Changing name by usage

Time Saving Tip: The quickest and easiest way to change your name is to Apply For Your Deed Poll Online.

Due to increased security in recent years it is no longer possible for a person to change their name ‘by usage’. It used to be the case that you could change your name simply by starting to use a different one. Without following any formal name change procedure you could often have all your records changed to your new name.

Today however, if you attempted to change your name by usage and started informing the relevant authorities of your name change you would have little success. Government departments such as the Identity and Passport Service and DVLA will always ask for documentary evidence of your name change before amending any of their records. Even other less important organisations will need sighting of documentary evidence or at least a copy of such a document.

In order to change your name you can apply for a Deed Poll document which will provide sufficient evidence of your name change. You can then have all of your records updated into your new name, including the name on your passport.

Apply online to change your name by Deed Poll or call 0800 983 0143 for more information.

Site Content:

About Deed Polls	Changing Your Name	Reasons for a Name Change
What is a Deed Poll	Choosing a New Name	Reasons for a Change of Name
Deed of Change of Name	Documentary Evidence	Name Change upon Marriage
Change of Name Deed	Notifying Organisations	Name Change upon Separation
Changing your Name by Usage	Change a child's name	Name Change upon Divorce
Why is it Called a Deed Poll	Parental Responsibility	Name Change for Widows
Who Can Apply for a Deed Poll	Tracing a Name Change	Transsexuals
Legalising a Deed Poll	Updating your Passport	Adding a Middle Name
Name Change by Statutory Declaration	Changing your Birth Certificate	Adoption
Name Change in Scotland	Famous Name Changes	Name Change for Civil Partners