Change your name in Wales

Changing your name in Wales is simpler than most people think. You don't need to go to court, hire a solicitor, or deal with complicated paperwork.

The traditional way to change your name is with a deed poll. It's quick, inexpensive, and legally binding from the moment you sign it.

This guide explains how a deed poll works, who can use one, and how to update your documents once your name has changed.

What is a deed poll

A deed poll is a legal document declaring that you have given up your old name and will now use your new name. It is the traditional method of changing your name, used for well over a century and still popular today.

Once signed and witnessed, your deed poll is accepted as legal proof of your new name by every organisation in Wales and throughout the UK, including HM Passport Office, the DVLA, your bank, and your employer.

Deed polls for Wales are provided by Wales Deed Poll Office. Each document is drafted specifically to the requirements of the law of England and Wales and costs £25.

Who can change their name

If you're 16 or over and live in Wales, you can change your name without needing anyone's permission. You don't need to give a reason, and you don't need to justify your decision to anyone.

You can change your first name, middle name, surname, or any combination of them.

If you want to change a child's name, the process is different and requires the consent of everyone with parental responsibility. Our child name change guide explains how it works.

What names are allowed

You can change your name to almost anything you choose, with only a few restrictions.

Your new name cannot include numbers or symbols, apart from hyphens and apostrophes, and it cannot contain offensive language. You also cannot choose a name that impersonates someone else or suggests a title you don't hold, such as Lord or Doctor.

Beyond that, the choice is yours. You can take a spouse's surname, revert to a previous name, or choose something entirely new.

How the deed poll process works

1. Apply for a deed poll

Complete the online application with your current name and your new name. It takes about 3 minutes.

Your deed poll is then drafted to the requirements of the law of England and Wales, printed on parchment paper, assigned a unique serial number and embossed with a seal. It's delivered to your door by Royal Mail within days, ready to sign.

2. Sign and witness your deed poll

Sign your deed poll in the presence of 2 witnesses. They must be 18 or over, not related to you, and not living at your address. Friends, neighbours or work colleagues are all acceptable.

Once you and your witnesses have signed, your name is legally changed. There's no waiting period and no further approval needed.

3. Update your documents

Your signed deed poll is your legal proof of name change. You show or send it to each organisation that holds your records, and they update your name.

Updating your documents in Wales

Once your name is legally changed, you'll need to update your records with the organisations that hold them.

Your driving licence is a common starting point, since it serves as primary identification when updating other records. In Wales, driving licences are issued by the DVLA, and you'll send them your deed poll with your application.

HM Passport Office accepts your deed poll as proof of your new name when you apply for an updated passport. There's no rush to do this, and you can continue using your current passport until it expires. Just make sure any travel you book matches the name on it.

You'll also need to update your bank, your employer, HMRC, your GP and dentist, and utility providers. Most organisations make it straightforward. You show them your deed poll, and they update your name.

For a complete list of who to inform, see our article on updating your documents after a name change.

Common questions

Is a deed poll legally official?

Yes. A deed poll is the standard method of changing your name, and organisations across Wales and the UK accept it as legal proof, including HM Passport Office, the DVLA and all banks.

Every deed poll issued by Wales Deed Poll Office is accepted in Wales and throughout the UK.

How much does it cost?

A deed poll through Wales Deed Poll Office costs £25. There are no additional fees to pay.

How long does it take?

Your deed poll arrives within days and is legally binding as soon as you and your witnesses sign it.

Updating your documents afterwards depends on each organisation's processing times. Most people have their main records updated within a few weeks.

Do I need to register my name change?

No. There's no official register of names in Wales or anywhere in the UK. Your deed poll is your legal proof, and you use it to update your records directly with each organisation.

Do I need to be a British citizen?

No. Anyone who lives in Wales can change their name by deed poll, regardless of nationality or citizenship status. You can use your deed poll to update documents like your eVisa, driving licence and bank accounts.