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 🙏

ID of witnesses definitely not needed so if anyone IS considering doing this for the OP, wait until they clarify why they’re asking for that first!

I think I only needed one friend to sign my deed poll and they didn't need to show ID. I do find it odd that all of your friends have refused to do this.

OP, where are you? are you coming back?

And as a PP said - could the reason why you want to make the change be part of the problem?

PS I think I recognise your name on here so am not troll hunting!

Reported - do not give this poster your ID

This is very weird because I’ve just done this for a colleague. They only needed one witness and no ID needed.

This request is a bit suss.

Not a chance people should meet some internet random and do this.

What strange friends you have! Can't someone at work do it, or a neighbour?

As a solicitor I generally do this for free if someone shows up in my office. If we need two - one of the secretaries will also sign.

OP do you mean they think their name will be implicated?

Surely there is no requirement to log I.d?

Your friends sound a bit odd..

But yes solicitor or GP will do it for a fee

You could see if your local CAB would do it for free -

Not much to add, other than caution, obviously!

But, due to my occupation, I have countersigned / sworn many, many legal documents and Passport Applications ( in situations where the Applicant is known to me for the required length of time), and not once have I have shown any personal identification. Sadly, it sounds rather sketchy as to why OP’s friends won’t sign?

They don't sound odd when you consider the Op is unnecessarily asking for ID.

That is odd

OP- just checking, do you actually think it is a requirement for witnesses to show ID? Don’t worry- It isn’t, so maybe you could ask your friends again, once you have reassured them that this is the case?

You can pay a solicitor! I had something witnessed and think I paid £15, just took two forms of ID

I’ve used work colleagues as witnesses for things before. Maybe people are a little uncertain as it’s a deed poll, not the more common stuff like passport application or house purchase. But it’s odd you’re finding it so tricky. But it’s not a problem as this is the type of thing a solicitor can do. Or maybe your GP. There will be a charge but it shouldn’t be onerous, probably about the same as the Deed Poll cost or less

This - me too - please listen guys

I have done so many witness signatures, for neighbours, school parents, colleagues etc. Why would they need ID they know who I am 😅

The only time you need ID is when you do a passport photo, you have to put your passport number in the online service.

I mean the two witnesses thing is fine (mine had space for two witnesses and I got two) but the ID thing is incorrect, you don't need to show ID to witness a deed poll.

Given that the Op has not returned to answer any questions, it does suggest that this original post was not all that it seemed on the surface.

For those (very kind-hearted) pp who suggested that they would be willing to meet up with Op and sign / provide info / bring ID - I would say, please be very cautious about any requests for personal info in future, wherever they come from.

I say this as someone from a household that has been the victim of a couple of types of fraud - it is extremely distressing when it happens. Myself, I am super cautious about everything as a result - I never give name / address / bank details etc out to anyone that contacts me for them. So that rules out (for example) signing up to charities in the street or on the door-step. And it involves never giving or confirming personal details on the phone when someone calls - I always take their details then call back on a trusted number from previous correspondence, or from their company website.

You wouldn't let someone have sight of your ID? Okay. There are photographic memories, but they're not that kind of photographic memories... That is just nuts of you.

When I changed my name no ID was required who are they having to show it to? You? Mine they just signed their name and address.

I witness documents at work and often put c/o the office address instead of my home address. I can still be identified if called upon to confirm I saw the person sign and it is their signature. That's all a witness is doing.

I did this for a friend a few years ago.

There is no implication on the witness, and no ID required. It takes about 5 mins.

Yes - because as a pp upthread suggested, there is likely to be mission creep ‘ooh, I just need to take a photo of that, you don’t mind, do you?’. Which to the majority of people would be incredibly difficult to say no to in person, as most people tend to be helpful / people please on these types of situations.

And I doubt it would be a quick flash of the passport / license, it would probably involve actually handing it over for the person to ‘double check’ your details.

I will freely admit I am on the more risk-averse / cautious side, compared to my OH. But as my thread above alluded to - we have been the victims of different types of fraud / theft (actually 3 times) due to my OH’s much more trusting / laissez-faire attitude… it is very frustrating.

This is all very odd.

Is it your choice of name that's concerning your friends, like Princess Consuela Bannana Hammock or something?