Change Your Name, Legally & Officially With a Deed Poll.

Frequent Questions

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Frequent answers to your questions all in one place. We're here throughout the whole process to make things easy and smooth.

Our secure online application is designed to be completed in minutes, and we provide clear, concise instructions to guide you through every step.

How It Works

• What is a Deed Poll

  A Deed Poll is a legal document that proves you’ve changed your name. It’s a formal declaration to abandon your old name and use a new one for all purposes.

• Is a Deed Poll legally binding?

  Yes, a properly signed and witnessed Deed Poll is legally binding throughout the UK.

• Do I need to register/enroll my Deed Poll?

  No, registration or enrollment is not required for a Deed Poll to be valid.

• How long does it take?

  Legalmaster™ is proud to offer you a same-day production and dispatch on your Deed Poll.

• How many copies do I need?

  We recommend at least 10-15 to cover the most common updates.

  This will enable you to send all your documents simultaneously without any interruption.

• How do I use my Deed Poll?

  Send a certified copy (or the original, if requested) to any organization where you need update your name, such as the passport office, DVLA, banks, etc.

Other Questions

• Can I change my name to anything I want?

  Yes, but there are restrictions on offensive names, names intended to deceive, and names that infringe on trademarks.

  Legalmaster™ will not facilitate these types of changes.

• Can i change my title?

  Yes.

  For certain titles, such as Lord, Lady, Doctor, or titles conferred by an honour (e.g., Sir, Dame), we may require supporting documentation to verify the title’s validity.

  Otherwise, everyone would be going around as Dame, and Your Lordship.

• Can I use a Deed Poll to change my gender?

  Yes, a Deed Poll is essential for changing your name on official UK documents, including your passport, driving license, bank accounts, and more.

  Changing your legally recognized gender is a separate process. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). A Deed Poll, showing your name change, is a required document when applying for a GRC.

• Can I go back to my previous name?

  Of course. You may use a Deed Poll to change your name back to a previous name.

• How secure are Legalmaster™ Deed Polls?

  We use tamper-proof security paper unique to Legalmaster™ with a unique watermark and serial number.

• Are your Deed Polls accepted everywhere?

  Yes, Legalmaster™ Deed Polls are accepted by all UK government departments and organizations throughout the UK including HM Passport Office, Banks and the DVLA.

Childrens Deed Polls

• Can I change my child's name?

  Legalmaster™ covers various situations, including sole parental responsibility, joint consent, and court orders.

  Everyone with parental responsibility must consent, or a court order must be in place. Seek legal advice if unsure.

• What is parental responsibility?

  Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and responsibilities of a parent towards their child, including making important decisions about their upbringing, such as their name.

• What if I can't contact the other parent?

  If you cannot contact the other parent with parental responsibility, or they refuse to consent without a valid reason, you will usually need to apply to the court for a Specific Issue Order.

  We strongly recommend seeking legal advice in this situation.

• What is a Specific Issue Order?

  A Specific Issue Order is a court order that makes a decision about a specific aspect of a child’s upbringing, such as their name, when those with parental responsibility cannot agree.

• What is a Special Guardianship Order?

  A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a court order that grants parental responsibility to a Special Guardian.

  If you are a Special Guardian, you will need to provide evidence of your SGO and any other court orders relating to parental consent.

• Can a child sign their own Deed Poll?

  In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a Deed Poll for a child under 16 must be executed by those with parental responsibility.

  In Scotland, a person aged 16 or over can apply to change their own name, though those with parental responsibility are notified and can object if the applicant is under 18.

• At what age can a child change their name in the UK?

  There’s no minimum age for changing a child’s name using a Deed Poll. However, for children under 16 (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) or under 18 in scotland, the Deed Poll must be executed by all individuals with parental responsibility. (Unless you have a court order)

  At age 16 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a person can change their own name. In Scotland, 16 and 17-year-olds can apply to change their own name, but a specific process involving notification of those with parental responsibility applies.

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