How easy is it to change name by deed poll?

[Mydoghealsmyheart]

I’m contemplating changing my surname by deed poll and wondered how complicated it is? I’ve downloaded the forms and guidance notes but it seems quite complex. Does a witness have to go to a solicitor to have a “Statutory Declaration” or is that me? The forms are very confusing but I’m sure that is necessary given the subject.

I was a witness from a friend and I just had to sign the forms, did it in his house, no lawyer or solicitor present.

I paid for a Notary Public to witness/sign. £30 well spent. I just took the necessary forms and docs to the NP. They signed and sealed everything.

It's very easy. As above, you just get a friend to sign the forms. IIRC there are lots of deed poll companies out there, trying to look all official, but there's really very little official about it - all the law requires you to do is write a declaration and have witnesses sign it. However, banks and HMRC and utilities etc tend to only accept the "official-looking" forms, I suppose just to cover themselves (you could probably make a fuss and escalate this to the manager, but it's not worth the hassle). So just use one of the many online agencies and send off the signed copies to the bank etc, job done! Most important one to do first is your passport, as that is often used as proof of name going forwards.