Can I Change My Name For Any Reason?

Jan 13, 2023

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Almost everyone has a name that their parents or guardians gave them after they were born. And, while you might go by another nickname other than your legal name, the average person lives their life without changing their legal name, except for a few exceptions.

Most people know it’s possible to change their name when getting married, but what about other reasons? Maybe you have never felt a strong connection to your name. Or perhaps you want to change your name for familial reasons. It’s also common for people who are transgender or under the non-binary umbrella to want to choose a name that better reflects their gender identity or expression.

Overall, there are many reasons an individual might want to change either their first, middle, or last name or any combination of the three. While the process for changing your name can look slightly different when not getting married, it’s possible to change your name as an adult.

Here’s what you need to know.

How To Change Your Name In The UK

The name change process varies from country to country, but in the United Kingdom, the legal process is done through a deed poll. While you don’t have to go through those legalities to be called something different, you will need to if you would like your name to be changed on official documents, including a passport.

How To Get A Deed Poll

A deed poll is an official document proving you have changed your name. And you have many options for how to do so. You can go by an entirely new name, change part of your name, or even change how your name is spelled.

There are two options for deed polls:

1. If you are over 16, you can change your name with an “unenrolled” deed poll. But, remember that not all organizations recognize this method.


2. You can enroll in a deed poll for yourself or your child to put the new name on public records. You must be over the age of 18 to do so.

When going with an enrolled deed poll, you will apply to the Royal Courts of Justice to make this change official.

How Much Does A Name Change Cost In The UK?

If you’re requesting an enrolled deed poll to change your name, you will need to pay a fee in most cases. Luckily, it doesn’t cost much at 42.44 pounds. If you want to change your name for any number of personal reasons, you can do so as long as you pay this amount.

However, the fee is waived when entering a marriage or civil partnership. You don’t have to go through the deed poll process to change your last name. All you have to do is send a certificate to the right legal source – usually the benefits office. Then, your official documents will be updated with your new last name.

And, just like when entering into a marriage, you can also get a free name change after a divorce or end to a civil partnership. In this case, you can show proof of the divorce through a civil partnership certificate/final order and marriage certificate/decree absolute.

Should I Change My Name Through a Deed Poll?

Changing your name is a personal choice. Even if you’re getting married, you don’t have to change your surname to match that of your partner, but it is advantageous to have the option to do so for free.

But, if you are thinking of changing your name for any reason, you now have the details on how to start the process.

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