> Source: https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/name-restrictions/ — last reviewed 22 August 2026. This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same content the page serves.

# Can I Change My Name to Anything? UK Name Restrictions

Quick answer

Almost anything — but not quite. UK law lets you take any name you like, but HM Passport Office and other bodies refuse names that are offensive, include numbers or symbols, imply a title or honour you do not hold (Sir, Lord, Dr), promote crime or hatred, or are impossible to write with the alphabet.

Who should skip this

Skip a deed poll if you only want to change a title such as Mrs to Ms — a title is not your legal name. Ask the organisation; do not pay a £4 title add-on. Skip us if you want a name HMPO would refuse.

Checked by [Sarah Ellison](/author/sarah-ellison/), paralegal — last reviewed 22 August 2026

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## What names will be refused?

HM Passport Office is the practical gatekeeper. Its caseworker guidance refuses names that are vulgar, offensive or blasphemous; that promote crime, hatred or drugs; that include numbers, symbols or invented punctuation; that imply unearned titles or honours; that infringe a trade mark; or that are frivolous enough to bring the system into disrepute. Banks and the DVLA usually follow.

If HMPO would refuse it, do not buy a deed poll hoping a nicer printer will help. Eligibility: [who can change their name](/who-can-change-their-name/).

## Is a title part of my legal name?

No. Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx, Dr, Lord and similar styles are forms of address, not the name a deed poll records. Changing Mrs to Ms is done by asking each organisation — it is not a name change and does not need a deed poll or a paid title extra. Posted specialists sometimes sell that for £4; skip it.

HMPO will also refuse a forename or surname that implies a title you do not hold. Comparison of extras: [InstantDeedPoll vs UK Deed Poll Service](/compare/instantdeedpoll-vs-deedpoll-org-uk/).

## What is definitely allowed?

Everything else. You can take a completely new surname, double-barrel two surnames with or without a hyphen, add or remove middle names, change spelling, anglicise a name, revert to a family name, or adopt a name from another culture. You do not need a reason, and you never have to justify the choice on the deed.

See [double-barrelling](/double-barrelled-surname/) and [middle names](/change-middle-name/). The deed poll simply records the exact characters you adopt.

## What happens if I pick a borderline name?

The deed can still be validly executed; restrictions bite when an organisation applies its acceptance policy. If HMPO, the DVLA, HMRC or a UK bank refuses our document solely because of its wording, we refund you. If they object to the name you chose, they will say so, and you can execute a fresh deed with an acceptable name.

Guarantee detail is on the [adult deed poll](/adult-deed-poll/) page and in the [refund policy](/refund-policy/). DIY wording: [free template](/free-deed-poll-template/).

## Sources and further reading

- [GOV.UK — change your name by deed poll](https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll)
- [HM Passport Office guidance — names](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/names-caseworker-guidance)

Good to know

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use numbers or symbols in my name?+

No. Names must be written with letters of the alphabet. Numerals (Jane 7 Smith), punctuation used decoratively, and symbols are refused by HM Passport Office. Hyphens in double-barrelled surnames and apostrophes in names like O’Brien are fine.

### Can I change my name to include a title like Lord, Sir or Dr?+

Not in a way that misleads. HM Passport Office refuses names that imply a title or honour you do not hold — Sir, Lord, Lady, Dame — and professional titles such as Dr where use could deceive. Titles are not part of your legal name in any case.

### Is there a length limit?+

In practice yes: HM Passport Office systems hold around 30 characters each for forenames and surname. Longer names may be truncated on the passport even if the deed poll itself is valid.

### Can I have a single name (mononym)?+

It is possible in law but painful in practice — many computer systems require both a forename and a surname, and HMPO treats single names with extra scrutiny. We recommend keeping at least one forename and a surname.