> Source: https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/guides/ — updated 23 September 2026. This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same content the page serves.

# Find the right UK name change guide

Quick answer

Choose the task you need to complete, then follow a focused guide. Start with the document checker if you are unsure whether you need a deed poll, marriage certificate, statutory declaration or official form. After changing your name, use the record-update guides and free organiser to work through each organisation’s requirements.

Updated 23 September 2026 · [Editorial policy](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/editorial-policy/)

Search name change guides

Search guide titles, summaries and common terms. You can also browse the tasks below.

## Choose your document

Start here if you need to decide between an official route, a deed poll or a declaration.

-   [Which document do I need?Interactive checker: adult or child deed poll, marriage certificate, CNI, statutory declaration — or skip us. Honest UK name-change document picker.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/which-document/)
-   [Name Change UK — How to Change My NameHow to change your name in the UK: deed polls, marriage certificates, costs, witnesses and who to notify. Free DIY or a personalised adult PDF for £14.99.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/how-to-change-your-name-uk/)
-   [Adult Deed Poll — £14.99Get a personalised adult deed poll PDF for £14.99. Preview before paying, download and print at home, then sign with witnesses. One-time payment.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/)
-   [Child Deed Poll — £17.99Child deed poll pack for £17.99 — personalised PDF plus parental-responsibility consent letters, by email in minutes. One-time payment, money-back guarantee.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/)
-   [Free Deed Poll TemplateDownload a free blank adult deed poll PDF or editable Word template using GOV.UK model wording. No email or payment required. Signing instructions included.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-deed-poll-template/)

## Change after a life event

Follow the route that matches what changed and whose records need updating.

-   [Change Name After MarriageChange your name after marriage: when a certificate is enough, double-barrelled surnames, passport timing, DVLA, bank updates and when a deed poll helps.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-after-marriage/)
-   [Change Name After DivorceReverting to your maiden name often needs only your decree absolute and marriage certificate — a £14.99 deed poll keeps it frictionless everywhere.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-after-divorce/)
-   [Change Name After SeparationSeparated but not divorced? A marriage certificate will not revert your name. An unenrolled deed poll (£14.99) works without your spouse’s consent.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-after-separation/)
-   [Child’s Name After AdoptionAn adoption certificate is issued in the new name — you usually do not need a deed poll to complete an adoption. When a later child deed poll is the right tool.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-after-adoption/)
-   [Change a Child’s SurnameChanging a child’s surname needs consent from everyone with parental responsibility. Child deed poll pack £17.99 with consent letters — instant PDF.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-childs-surname/)

## Update your records

Find each organisation’s evidence requirements and keep track of the work.

-   [Who to Notify — Complete ChecklistThe complete name-change checklist: DVLA (free), passport (£102 online), HMRC, banks, NHS, employer, insurers, utilities — in priority order.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-to-notify/)
-   [Free Personalised Name Change OrganiserBuild a free name-change checklist for banks, HMRC, NHS, passport and DVLA. Check evidence, tick off updates, print or save locally. No account needed.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/name-change-organiser/)
-   [Change Name on PassportChange name on your passport in the UK with a change of name deed plus name-in-use evidence. Adult online £102. Deed poll PDF £14.99.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-passport/)
-   [Change the Name on Your Driving LicenceChange your driving licence name with DVLA: D1 and D2 forms, original evidence, new-name proof, fees and postal addresses. Includes the Northern Ireland route.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-driving-licence/)
-   [Universal Credit & Benefits Name ChangeUpdate your name on Universal Credit, PIP and other benefits. Evidence, bank details, DWP contacts and a practical checklist, with free document options.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-universal-credit-benefits/)
-   [Change Your Name with Your BankCompare HSBC, NatWest and Lloyds name-change requirements, including deed polls, marriage certificates, app routes and evidence in your new name.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-bank-account/)

## Check wording and costs

Compare free, paid and official processes before choosing a service.

-   [Deed Poll CostCompare deed poll costs: free government wording, our £14.99 personalised PDF, £53.05 court enrolment and separately quoted services. See what each includes.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/deed-poll-cost/)
-   [Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed PollCompare unenrolled and enrolled deed polls: recipient requirements, the £53.05 court fee, supporting evidence and privacy before you choose a route.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/enrolled-vs-unenrolled-deed-poll/)
-   [Deed Poll Witnesses & Signing CheckChoose deed poll witnesses, understand one versus two witnesses, and avoid signing errors. Free checklist and illustrated example for an unenrolled deed.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-can-witness-a-deed-poll/)
-   [Deed Poll Not Accepted — Next StepsBank, passport office or DVLA not accepting your deed poll? Check signatures, originals and name-in-use evidence. Free printable evidence-request letter.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/deed-poll-not-accepted/)
-   [Statutory Declaration CostStatutory declaration costs explained: the £5 witnessing fee, £2 exhibits, VAT, preparation and apostilles. Compare free forms and PDF options from £9.99.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/statutory-declaration-cost/)

## Declarations and overseas use

Read about statutory declarations and documents requested for marriage abroad.

-   [What Is a Statutory Declaration?What is a statutory declaration? Understand UK uses, authorised witnesses, forms, costs and overseas requirements. Optional personalised PDFs from £9.99.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/statutory-declaration/)
-   [Stat Dec of Name Change — £9.99Name change statutory declaration PDF for £9.99 — exact 1835 Act wording, by email in minutes. One-time payment, money-back guarantee. £5 statutory witness fee.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/statutory-declaration-name-change/)
-   [Who Can Witness a Statutory DeclarationFind an authorised statutory declaration witness, prepare for your appointment and check fees, exhibits and remote-signing rules. Do not sign in advance.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-can-witness-a-statutory-declaration/)
-   [Free Official Stat Dec FormsSome stat decs have free prescribed forms — PE2/PE3, Gender Recognition Act, SRA/GPhC. When the free official form is right, and when £9.99 is worth it.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-statutory-declaration-forms/)
-   [Single Status Declaration — £14.99Single status statutory declaration for marrying abroad — £14.99 tailored PDF with apostille guidance. One-time payment, money-back guarantee, £5 witness fee.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/single-status-declaration/)
-   [Freedom to Marry DeclarationFreedom to marry statutory declaration for weddings abroad — £14.99 tailored PDF. Commonwealth destinations, apostille guidance, one-time payment.](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/freedom-to-marry-declaration/)

## Where should I start if I am unsure?

Use the [which-document checker](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/which-document/) to identify the route that fits your situation. It includes free and official options where those are more suitable. Then read [how to change your name in the UK](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/how-to-change-your-name-uk/) for the full process.

## What happens after I have a signed document?

Each record-holder applies its own evidence rules. Start with the [who-to-notify checklist](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-to-notify/) and track progress in the [free name change organiser](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/name-change-organiser/). Our guides cover [passports](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-passport/), [driving licences](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-driving-licence/), [Universal Credit and benefits](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-universal-credit-benefits/), banks and more.

## What if I need a free route?

See the [free deed poll template](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-deed-poll-template/) and the [official statutory declaration forms](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-statutory-declaration-forms/). Optional paid preparation is separate from any official fee or witnessing service. Compare routes in our [deed poll cost guide](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/deed-poll-cost/).
