Documentary Evidence when Changing Your Name

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

It used to be the case that it was relatively simple to change your name by usage (simply using a new name). However now before a government department such as the Identity and Passport Service or the DVLA or will recognise a change of name they require to see documentary evidence that a change of name has taken place.

Documents that can be used as documentary evidence for a change of name include:

Marriage Certificate
Civil Partnership Certificate
Decree Absolute Certificate
Adoption Certificate
Death Certificate

If you do not have any of the above documents you will need to apply for a Deed Poll before you can get your documents such as your passport or driving license reissued in your new name. You will also be unable to change your bank or building society details without some form of documentary evidence.

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