There are
several reasons why a person would want to change their name. The most common
one is because of either a marriage or a divorce. Of course, some individuals
choose to alter their original name for an entirely new persona or for
religious purposes. Regardless of the reason, there is a certain process that
you need to undergo in order to properly change your name. Only once this is
completed will you be able to really adopt your new title.
The Name Change
The most typical
type of name change involves altering or substituting a person’s surname. This
is usually due to a marriage or a civil partnership. In this type of instances,
proof of your marriage or partnership is typically enough to allow for a legal
name change. If you have just ended your marriage or civil partnership, you may
want to change your name back. In these instances, you will need evidence of
the divorce or the separation. In most cases, this is usually enough to change
your surname. You may be required to obtain a deed poll, however, by certain
record holders to reverse your name change.
Some individuals
wish to change their entire name. This, too, can be done as easily as changing
just your surname. While you are free to adopt your preferred name and use it
in your day-to-day life, you will need to make it legal. You cannot sign
documents or change your name on important identification papers unless there
has been a legal change. For this to occur, you are going to require a deed
poll.
The Deed Poll
One of the two
main ways of getting a deed poll is by enrolling with the official register
using official forms. Your other option is to use an agency that specialises in
deed polls. While you can create your own deed poll, there are many organisations
that will not accept it. Therefore, you will be better off following one of the
other two routes.
Typically, using
an agency such as UK Deed Poll Office will ensure that you get your name
changed much faster. All you have to do is to sign up, make the necessary
payments, sign the forms along with a witness, and send the forms back.
Changing Names on Documents
The names on
some documents are easier to change than others. For instance, while you might
be able to change the name on your passport, there may be different rules for
your visas. You are going to need to check with each embassy individually to
see if your visa falls under the same guidelines as your new passport.
With some documents,
you are not going to be able to change the name at all. This usually occurs
with school diplomas or other types of educational certificates. In most instances,
the educational organisation or school will not change your certificates to
match your current name.
Informing People
While you are
not obligated to tell people about your name change, there are some agencies
that you will need to inform. This includes government offices, particularly the
HM Passport office, the DVLA, and financial institutions such as banks and
credit card providers. You will also have to notify HM Revenue and Customs,
your employer, HM Land Registry, and the Department for Work and Pension. You
should also inform all companies or individuals providing you a service as well.
These are the
most important things that you need to know about changing your name. It is
important for you to completely understand the process before you attempt to
change your name.
UK Deed Poll Online Office Ltd
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3AX
Email: support@ukdeedpolloffice.org
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3AX
Email: support@ukdeedpolloffice.org
