If you are
planning on changing your name and using it in a legal capacity, you will
require a deed poll. This is a legal document that informs the government,
financial institutions, and various other organisations that you have changed
your name. More importantly, it signifies that the transformation was
completely legal. This way, you will be able to have your new name on your
passport and driving license, and use it to sign up for credit cards. Here is
what you need to know about deed poll:
Who Needs a Deed Poll?
Anyone who is not
getting married or entering a civil partnership, but requires a name change, needs
a deed poll. Whether you are just changing your forename or your surname, you
will require this document to prove that your name was legally changed. If you
are changing the name of your child who happens to be a minor, you will need
this document as well. If your child is over the age of sixteen, they will be required
to sign a deed poll of their own to undergo a name change.
Getting a Deed Poll
Obtaining a deed
poll is now easier than ever. If you are looking for an unenrolled deed poll,
all you need is an online service such as UK Deed Poll Office. Then, you simply
have to provide the agency with a few details and make online payments, and
your request will be processed. You will receive a deed poll by mail shortly.
All you have to do, then, is have the deed poll signed, witnessed, and dated. Your
deed poll can then be utilised immediately.
Using a Deed Poll
As mentioned, a
deed poll is required to facilitate the changing of your name on various
records. Currently, the government, your landlord, the DVLA, and HM passport
agency are under the assumption that you are using the name you were given at
birth. You are going to have to send your deed poll along with a signed
statement to inform them of the changes to your name. They will then have to
update the records that they have. Only once the majority of the records have
been changed will your name be legally accepted. Once the necessary changes
have been made, you will be able to use your altered name for any purpose.
Exceptions to Deed Polls
The information
provided here for name changes via deed poll is targeted towards most British
nationals. Not everyone falls under the same purview. For instance, if you are
a Scottish national or were born in Scotland, you will have to change your name
in a different manner. If you are a British national but living outside the
country, there may be slight alterations to the process as well. If you are
simply living in the UK, but have not undergone nationalization, you may be
required to visit your nation’s embassy. If you wish to change the name of your
child, you will require permission from all parties with parental
responsibility before you can do so.
These are all
the details that you require regarding deed polls. You should make sure that
you are following all of the legal regulations for acquiring a deed poll and
changing your name.