How to change legal name? Deedpoll?

[SawnWood]

So need to switch my names around/delete a middle name.
It feels like it should be easy, but then says things like having to put it in the official newspaper etc.
Anyone done this?

Morning bump

Never put anything in the news paper when I changed my name by deed poll. Just signed the letter with witnesses and sent it off to all the banks/passport office/council/utilities etc.

Where did you read the info about putting in the newspaper?

Look for a deed poll template online (for free) fill it in, use it as proof to change your ids and bills etc.
Did it a couple of years ago, it's really simple just time consuming changing it on everything.

Thanks both, that sounds easier. So if I do the template and then change passport first can use that to let banks and everyone know afterwards?
@WannabeMathematician I can’t remember, but it said something about putting it in a random london newspaper or something to make it official

The official gov site talks about a notice for the london gazette? Making it sound official?

Exactly the same as @WannabeMathematician. Straight forward process and got one of my colleagues to witness and sign. No need to mention in newspaper

@SawnWood that sounds ridiculous and if so they must have changed it. Some people change their name for safety reasons eg to avoid being tracked by an abusive ex. I can’t see how they can make you go to a newspaper

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/964986/loc019-adult-eng.pdf
This talks about swearing an oath in front of a solicitor and going through a court and needing publishing in the london gazette???

@EssexLioness exactly, I don’t want it appear in any paper searchable or otherwise. The gov website makes it sound quite complicated and involved.

That's for an enrolled deed poll. You can change it without doing that it's not necessary.

I did HMRC first [they're very helpful if you phone them up] because apparently passport office contacts them as a matter of course to confirm you've changed your name. Then like you say everything else can be done from your passport or driving licence.

Ah, I didn’t realise the difference. What’s the difference between an enrolled deed poll and otherwise? And what would be the point?
So there is an easier way?

Putting it in the London Gazette is only for an enrolled deed poll. An unenrolled one should do you fine. Instructions are here: www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll

Ok have a look at this link. It is not necessary to inform the newspaper. That is ONLY IF you want to have your change of name on public record. You can legally change your name without doing that , ie the unenrolled option.

www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll

Yes the easiest way is as above, get a template, get it signed and use it to change all your stuff. No need to do enrolled.

Oops took me too long to type! 😆 Glad ur sorted now

Sorry to hijack but why would you ever do an enrolled then?

And is there a correct order of who to inform? I was going to just apply for a new passport with the deed poll template and then use that to tell everyone else. Is that right?

Also how long does the whole process take? I’m getting married in 4months and the honeymoon after. I’d like to honeymoon on my new name (not husbands current name) when do I need to begin that process?

Sorry op! Hope you don’t mind me asking, seemed silly to start a new thread today!

I did driving license first, as I heard that they actually know what paperwork is needed (as above, just fill in a free template with witnesses).
Then banks etc.
Apparently banks are inconsistent in their understanding of what is required, so an updated driving licence avoids that.

Thanks, unenrolled is the way to go then. It says bacons might want enrolled?
What order would you suggest changing everything?

Bacons? Banks!

First do passport or driving licence, then it makes it easier for if any companies are awkward and you can show proof of id in new bane.

Thanks, so much easier (maybe too easy??) Than I originally thought

@Baileysoncereal

Also how long does the whole process take? I’m getting married in 4months and the honeymoon after. I’d like to honeymoon on my new name (not husbands current name) when do I need to begin that process?

Sorry op! Hope you don’t mind me asking, seemed silly to start a new thread today!

Bit risky time wise if your honeymoon is abroad and you would need your new passport in time (keep hearing that people are waiting ages for passport renewals etc). Might be best to wait until after honeymoon?

@Baileysoncereal not at all, it’s all relevant and helpful and you didn’t need to start a new thread!
If you’re planning on changing your name in your passport, I’d do it as soon as you can, not try and time it right. Better to have it for an extra few months ore wedding than not at all