Unless you have used a deed poll to change your name, or someone close to you has, you understandably may not know too much about the deed poll process. This blog separates the facts from the fiction, so you are clued up on all you need to know about changing your name using a deed poll. If you’re unfamiliar with the basics, our guide explaining What a Deed Poll Is outlines how the process works and when it’s required
1. When can I process my Deed Poll?
Fiction – Until I have transitioned, I cannot change my name through a Deed Poll.
Fact – Completely untrue. It’s crucial to change your name during a transition so you can legally use the name you think best describes you. Waiting until after you have transitioned is not necessary. To understand more about the deed poll process, see our About page.
2. Do Deed Polls expire?
Fiction – Deed polls will eventually expire and must be renewed.
Fact – Deed polls are permanent and do not expire. However, they are not the only way to legally change your name. Official bodies also accept documents like a Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate as proof of a name change (typically when changing to a spouse’s surname). This means if you change your name through marriage, you wouldn’t need a separate Deed Poll to prove that change. UK government departments confirm that a deed poll is a recognised legal method for changing your name, and do not expire.
3. Can anyone look up a Deed Poll?
Fiction – Anyone can look up my history of name changes.
Fact – No information about your name change will be accessible to the public until your Deed Poll has been enrolled and published in the London Gazette. Additionally, businesses are prohibited from disclosing that information. Only enrolled deed polls are published publicly via the London Gazette.
4. Can I only change my name once with a Deed Poll?
Fiction – You can only use a Deed Poll to alter your name once.
Fact – The Fact is that you can utilise a Deed Poll as many times as you choose. Naturally, it is better to choose a name that you are happy with, so you don’t need to change it, but we can’t predict what the future holds.
5. What can I change my name to?
Fiction – You can change your name to absolutely anything.
Fact – You are technically free to choose any name you like under UK law. You should keep in mind, though, that businesses have policies regarding names they won’t allow. Generally, you should avoid names that are:
- Difficult or nearly impossible to pronounce
- Offensive
- Connected to criminal activity
- Encouraging racism, homophobia, or any other form of hatred
- Deceptive (consciously calling yourself after a specific reason)
In Conclusion
Even if there are few restrictions on the names you can use and no defined guidelines for when, why, and how to change them, it is always advisable to give it careful thought. Making sure you get the most out of your new name requires considering all relevant information and analysing how the name change will affect your life.
Call 020 8017 2216 to reach DeedPoll.com.
