Formally changing your name allows you to take important steps in your transition. After formally changing your name, you can have your new identity recognized. This might be with a Gender Recognition Certificate, or a new birth certificate that recognizes your new gender identity as your birth gender. For more information on Gender Recognition Certificates, visit the GOV.UK website.
Understanding Deed Polls for Name Changes
Once you are aged 16, you can change your name by deed poll yourself. However, even at 16, you will still need parental permission for some forms. If you have parental permission, you can change your name by deed poll when you are younger than sixteen.
Purchasing a Deed Poll Online
You can purchase Deed Polls online from reputable sites, such as ours. We provide details on purchasing a deed poll here. You process your application to change your name by deed poll online. Your change of name deed poll will then arrive in the post.
Using an online deed poll service, you can change your name and your official title. Services usually charge for both separately. Although you may want to change your title by deed poll, there is no legal requirement to do so; you can use any title you wish. However, legally recognizing your name is a requirement if you want to use it for official purposes.
Free Deed Poll Options
While purchasing your deed poll through a credible site is advisable, you can use a template to make your own. You will need two witnesses to sign it for the deed poll to be valid. However, this method carries risks. While legal, it is sometimes considered questionable. Any mistakes or missed information will render the deed poll invalid. It is much wiser and easier to pay a nominal fee to have your deed poll done professionally. Learn more about making your own unenrolled deed poll on GOV.UK.
