> Source: https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-to-notify/ — last reviewed 22 August 2026. This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same content the page serves. # Who to Notify When You Change Your Name: Complete Checklist Quick answer After changing your name, notify: HM Passport Office (£102 online renewal, needs your deed poll plus one document showing your new name in use), the DVLA (free), HMRC, your bank, your employer, the NHS, your GP, insurers, utilities and any universities or professional bodies. Our free checklist below covers every organisation in priority order. Who should skip this If you have not yet signed a deed poll or gathered a marriage certificate, stop. Organisations cannot update a name you have not yet executed. Make the document first, then work this list. Checked by [Sarah Ellison](/author/sarah-ellison/), paralegal — last reviewed 22 August 2026 [Get the £9.95 Notification Letter Pack](/notification-letter-pack/)One-time payment. Yours forever. No subscription, ever. ![A tidy stack of addressed envelopes on a hallway console table beside keys and a phone] ## 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, HMRC (via your Personal Tax Account), employer, and NHS/GP. Then insurers, utilities, subscriptions, universities and professional bodies. Detailed guides: [name change UK](/how-to-change-your-name-uk/), [change of name deed](/change-of-name-deed/), [passport](/change-name-passport/), [driving licence](/change-name-driving-licence/), [Universal Credit and benefits](/change-name-universal-credit-benefits/). If you claim UC, match the bank account name before the next payment date. ## 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. ## Does a name change update my will? No. A deed poll does not rewrite a will. Executors and banks work faster when the will, the deed poll and your photo ID show the same name. Print a fresh will in the new name and re-sign it with two witnesses in one room under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. A deed poll does not update a will. Executors and banks work faster when the will, the deed poll and your photo ID all show the same name — print a fresh will in the new name and re-sign it with two witnesses in one room (Wills Act 1837, section 9). [SwiftWill](https://swiftwill.co.uk/) drafts an England and Wales will online for £35 with free updates for life. SwiftWill is a related online-will service from the same company (Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd). Skip it if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, or need tax planning, trusts or foreign property. ## 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 / £115.50 paper (adult standard, checked 13 Aug 2026) | 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 | 4 | HMRC | Free | Via your online Personal Tax Account or by post | 5 | Employer and payroll | Free | Usually a photocopy of the deed poll | 6 | NHS and GP | Free | Usually a photocopy | 7 | Insurers (car, home, life, pet, travel) | Free | Varies; usually a photocopy | 8 | Pension providers | Free | Varies | 9 | Utilities, broadband and mobile | Free | Usually a photocopy | 10 | TV Licensing, council tax, electoral register | Free | Varies | 11 | Universities and professional bodies | Free | Varies | 12 | Subscriptions, loyalty schemes, everything else | Free | Usually just a request | 13 | Your will (executors and gifts) | Re-sign; online from £35 | A deed poll does not update a will — print and re-sign in the new name ## Related guides - [Name change UK — start here](/how-to-change-your-name-uk/) - [Change of name deed](/change-of-name-deed/) - [Change name on passport](/change-name-passport/) - [Change name on driving licence](/change-name-driving-licence/) - [Universal Credit and benefits](/change-name-universal-credit-benefits/) ## Sources and further reading - [GOV.UK — change the name on your driving licence](https://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence) - [GOV.UK — changing passport information](https://www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information) Good to know ## Frequently asked questions ### In what order should I update my name?+ Start with your driving licence (free, quick) or passport — one of these becomes your “name-in-use” evidence. Then your bank, HMRC (via your Personal Tax Account), employer, and NHS/GP. Then everything else: insurers, utilities, subscriptions, universities, professional bodies. ### What is a “name-in-use” document and why does the passport office want one?+ 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 your name change is genuine and in use, alongside your deed poll. ### Is it free to change my name with the DVLA?+ Yes. Complete a D1 form, enclose your current licence and your original signed deed poll, and post it to the DVLA. There’s no fee. Do this early — your updated licence doubles as name-in-use evidence for your passport application. ### Do I have to tell HMRC about my name change?+ Yes — update your name through your online Personal Tax Account or by post. It keeps your tax code, National Insurance record and any credits aligned with your new name, and prevents mismatches when employers or banks verify you. ### Will I be fined if I don’t update my driving licence?+ You can be fined up to £1,000 for not telling the DVLA when your name or address changes. It’s free and quick to update, so do it within the first week of your name change. ### How do I tell all these organisations without writing 30 letters?+ That’s what our £9.95 Notification Letter Pack does: pre-filled, personalised letters and emails for more than 30 UK organisations, generated with your old and new names. It’s included in the £25 Name Change Pack or available as an add-on.