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Anyone changed their name via deed poll

46 replies

Ntwa · 13/01/2021 10:49

I've just had my papers returned.
I can't make head or tail of what they require.. Thought I'd done it properly, obviously not!
1 part is confirming what nationality I am.. Seems daft and obvious when I've submitted DOB.. birth cert, passport etc..
So options are 1(1) or 11(1) or 37(1)
Pretty sure it's the 1(1)?!

Second part is getting me to declare via wording and I'm sure I'm going to need the solicitor do redo this.. Nightmare..
Anyone any clue?.. I can't get through on the phone

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mamamilkmachine · 13/01/2021 10:56

I did mine via an online website, changed my surname to match my daughters, was a while ago now but don't remember it being complicated, only thing I had to do was have a professional sign the paperwork they sent me, it's been accepted by HMRC, DVLA, Bank etc so must be okay.

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fingersdoublecrossed · 13/01/2021 10:58

I used a company as well. Changing your name is a massive pain in the arse but I'm glad I did it.

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dillydallydollydaydream7 · 13/01/2021 10:59

DH changed his a few years back. I remember all he needed to do was fill in forms about what he was changing from, to, and gave it signed by an independent witness, so he used my Mum (we weren't married then). Everything was accepted and his declaration came through quite quickly with his new name

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dillydallydollydaydream7 · 13/01/2021 11:00

What is it they're asking you to declare?

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Mackerelpizza · 13/01/2021 11:02

I don't understand how you've managed to over complicate something so incredibly simple.

You can print a deed poll off yourself and as long as it is signed and witnessed correctly it is legally valid. There is a free template on Gov.UK

What the heck are you doing?!

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Nicknamegoeshere · 13/01/2021 11:05

I did my own deed poll for free Smile

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Jackblackcat · 13/01/2021 11:19

Freedeedpoll.org.uk

Takes two minutes. No idea what you're doing that requires solicitors?!

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Champagneforeveryone · 13/01/2021 11:56

Mine was a long while ago now but I recall it also being very simple.

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ABitOdd · 13/01/2021 12:00

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at OP's request.

catpoooffender · 13/01/2021 12:00

I'm assuming you're doing it the formal/enrolled way, which you don't have to do. I was put off this because it would have required my name and addresses to be published online. You can, as others have said, print off a form yourself and get it witnessed. freedeedpoll.org.uk

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Titslikepicassos · 13/01/2021 12:04

As above. I changed mine with a free template, my two witnesses signed it and I photocopied it. It's been accepted by DVLA, my bank and the passport office.

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Ilovechoc12 · 13/01/2021 12:06

I did it - 8 months ago
Enrolled deed poll.
I do remember 37 (1)
You can look it all up on gov website .... it’s not easy abs get signed by solicitor plus witnesses .
The solicitor charged me £20 (for 3 signs but with no checking) and some places would do the full forms £300 with checking.

Good luck !

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Mackerelpizza · 13/01/2021 12:30

Why would you waste time, money and energy getting a deed poll enrolled? Pointless exercise.

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Ntwa · 13/01/2021 14:31

Thanks for the helpful replies!
As far as I'm aware yes you can do it free BUT places like the passport office and banks won't accept.. Not now they won't anyway. My passports run out hence me now doing it.

I've read the guidance and it doesn't help re the nationality bit..pretty sure it's 1(1) but no answer when I ring and now someone above has said 37 I'm not sure.
Also the solicitor only charged me £5 and I can return the forms if needed so no real cost.

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WandaDavy · 13/01/2021 14:36

The banks will accept it. I used the template online. Print it out on card/nice paper. Get it signed. Take the original card version into a bank - along with other identification - and they will either take a copy or you can leave them one. It was easy. I really thought it would be difficult but just time consuming contacting places.

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Ntwa · 13/01/2021 14:45

Thanks Wanda.. Not sure if its any different but I'm completely changing my name, not going back to a maiden name etc.. Due to this they said they needed it properly done.. As I sit with maiden name birth cert, marriage name cert different!

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jojogoesbust · 13/01/2021 14:57

I did it for free, and just paid about £1 per copy.

I got them all countersigned, my employer (NHS), bank and passport office all accepted it

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wowfudge · 13/01/2021 15:07

For anyone reading this who *is" going back to their birth name, e.g. after divorce, you don't need a deed poll at all.

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Mackerelpizza · 13/01/2021 20:49

They will accept it. I've done it.

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Kote · 13/01/2021 21:05

I changed mine last year. You can do it for free but I decided to pay using an online service (it was around £10-20 iirc) - I know it's kind of a scam as you can do it for free yourself but I also read that the passport office don't always accept your own version and I urgently needed my new passport due to moving abroad. They sent me a document that states my previous and new name. I signed it myself along with a witness and that was it. No problems at passport office, bank etc.

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Stealthynamechange · 13/01/2021 21:10

Hi
I did my by enrolled deed poll last year, im british so it was 11 (1)

Not too sure what your other question is? Sorry might be me being dim.

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KateF · 13/01/2021 21:14

Wowfudge what do you do to revert to your maiden name if all your documents are in your married name? I really don't want exH name any more but thought I had to do a deed poll.

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Stealthynamechange · 13/01/2021 21:15

Katef you can use your decree absolut if divorced. Im inpatient so used deedpoll!

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Cherryup · 13/01/2021 21:17

It did it myself too, just printed the free template on nice paper and got it witnessed by a friend. Job done. Banks, passport, driving licence all done no problem. Completely new name for me too.

It seemed too easy, so I was convinced I must be missing something, but it really is that simple.

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harknesswitch · 13/01/2021 21:23

I did mine via a solicitor, £125 job done with me only having to sign a few bits of paper

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