Who to Notify When You Change Your Name: Complete Checklist
Quick answer
Checked by Sarah Ellison, paralegal — last reviewed 6 January 2026
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What order should I update my records in?
Start with your driving licence (free, quick) or passport — one of these becomes your “name-in-use” evidence for everything else. Then your bank (especially if you receive benefits), then DWP / Universal Credit if you claim, then HMRC, employer and NHS/GP. Then insurers, utilities, subscriptions, universities and professional bodies. Detailed guides: Universal Credit and benefits, passport and driving licence.
What if I claim Universal Credit or other benefits?
Universal Credit and benefits guidance is worth reading carefully. Changing your name will not reduce, pause or reassess your award by itself — it is administrative — but you should report the new name in your Universal Credit account and update your bank name to match before the next payment so a mismatch does not delay the money. Full walkthrough: change your name on Universal Credit and benefits.
What is a “name-in-use” document?
HMPO asks for one document dated within the last 12 months showing your new name actually being used — a bank statement, payslip or updated driving licence. It proves the name change is genuine and in use, alongside your deed poll. This is why updating the DVLA first (it is free) makes the passport application easier.
Do I send the original deed poll or a copy?
It depends: HMPO and banks generally want the original wet-ink document (post it with tracking, or visit a branch), while the NHS, employers, schools, universities and utilities usually accept a photocopy. Print and sign three to four copies of your deed poll so you always hold an original.
Should I update my will after a name change?
Yes. A deed poll does not rewrite your will. A will in your old name can slow probate when your death certificate and bank records use the new one. Instant Deed Poll does not write wills — once your name is settled, make or update a will separately. For a simple England and Wales estate, SwiftWill offers a fixed-fee online will (from £35) you print and sign with two witnesses.
The complete notification checklist, in priority order
| Priority | Organisation | Cost | What they need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DVLA (driving licence) | Free | D1 form + original deed poll + current licence |
| 2 | HM Passport Office | £102 online renewal | Deed poll plus one name-in-use document dated within 12 months |
| 3 | Banks and building societies | Free | Original deed poll + photo ID, in branch — do this before your next benefit payment |
| 4 | DWP / Universal Credit (and other benefits you claim) | Free | Report in your UC account; deed poll or marriage certificate — see UC & benefits guide |
| 5 | HMRC (tax, NI, Child Benefit) | Free | Via your online Personal Tax Account or by post |
| 6 | Employer and payroll | Free | Usually a photocopy of the deed poll |
| 7 | NHS and GP | Free | Usually a photocopy |
| 8 | Insurers (car, home, life, pet, travel) | Free | Varies; usually a photocopy |
| 9 | Pension providers | Free | Varies |
| 10 | Utilities, broadband and mobile | Free | Usually a photocopy |
| 11 | TV Licensing, council tax, electoral register | Free | Varies |
| 12 | Universities and professional bodies | Free | Varies |
| 13 | Subscriptions, loyalty schemes, everything else | Free | Usually just a request |
| 14 | Your will (make or update in your new name) | Separate service | Not part of a deed poll — see the note below |
Good to know