Many people decide to alter their names at any time during their adult lives. The legal document used to confirm a name change is called a deed poll. If you are considering legally changing your name, visit DeedPoll.com for guidance on the process. Most people have heard of using a deed poll to change their name, but is it possible to do so without one? To ensure your name change is lawful, we look at several methods below.
Does Changing Your Name Require a Deed Poll?
Formal documentation is required for a name change. Marriage is the main example of a situation in which you can change your name without a deed poll. You can use your marriage certificate to adopt your spouse’s name after being married. In certain circumstances, you may also re-register a birth with the new name or alter the name on a birth certificate. In many situations, the birth certificate serves as official documentation of the name change.
The law permits you to:
- Change a child under a year old’s first name, but only once.
- Modify a child’s last name while registering the father’s information or the parents’ marriage.
- Fix a mistake on the original birth certificate.
You can find further guidance on changing your name on the UK Government website.
Statutory Declaration
A statutory declaration is a written statement that must be signed and witnessed by one of the following:
- Solicitor
- Notary public
- Barrister
- Licensed Conveyancer
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Commissioner for Oaths
- Magistrates
- Majors, Lieutenant Commanders, or Squadron Leaders of the armed forces
Affidavit
This is similar to the statutory declaration, as it is also a written statement and an oath. It is an offence to swear an affidavit falsely.
Royal Licence
You must apply to the Royal College of Arms to change your name this way. This way of changing a name is not too common, but can be used for:
- Inheritance purposes when a will clause needs someone to assume the testator’s name.
- A husband adopts the name of his wife for a marriage settlement.
- A name change also needs a change to a coat of arms.
This method of changing a name can only be used for surname changes, and applications are not guaranteed to be authorised.
In Conclusion
Although all of these methods are lawful, many people choose the quicker, more affordable option of a deed poll. You can learn more about the process and requirements for a Deed Poll name change on our website.
For help changing your name via Deed Poll, contact DeedPoll.com on 020 8017 2216.
