Resources
Name change resources
Everything you need to successfully change your name in the UK — checklists, official links, guides, and support organisations all in one place.
Free interactive tools
Quick, free tools to help you through your name change. No sign-up, no payment required.
Free downloadable templates
Professional letter templates and checklists to make your name change easier.
Adult name change notification letter
Ready-to-use template for notifying organisations of your name change. Simply fill in the brackets with your details.
Download PDFChild name change notification letter
Template for parents or guardians notifying organisations of a child's name change. Includes parental consent information.
Download PDFComplete name change checklist
Comprehensive checklist of all organisations to notify. Covers government, financial, utilities, healthcare, and more.
Download PDFTip: download all three templates now and keep them handy throughout your name change process.
Official government links
Direct links to the government services you'll need to update.
Complete name change checklists
Don't miss any important organisations — use these comprehensive lists.
Financial institutions
- Bank accounts (current, savings, ISAs)
- Credit cards
- Mortgage provider
- Loan providers
- Investment accounts
- Pension providers
- Insurance policies (life, home, car, health)
- Credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
Government & official
- HM Passport Office
- DVLA (driving licence, vehicle registration)
- HMRC (tax records, National Insurance)
- DWP (benefits, Universal Credit)
- Electoral Register
- NHS and GP surgery
- Local council (council tax)
- Student Loans Company
Utilities & services
- Gas and electricity suppliers
- Water supplier
- Phone provider (mobile & landline)
- Internet and broadband
- TV licence
- Streaming services (Netflix, etc.)
- Mobile phone contract
Work & education
- Employer (HR department, payroll)
- Professional qualifications and memberships
- University or college
- UCAS (if applying to university)
- Professional bodies and unions
- DBS or Disclosure Scotland
- LinkedIn and professional networks
Property & legal
- Landlord or letting agent
- Mortgage documents
- Property deeds (if homeowner)
- Solicitor
- Will and testament
- Power of attorney documents
- Tenancy agreements
Personal & shopping
- Social media accounts
- Email accounts
- Online shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay)
- Loyalty cards and schemes
- Gym membership
- Magazine subscriptions
- Delivery services
- Pet microchip registration
Tip: print this checklist and tick off each organisation as you notify them. Most people complete all updates within two to three months.
Helpful guides
Detailed guides on the most common name change situations.
What is a deed poll?
Comprehensive introduction to deed polls and how they work
How much does it cost?
Full breakdown of name change costs including all document updates
Passport name change
Detailed guide to updating your UK passport
Bank name change
How to update all your bank accounts and financial institutions
Marriage name change
Special guide for changing your name after marriage
Witness requirements
Everything about deed poll witnesses and who can sign
Support organisations
Independent organisations that can help with name change or related issues.
Hours
Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
UK Deed Poll Office (government guidance)
Official government information on changing your name by deed poll
Hours
Online 24/7
Hours
Mon to Fri, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Hours
24/7
Hours
Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
Common questions
Do I need to notify everyone on the same day?▼
No. Start with your passport and driving licence, then work through other organisations over time. Most people complete everything within two to three months.
What documents do I need to show?▼
Most organisations ask for your deed poll certificate and proof of identity (passport or driving licence). Some may also ask for proof of address.
Can I keep my old documents as backup?▼
Your old documents will be invalid once updated. Organisations will mark them as cancelled and return them or destroy them for security.
How long does each update take?▼
It varies: passport 3 to 10 weeks, DVLA about 3 weeks, banks instant to 2 weeks, HMRC instant, utilities 1 to 2 weeks.
Do I need multiple copies of my deed poll?▼
Most organisations accept digital copies or will return originals; however, having two to three certified copies is recommended for banks and legal purposes.
What if an organisation rejects my deed poll?▼
This is rare with professionally prepared deed polls. Contact the organisation's customer service and escalate if needed.