Name Change During Separation UK

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £14.99 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

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 £14.99

Make your deed poll — £14.99

Live preview

Common questions

Can I change my name while separated but not yet divorced?

Yes. A deed poll can be used at any time, regardless of your marital status. You do not need to wait for the decree absolute. The deed poll is completely independent of the divorce or separation process.

Do I need my spouse's consent to change my name while separated?

No. A deed poll is your own legal declaration and does not require the consent of your spouse or any other person. Your name change is entirely your decision.

Will changing my name during separation affect the divorce proceedings?

No. A name change has no legal effect on divorce proceedings. The courts, your solicitor, and all other parties will be made aware of the name change when you notify them with your deed poll.

What name can I choose? Does it have to be my maiden name?

No. A deed poll allows you to take any name. You could revert to your maiden name, take a completely new name, choose a hyphenated name, or anything else. There is no restriction based on your pre-marriage name.

Is using a deed poll different from using the decree absolute to change my name?

Yes, they are different routes. The decree absolute route (after divorce is finalised) works for reverting to a maiden name without a deed poll, and only when presenting the decree absolute alongside the marriage certificate. A deed poll is available at any time and allows any name change, not just a reversion to a maiden name.