Changing surname by deedpoll

[cjt110]

Has anyone done this? I'm reading the gov.uk website and if I'm correct, you'd need to draft a document, renouncing your old name in favour of your new name and have it signed by two witnesses.

Is it really that easy and simple to do?

Meant to say - make sure you're clear with HMRC that you will no longer be known by your previous name or they will register you as AKA newname.

If you’re in Scotland you can register the name change with National Records Scotland and get issued with new birth certificate. Advantage of this is that if you lose certificate, you can just get a new one. I did this when I moved back to Scotland.

I changed my name by deed poll when I lived in England though. I went along to local magistrates court to get them to witness it, as I’d heard it can be tricky yo get Banks etc to accept documents that don’t look official and that thus would lend the right air. They asked my reasons and I paid about £20 nominal fee. It was a while ago now though.

Thanks all for this. I will pass the details on to her

:)

My husband has known my Mum for 10+ years. Is he classed as related? He's obviously only related by marriage?

I'm thinking perhaps my husband and my Mum's college tutor could witness for her?

Or could I even witness it for her as her daughter (I don't have the same surname as her)

If you are married you need consent from your husband...

That is absolutely UNTRUE!

Also it doesn’t cost a penny. It’s free. You print the letter, sign it and get it witnessed. You don’t need anyone’s permission () and you don’t need to pay a thing.

@MissFitton that wording is incorrect

How to make your own deed poll
Use the following wording:

“I [old name] of [your address] have given up my name [old name] and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name].

“Signed as a deed on [date] as [old name] and [new name] in the presence of [witness 1 name] of [witness 1 address], and [witness 2 name] of [witness 2 address].

“[your new signature], [your old signature]

“[witness 1 signature], [witness 2 signature]”

A specialist agency or a solicitor can make the deed poll for you instead - they may charge a fee.

After you’ve made it, you can use your deed poll as proof of your new name.

You might need permission in order to change a child’s name, but certainly not for a wife or ex wife!

@loveandstuffing Ah well, if the wording on mine is incorrect it's doesn't seem to have mattered as it's been accepted by banks, mortgage, driving licence, HMRC, passport, etc etc etc

Moral of tale, you can just change your name. There's no official way of doing it.