How can I find people to witness my deed poll signature? Friends all said no 😞

[NattyFawn]

Hi all,
I’m in a bit of a bind and hoping someone here might have ideas. I’m legally changing my name via deed poll and need two adult witnesses to sign the document. Unfortunately, it can’t be family, and all the friends I asked said no (mostly because they’re unsure what it means or don’t want to share ID).
It literally takes under 5 minutes:
✅ You just watch me sign
✅ Then write your name, address, and signature
✅ Show a quick form of ID (passport or driving license)
You’re not legally responsible for anything – just confirming you saw me sign.
I’m in Wembley but can travel a bit, and I’m happy to meet at a coffee shop or restaurant and cover your food as a thank you.
Has anyone had to do this before or have tips on how to find people who’d be open to helping? I’ve tried asking online, but people are understandably cautious.
Thanks so much 🙏

DH and I paid a solicitor to do this. It was a long time ago but as far as I can remember he and one of his colleagues were the witnesses

How strange, I wouldn't think twice of being a witness and providing the info required.

Unfortunately I'm up in Yorkshire so can't help but good luck!

You can ask GP may have to pay.

I think a solicitor sounds like a good option here.
I am surprised none of your friends would help tho!

2 friends, one a copper and one a retired civil servant did mine.

Neighbours do it for me..

How bizarre, my immediate thought was, do you have friends / neighbours with something to hide?
But yes, if no other options, a solicitor will do it

Who are they expected to show their ID to?

I did this and my friends just signed it in my presence and vice versa then I took into my bank to change my account name then used a bank statement to change my passport.

so you have someone at work or possibly a child at school where you could ask a teacher?

Work colleagues?

This. I’d be extremely surprised if all of my friends said no.

Hope you find someone.

I dont think they have to show anyone ID do they? (unless at a solicitor). Just sign, date with their name, address and possibly occupation. I would do friends.

Neighbours?
My Neighbours would help.
Really strange that your friends won't help

My DD just did hers - you can simply download the form, then they witness, sign and put their address. Passport office and every official department (college, GP etc) fine with this. No need whatsoever for id documents to be presented by them.

That’s so weird of your friends. I’ve witnessed so many mortgages / passports of friends and work colleagues, surely this is just the same.

Could you just try different friends or neighbours as suggested above?

If you have children,can you ask a teacher?

A solicitor or Commissioner For Oaths.

I asked my neighbour of nine years. The husband and wife signed it then I didn’t need to find anyone else.

I’ve done this several times for several different sets of neighbours , how strange of your friends! Do they thinks it’s something like a guarantor? And they might be on the hook for something?! Ask colleagues or neighbours, it’s really common , i think it’s only your friends that are being odd literally anybody else would just do it.

Do you have work colleagues that can help? I did it for one of mine a few years ago.

How disappointing your friends won't help though.

It's so disappointing how people can be so awkward about these things. The government should set a different official method of getting photos and documents signed because people's good will cannot be relied on. Most gp's won't do it anymore neither. Everybody is too scared and wary.

I'm sorry you have such awkward friends. I popped round to my NDN once to ask if they'd witness me signing a document.... and I got this sort of response. was INSANE.

I was in Wembly last week! I'd have happily come and signed for you but sadly, unlikely to be anywhere near for a while.

Can't you ask a colleague at work - I've done that before (usually becuase I'm sorting this sort of stuff while at work).

Unfortunately there is a lot of fraud now - with people getting 'friends' to act as guarantors for loans/rent etc without the 'friend' realising this is what they are signing. You just need to pay a solicitor to witness - it doesn't cost much.

Do they perhaps object to the reason why you’re changing your name, @NattyFawn?

I work at UCLH if you want to pop into the hospital tmrw I can sign it

Why are you asking for some form of ID OP? You don't need to do that.