Deed poll template and wording
General UK name-change information, not individual legal advice. Requirements can vary by organisation and UK jurisdiction; where a decision matters, check the relevant official guidance.
A deed poll is a short formal document. There is no magic in any particular template — what matters is that it contains the right declaration, identifies you clearly, and is signed and witnessed correctly. You can prepare one yourself at no cost.
What a deed poll must contain
- Your current full name.
- A clear statement that you abandon your former name and adopt your new name.
- A promise to use your new name at all times.
- Your signature and the date.
- The signatures, names, addresses and occupations of two independent adult witnesses.
Typical wording
A standard deed poll begins: "I, [current name], of [address], absolutely and entirely renounce, abandon and relinquish the use of my former name of [old name] and assume, adopt and determine to use and be called and known by the name of [new name]…" It then states the intention to use the new name at all times and is signed and witnessed.
DIY template vs a preparation service
A self-prepared template is legally valid. A paid preparation service does not add legal weight — it provides correctly formatted wording, a check of your names, and printed copies that institutions recognise. You can also prepare one yourself free using GOV.UK guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free deed poll template legally valid?▼
Yes. A deed poll you write yourself is legally valid if it is correctly worded, signed by you and witnessed by two independent adults. There is no requirement to use a paid service or a particular template.
What wording must a deed poll contain?▼
It must show your current name, a clear statement that you abandon your former name and adopt your new name, and that you intend to use your new name at all times. It must be signed and dated by you and witnessed by two independent adults.
Can I write my own deed poll?▼
Yes. You can draft your own document using the standard wording. The benefit of a preparation service is correct formatting, checking and printed copies, not additional legal weight.
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