Can I Change My Name to Anything? UK Name Restrictions

Quick answer

Almost anything. The name you use is your choice, but HM Passport Office will not issue a passport in a name that may cause public offence or promote unlawful activity, and its systems cannot print symbols, accents or punctuation other than hyphens and apostrophes. Numbers in a name are spelled out, long names are shortened, and a title adopted as a name is marked as not being a title.

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.

Updated 30 September 2026 · Editorial policy

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What names will be refused?

HM Passport Office is the main practical check. Its caseworker guidance says a passport cannot be issued in a name that may cause public offence, such as one containing swear words, sexually explicit references or vulgar or offensive language, or in a name that may promote unlawful activity, such as words associated with criminal gangs or extremist organisations or that promote racial or religious hatred or crime. Its systems also cannot accept symbols or punctuation other than hyphens and apostrophes.

Some names are adjusted rather than refused. A number that is part of the name is spelled out, an accented letter uses the agreed alternative spelling, and a name longer than 30 characters for forenames or 30 for the surname is shortened, with the full name shown in an observation. The guidance also says a trade-marked or copyrighted name in a passport does not in itself breach those laws, although using it for commercial gain without permission might.

If HMPO would refuse the name, a different printer or template will not change that. Eligibility: who can change their name.

Is a title part of my legal name?

No. Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx, Dr, Lord and similar styles used as forms of address are 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.

If you do adopt a title as part of your name, HM Passport Office adds an observation to the passport saying it is your name and not your title. Comparison of extras: InstantDeedPoll vs UK Deed Poll Service.

Can I use a professional, stage or pen name?

HM Passport Office can add an observation recording a stage, professional or religious name when you provide relevant evidence, such as an employment contract. The additional name is recorded separately from the main passport name. Requesting that observation is different from changing the name on your official records.

Read HM Passport Office’s stage and professional name guidance. If you use a pen name, ask HMPO which evidence and procedure apply to your circumstances; do not assume you need to buy a deed poll simply to use that name for your work.

Keeping a previous surname for work after marriage or civil partnership has a separate HMPO procedure, and dual nationality can affect the requirements. If you are changing the main name on your passport, follow our passport name-change guide and check what the other organisations holding your records require.

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 and middle names. 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 page and in the refund policy. DIY wording: free template.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I use numbers or symbols in my name?

Not as they are written, if you want them in a passport. HM Passport Office guidance says its systems cannot issue a passport in a name containing numbers, symbols, accents or punctuation other than hyphens and apostrophes. A number that is clearly part of your name is spelled out: Thomas 7 Jones is shown as Thomas Seven Jones. Hyphens in double-barrelled surnames and apostrophes in names such as O’Brien are fine.

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

You can make a word such as Sir part of your name, but it does not give you the title. HM Passport Office guidance says people can change their name by deed poll to include a title, for example Sir as a forename. To stop the name being used to mislead, the passport then carries an observation that the word is the holder’s name and not the holder’s title.

Is there a length limit?

For a passport, yes. HM Passport Office guidance allows up to 30 characters for forenames and 30 for the surname, including spaces. A longer name is shortened, for example by using initials for additional names but never for the first forename or first surname, and an observation in the passport gives the full name.

Can I have a single name (mononym)?

Yes, but expect extra steps. HM Passport Office guidance says that when someone has only one name, the passport shows it in the surname field, with XXX in the forename field and an observation that XXX is not part of the name. The online passport application asks for both a forename and a surname, and other organisations’ systems may too, so check before choosing a single name.