Change your name by deed poll

A deed poll is a legal document that changes your name. You can use it to update your name on your passport, driving licence, bank accounts and other records.

Eligibility

To apply for a deed poll, you must:

• be 16 or over
• live in Wales
• understand what changing your name means

You can apply whatever your nationality.

To change the name of a child under 16, apply for a child deed poll instead.

How to apply

You can apply for a deed poll online. You will be asked for:

• your current name
• your new name
• your address in Wales
• an email address

It costs £25 to apply online with the Wales Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.

After you apply

You will get a confirmation email after you apply.

Your deed poll should arrive within 4 working days.

What your deed poll includes

Your deed poll sets out:

• your former name
• your new name
• a declaration that you have given up your former name and will use your new name
• spaces for you and 2 witnesses to sign

Every deed poll is sealed and has its own serial number.

If you need more than one copy

When you tell an organisation about your new name, it will usually ask to see your deed poll. Some hold on to it while they process the change, then send it back.

You can add extra copies to your application, so you can update several records at once. Extra copies cost £2.50 each.

Signing your deed poll

You must sign your deed poll in front of 2 witnesses, who then sign it as well.

Each witness must be 18 or older and know you personally. A witness cannot be a close relative or live at your address.

Most people ask a friend, neighbour or work colleague.

Your deed poll is legally valid once you and both witnesses have signed it.

Using your deed poll

Use your deed poll as proof of your new name when you update your records with organisations such as:

• HM Passport Office
• the DVLA
• your bank or building society
• your employer

Each organisation has its own process for updating your name.

Your deed poll is legal proof of your name change in Wales and throughout the UK.

Enrolling your deed poll

You do not need to enrol your deed poll.

In England and Wales, you can choose to enrol a deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice in London. This puts your name change on public record. It does not make your deed poll more valid, and organisations accept an unenrolled deed poll in the same way.