What is a Deed Poll?
Changing your name by deed poll has become an increasingly visible part of modern life. While marriage and divorce remain familiar reasons for adopting a different name, many people now use deed polls to reflect personal identity, family circumstances or a simple preference for a new name.
A deed poll is a legal document that provides evidence of a change of name. It can be used to change a first name, surname or the spelling of a name, as well as to add or remove names. For many people, the process offers a straightforward way to ensure that their chosen name is recognised across official records.
Recent data in 2025 illustrates the diversity of motivations. A survey of 5,989 specialist name-change service’s applicants in London found that 41.6% cited a preference for a different name, while others reported personal circumstances, marriage, divorce or gender-related reasons. These figures relate to the service rather than the population as a whole, but they highlight that name changes extend well beyond traditional life events.
There are two main options for adults. An unenrolled deed poll can be prepared and used as evidence of a name change, while an enrolled deed poll records the change publicly through the High Court. Enrolment is optional, and most people changing their names by deed poll do not enrol their documents.
As awareness of personal identity and individual choice grows, deed polls remain a practical legal tool for people wishing to use a different name. The essential consideration is not simply obtaining a document, but ensuring that the new name can be accepted by relevant organisations and reflected in official records.
Use our Deed Poll Kit to prepare your change-of-name document today!
What are the requirments of Deed Poll?
A Deed Poll must contain just three statements. And you must ‘commit’ to these:
- To stop using your former name.
- To use only your new name and to use your new name at all times.
- To request that all persons use your new name only.
You need to sign the Deed Poll. You need to date the Deed Poll. And you need to have your signature on the Deed Poll witnessed.
And that’s it! You have changed your name officially by Deed Poll.
- Use our Deed Poll Kit to officially change your name right now!