour or colleague is ideal. They do not need any particular job or qualification. See who can witness a deed poll for more.

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Signing, step by step

With both witnesses watching, sign in your old name and in your new name, in the two signature spaces. Use a pen, in ink. Then each witness signs in their section. If their names and addresses are not already printed on the deed poll, they write them in by hand. That is it: the deed poll is legally effective from that moment.

For a child's deed poll, the parent or guardian signs instead of the child, with the same two witnesses watching.

Your new-name signature does not need to match anything; most people simply start signing their new name the way they intend to keep signing it.

Mistakes that get deed polls refused

Signing before the witnesses are present, or having them sign later. They must watch you sign.

Using a close relative, or someone who lives with you, as a witness.

Correction fluid or crossings-out. If you make a mistake, print a fresh copy and start again.

Missing witness details. Each witness needs their name and address on the deed poll, not just a signature.

Only signing once. You sign in both your new and old names.

Step-by-step: How to Sign a Deed Poll

Print and check Print the deed poll on plain white A4 and check every name, and that the date is the day you will sign.

Get two witnesses together Find two adults aged 18 or over who are not close relatives and do not live with you.

Witnesses sign Each witness signs in their section and writes their name and address if it is not already printed.

Keep the original safe Store the signed original carefully and use certified copies where you can.

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

How do you sign a deed poll?

Sign it in your old name and your new name while two adult witnesses watch. Each witness then signs and adds their name and address if it is not already printed. Use a pen and sign on paper.

How many witnesses does a deed poll need?

GOV.UK says two witnesses aged 18 or over. Some organisations will not accept a witness who is a close relative or lives at your address.

Can my witnesses live at the same address as me?

It is best not to. GOV.UK warns that some organisations will not accept a deed poll if a witness lives at your address.

Can I sign a deed poll electronically?

Not in practice. Witnesses need to be physically present, and organisations expect a paper deed poll signed in ink.

What if I make a mistake when signing?

Do not use correction fluid or cross it out. Print a new copy and sign it again with your witnesses present.

Do my witnesses need to know me?

They do not need any qualification. They just need to be adults who watch you sign and are not close relatives.

How to Sign a Deed Poll

Before you sign

Signing, step by step

Mistakes that get deed polls refused

Can a deed poll be signed electronically?

Can you sign more than one copy?

After signing

Step-by-step: How to Sign a Deed Poll

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

How do you sign a deed poll?

How many witnesses does a deed poll need?

Can my witnesses live at the same address as me?

Can I sign a deed poll electronically?

What if I make a mistake when signing?

Do my witnesses need to know me?

How to Sign a Deed Poll

Before you sign

Signing, step by step

Mistakes that get deed polls refused

Can a deed poll be signed electronically?

Can you sign more than one copy?

After signing

Step-by-step: How to Sign a Deed Poll

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

How do you sign a deed poll?

How many witnesses does a deed poll need?

Can my witnesses live at the same address as me?

Can I sign a deed poll electronically?

What if I make a mistake when signing?

Do my witnesses need to know me?

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