Change Name After Divorce UK

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £14.99 My childUnder 16 — £19.99

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

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

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

Tell everyone about your new name — add ready-to-sign letters

Every letter personalised with your details, ready to print, sign and post. Downloaded alongside your deed poll.

Add the letter pack — all 9 letters below £6.99

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.

Deed poll £14.99

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

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Common questions

Do I need a deed poll or can I use my decree absolute?

If you are reverting to the exact name you had before marriage, your decree absolute plus your marriage certificate is accepted by most organisations and a deed poll is not essential. A deed poll is needed if you want a name that is different from any previous name, or if you prefer a single clean document rather than presenting two.

Can I choose a completely new name after divorce, not my maiden name?

Yes. A deed poll allows you to take any name you choose. There is no requirement to revert to a previous name. You can start completely fresh with a new first name and surname if you wish.

Can I change my name before the divorce is finalised?

Yes. A deed poll is completely independent of the divorce process. You can change your name at any point. However, if you plan to use the decree absolute route (without a deed poll), you will need to wait for the final divorce order.

What if my ex-spouse objects to me changing my name?

In the UK, adults have the absolute right to change their name by deed poll. Your former spouse has no legal basis to prevent you from choosing a new name for yourself. The deed poll process does not involve them in any way.

How do I update HMRC and my bank after a name change following divorce?

Contact each organisation individually with your deed poll (or decree absolute plus marriage certificate if reverting). HMRC can be updated via your Personal Tax Account or by calling 0300 200 3300. Banks vary; some require a branch visit, others accept documents by post or app upload.

Changing Your Name After Divorce

1 Your details

2 Witness details

Common questions

Do I need a deed poll or can I use my decree absolute?

Can I choose a completely new name after divorce, not my maiden name?

Can I change my name before the divorce is finalised?

What if my ex-spouse objects to me changing my name?

How do I update HMRC and my bank after a name change following divorce?

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