Change Your Name by Choice

You don't need a reason. In the UK, you can choose any name you like.

£14.99 — instant PDF download Common questions ↓

One of the lesser-known facts about UK name change law is that you do not need any reason at all to change your name. You do not need to be getting married, divorced, or transitioning. You do not need to explain yourself on the deed poll, provide evidence of your motivation, or seek anyone's approval. If you have always disliked your name, if you want to honour someone, if you have found a name that simply feels like you — a deed poll is all you need.

A deed poll is a unilateral legal declaration. It states your previous name, your chosen new name, and your commitment to using the new name in all circumstances. Once signed in front of two adult witnesses who are not family members, it is a legally valid document. You can then present it to the Passport Office, DVLA, your bank, HMRC, your GP, and any other organisation, and they are required to update their records accordingly.

There are very few restrictions on what name you can choose. You cannot adopt a name with the intent to commit fraud, and names that are inherently offensive may be refused by some organisations. In practice, almost any name a reasonable person would want to use is perfectly acceptable. This service generates a correctly formatted deed poll for any name change — quick, simple, and significantly cheaper than most alternatives.

1 Your details

Name you are changing from

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Name you are changing to

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Email address

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

Your current address

Address line 1

Address line 2 optional

Town / City

Postcode

Date of deed

2 Witness details

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.

Witness 1

First name

Last name

Address line 1

Town / City

Postcode

Witness 2

First name

Last name

Address line 1

Town / City

Postcode

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

Deed polls are free to make yourself — you're paying for this service to generate,
format and deliver yours instantly and correctly.

Live preview

Common questions

Do I need to give a reason for changing my name on the deed poll?

No. The deed poll does not include a reason field and does not require one. The document simply states your old name and your new name. No explanation is required anywhere in the process.

Can I choose any name I like?

Almost. You cannot choose a name with the intent to commit fraud (e.g., impersonating someone). Deliberately offensive names may be refused by organisations. But the vast majority of names — including unusual ones, invented names, or names from other cultures — are perfectly acceptable.

How often can I change my name?

There is no legal limit on how often you can change your name. However, changing your name frequently may raise concerns with some organisations (particularly the Passport Office or banks), who may require additional documentation if they see a pattern of frequent changes.

Does anyone need to know why I am changing my name?

No. When you present your deed poll to organisations, they will process the name change without asking for a reason. Your motivation is entirely private.

Can I change just my first name, or just my surname?

Yes. A deed poll can be used to change any part of your name — first name only, surname only, middle name, or any combination. You only need to include the components that are changing.

Change Your Name by Choice

1 Your details

2 Witness details

Common questions

Do I need to give a reason for changing my name on the deed poll?

Can I choose any name I like?

How often can I change my name?

Does anyone need to know why I am changing my name?

Can I change just my first name, or just my surname?

You might also need