How to change your name in the UK

There are numerous reasons why a person may want to change his or her name. Thankfully the process of legally changing a name in the UK is not complicated. All one needs to do is get a deed poll certificate. People can do this themselves or hire a company to complete the process for them.

Why change a name by deed poll

There are many reasons why a person would want to change their name. Some of these reasons are listed below. - A woman may want to change her surname after marriage. - Sometimes, men also change their name after marriage. Occasionally, men take the last name of their wife or create a hyphenated combination of both their last names. - Couples may want to change their surname after a civil union. - Adoptive parents often change the name or names of their adopted children. - People often change their name back to their original name after their relationship breaks up. - Transsexual often change their name from a male name to a female name and vice versa. - Some people simply change their name because they do not like their current name. - Some people choose to add a middle name to their current name.

How to change your name in the UK

Application
In order to change a name in the UK a person must apply for a deed poll. A deed poll is a legal document that binds the person who is signing it to a name change. The deed poll can be applied for on the internet, over the phone or in person.
Deed pool kit
Once an application form has been filled in, the applicant will receive a deed pool kit in the mail. This will contain the actual deed poll and various brochures regarding name changes. It should also come with a list of entities who need to be advised of the name change. The deed poll itself will need to be signed and witnessed by UK resident over the age of 18. This person cannot be a relative of the applicant. When an application has been signed, it can be used to change the names that are written on important documents such as passports. It is also advisable to let banks know about the change of name.