For many people in the UK, obtaining a Deed Poll to change their name is a convenient and straightforward process. but understanding what a Deed Poll is can help clarify your legal position if the document is lost.
What happens if you misplace the original document? Can you get a replacement Deed Poll? Read on to find out.
What Happens if I Lost My Deed Poll?
You are not alone if you misplace your Deed Poll; everyone loses paperwork occasionally, and it’s usually because of circumstances beyond our control. You have several options for replacing a misplaced name change document. The location and date of when the document was issued will determine how you go about getting your replacements. The most crucial thing to understand is that your name change is legally valid and is unaffected by the loss of your document.
How to Get A Certified Copy of a Deed Poll?
You must file for a replacement Deed Poll with a retrospective clause if you misplace your Deed Poll paperwork. You must apply for a retroactive declaration or seek an archive copy of the original document if you need a backdated Deed Poll or need to demonstrate how long it has been since you legally changed your name. Usually, this is only required in certain situations, such as when you need a gender recognition certificate or when you need to provide documentation of when you first used your name for legal purposes.
It is OK if you acquired your Deed Poll from a different source and are requesting a replacement. An acceptable copy of the information you require will still be available.
Replacement Deed Poll
A replacement Deed Poll is an additional way to demonstrate that you have legally changed your name. If you cannot find an archive version, you can either make a new Deed Poll or a Statutory Declaration, which is a legal document that needs to be signed by one of the following people and contains a statement concerning particular facts:
- Solicitor
- Notary Public
- Justice of the Peace
- Commissioner of Oaths
If the original Deed Poll was enrolled (sent to the Royal Courts of Justice), a copy can be found in the London Gazette or the National Archives. If it was unenrolled (the most common type), there is no central registry.
Proof of your original Deed Poll, such as identification bearing both your old and new names, is required. A replacement or a fresh Deed Poll would be much less expensive and just as legitimate as a retroactive one. Before choosing the best course of action for you, consider all the information mentioned above.
Call 020 8017 2216 to reach DeedPoll.com.
