Wales / CymruUK Deed Poll Bureau Editorial Team

How to Change Your Name in Wales by Deed Poll [2026 Cymru Guide]

Everything Welsh residents need to know about legally changing names - including Welsh language names, bilingual documents, and the full process.

Quick Answer for Welsh Residents / Preswylwyr Cymru

Yes, standard UK deed polls work perfectly in Wales. You can change your name to any Welsh name (including Welsh characters like ŵ, ŷ, â) and use the executed deed poll as evidence, subject to each organisation’s policy.

The process is identical to England - no separate "Welsh deed poll" exists. Cost: £0-£35.

Deed Polls in Wales / Gweithredoedd Newid Enw yng Nghymru

Wales uses the same legal system as England for name changes. A standard UK deed poll is 100% valid throughout Wales (Cymru) and is accepted by:

Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru
NHS Wales / GIG Cymru
Welsh councils (Cyngor)
DVLA Swansea (based in Wales!)
UK Passport Office
All banks operating in Wales

Changing to Welsh Names

You can absolutely change your name to a Welsh name using a deed poll. This includes traditional Welsh names and names with Welsh characters.

Welsh Character Support

UK deed polls and official documents support all Welsh diacritical marks:

Supported Welsh Characters

• â - a circumflex (to bach)
• ê - e circumflex
• î - i circumflex
• ô - o circumflex
• û - u circumflex
• ŵ - w circumflex
• ŷ - y circumflex

Example Welsh Names

• Siân (from Jane)
• Owain (traditional Welsh)
• Rhiannon
• Gw ên (with circumflex)
• Catrin
• Dafydd
• Carys

Important Note on Accents

Some UK computer systems struggle with Welsh accents. While your deed poll can include them, you may need to use the non-accented version for some applications (e.g., Siân becomes Sian). Your deed poll remains valid either way.

How to Get a Deed Poll in Wales

Step-by-Step Process / Proses Cam wrth Gam

Order Your Deed Poll

Choose a free DIY deed poll or a paid preparation service with document checks and support. Check that the service covers Welsh addresses and any characters used in the new name.

Provide Your Welsh Address

Your full current address in Wales, including postcode. You can write your address in Welsh if you prefer (e.g., "Stryd Fawr, Caerdydd").

Sign With Welsh Witnesses

Two witnesses (18+, not family) must sign. They can be Welsh-speaking or English-speaking - doesn't matter. Friends, colleagues, neighbors all work.

Update Your Documents

Send copies to DVLA Swansea, passport office, banks, NHS Wales, and your local Welsh council.

Costs in Wales / Costau yng Nghymru

Service / Gwasanaeth	Cost / Pris
Free DIY Deed Poll	£0
Professional Deed Poll (Digital)	£9.99
Professional Deed Poll (Posted)	£24.99
Passport Update	£102
DVLA Driving License (Swansea)	FREE
Bank Updates	FREE
NHS Wales / Council Tax	FREE

Bilingual Services in Wales

While deed polls are legal documents in English (UK-wide standard), many Welsh institutions offer bilingual services:

Welsh Language Services Available

✓ NHS Wales - bilingual staff
✓ Welsh councils - full Welsh language support
✓ DVLA Swansea - Welsh language helpline
✓ Most Welsh banks - bilingual services
✓ Welsh Government - all services in Welsh

English-Only Services

• UK Passport Office (English only)
• HMRC Tax (English only)
• DWP Benefits (English only)
• Most UK-wide banks (English only)

DVLA Swansea Name Changes

Fun Fact: DVLA is Based in Wales!

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) headquarters is in Swansea, Wales. Over 6,000 people work there processing UK driving licenses.

Welsh residents can update their driving license by post to DVLA Swansea - completely FREE. Takes about 3 weeks. Read our full driving license guide.

Welsh Councils & Name Changes

All 22 Welsh councils (Cynghorau Cymru) accept deed polls for updating council tax, housing benefit, electoral roll, and other local services:

South Wales:

• Cardiff / Caerdydd
• Swansea / Abertawe
• Newport / Casnewydd
• Vale of Glamorgan
• Bridgend

North Wales:

• Gwynedd
• Conwy
• Flintshire
• Wrexham / Wrecsam
• Denbighshire

Mid Wales:

• Powys
• Ceredigion
• Pembrokeshire
• Carmarthenshire

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to a Welsh name even if I'm not Welsh?

Yes! Anyone can change their name to any Welsh name, regardless of their heritage or ethnicity. You don't need to speak Welsh or have Welsh ancestry. It's your name - you choose it.

Do I need a bilingual deed poll?

No. The deed poll document itself is in English (UK-wide legal standard). However, your new name on the deed poll can be Welsh. The document doesn't need translation.

Will my Welsh name work on my UK passport?

Yes. UK passports accept Welsh names and Welsh characters. However, some countries' systems may not recognize Welsh accents, so consider using the non-accented version for international travel (e.g., Sian instead of Siân).

Can I use "ap" or "ferch" in my new name?

Yes, you can include Welsh patronymic traditions like "ap" (son of) or "ferch" (daughter of) in your new name. However, most official systems will treat these as part of your surname, not separate elements.

Does NHS Wales accept deed polls?

Yes. Contact your GP surgery with your deed poll and they'll update your medical records. NHS Wales (GIG Cymru) fully accepts deed polls. Some GP staff speak Welsh if you prefer to conduct the process in Welsh.

Can Welsh students change their name for university?

Absolutely. Cardiff University, Swansea University, Bangor University, and all Welsh universities accept deed polls. Contact your student records office. Many students change their name to Welsh names while at Welsh universities.

Barod i Newid Eich Enw? / Ready to Change Your Name?

Get your UK deed poll certificate - perfect for Welsh residents

Accepted throughout Wales & UK • Welsh names supported • From £9.99