Changing your name is one of the steps some people take when trying to distance themselves from a harassment or stalking situation. A deed poll lets you take a new name legally, quickly, and — critically — without creating a public record. An unenrolled deed poll (the type this service generates) is a private document. You do not need to notify anyone except the organisations you choose to update, and you are under no obligation to disclose your previous name to those organisations beyond what the deed poll itself states.
It is important to be realistic about what a name change can and cannot do in a safety context. It can help reduce the ease with which someone can find your records through official channels. However, it does not by itself stop someone who already knows you, and organisations that hold historical records may retain cross-references to previous names. If your situation involves ongoing harassment or stalking, changing your name should be part of a broader safety plan — alongside reporting to police, seeking a restraining order or non-molestation order, and accessing specialist support.
For maximum privacy, avoid enrolling the deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice, as enrolment creates a public record published in The Gazette. An unenrolled deed poll is private and legally valid. This service generates unenrolled deed polls. If your safety is at risk, organisations including Women's Aid, Refuge, the National Stalking Helpline, and local police can provide additional guidance and support alongside the name change process.