How to Change, Add or Remove a Middle Name
Quick answer
Checked by Sarah Ellison, paralegal — last reviewed 6 January 2026
One-time payment. Yours forever. No subscription, ever.
Why does a middle-name change need a deed poll?
Because your legal name is the whole thing — first, middle and surname together. Dropping a middle name you never use, adding one, or moving a maiden name into a middle position all change your legal name, and a deed poll is the document that proves it. The process is identical to any other adult deed poll.
How do I make the change?
Generate your deed poll with the old full name and the new full name stated exactly, print three to four copies, and sign in ink in both names in front of two independent witnesses aged 18 or over. It takes effect immediately. The full walkthrough is in how to change your name in the UK.
Who do I tell afterwards?
The same list as any name change: driving licence or passport first for name-in-use evidence, then bank, HMRC, employer, NHS, insurers and utilities. See the who to notify checklist.
What about spelling corrections?
A spelling change — “Ann” to “Anne”, “Stuart” to “Stewart” — works exactly the same way. If an organisation is questioning two spellings of your name on different documents, a “one and the same person” statutory declaration can be the quicker fix.
Good to know