Name Change for Foreign Nationals in the UK

A UK deed poll does not change your home-country documents

This is the important limit. A UK deed poll changes your name in UK records only. Your passport and ID documents from your country of nationality stay in your old name, and most countries will not accept a UK deed poll as grounds to change them. You would need to go through your own country's process for that, usually starting with its embassy or consulate.

That can leave your UK records in one name and your passport in another. Many people live with this without trouble, but some organisations, the Home Office in particular, may query the difference. If you want your names to match everywhere, run your home country's process alongside the deed poll.

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Visas, eVisas and citizenship

Changing your name does not change your immigration status, but UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) needs to know. Your immigration status is now held as an eVisa linked to your UKVI account, and you update your personal details there. Because UKVI ties your eVisa to your passport, check with them before you change your name if your passport will stay in your old name.

If you are applying for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship, sort out your name first or talk to UKVI, so your application is in the name you will be using. Once you are a British citizen you can get a British passport in your new name with the deed poll. See deed polls for new British citizens.

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

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

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 £14.99

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Your deed poll

A4, print-ready Updates as you type Yours to keep

Common questions

Can a foreign national change their name by deed poll in the UK?

Yes. Any adult living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can make a deed poll, whatever their nationality. It changes your name in UK records.

Will a UK deed poll change the name on my foreign passport?

No. Your foreign passport stays in its original name and remains valid. Changing it means going through your own country's name change process.

Will my home country recognise a UK deed poll?

Usually not. Most countries do not accept a UK deed poll to change their own records. Ask your embassy or consulate how their process works.

Does changing my name affect my visa or right to remain?

It does not change your immigration status, but you must tell UKVI and update the personal details on your UKVI account and eVisa. Check with UKVI first if your passport will stay in your old name.

Can I get a British passport in my new name?

Only if you are a British citizen. If you are a dual national, you can use the deed poll to apply for a British passport in your new name.