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 · Editorial policy
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Freedom to Marry DeclarationFreedom to marry statutory declaration for weddings abroad — £14.99 tailored PDF. Commonwealth destinations, apostille guidance, one-time payment.
Where should I start if I am unsure?
Use the which-document checker 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 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 and track progress in the free name change organiser. Our guides cover passports, driving licences, Universal Credit and benefits, banks and more.
What if I need a free route?
See the free deed poll template and the official statutory declaration forms. Optional paid preparation is separate from any official fee or witnessing service. Compare routes in our deed poll cost guide.