A Deed Poll is a legal document used to confirm a change of name. The term “deed poll” originates from the old English word “poll,” referring to the practice of trimming the edges of a document to create straight sides. This differentiated a deed signed by a single individual from those signed by multiple parties.
 
Name change certificate issued by Christian X of Denmark in 1917.
In the past, many individuals preferred to keep their name changes discreet. For instance, when divorce was more challenging, some would simply adopt their new partner’s surname to appear married and to give any children a sense of legitimacy.
For those seeking a more formal name change, options included publishing an announcement in the press or making a declaration before a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, private Acts of Parliament and, more commonly, royal licences were used for official name changes. However, by the 20th century, these methods were largely replaced by the Deed Poll system.
Old name change records made by Deed Poll can be found at The National Archives in Kew, Richmond, Surrey. These records date back to 1851 and can be accessed by viewing the name indexes available on-site.Â
Today, if you wish to legally change your name by Deed Poll in the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can easily apply online, for example through the Baraka UK Deed Poll website.
The Deed Poll, once signed and witnessed, serves as an official legal document stating that you have relinquished your previous name and will use your newly chosen name for all purposes.
Our Deed Polls are available for any British national living in the UK, for both adults and children (ages 0-18 will require parental consent).
A Deed Poll from Baraka UK Deed Poll is accepted by all UK government agencies, including the DVLA, HM Passport Office, as well as banks, utility companies, and educational institutions.
Our Paralegal will prepare your professional Deed Poll and post it to you within 1 working day via Royal Mail recorded delivery.
Apply online today!
Aisha Barbara Farina, MCIL, Chartered Linguist, Paralegal
Project Manager
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Baraka UK Deed Poll is a branch of Baraka Certified Translations & Services, based in Leicester since 2011. Baraka UK Deed Poll will store a Digital Copy of your Deed Poll in our secure database for five year, just in case you need to order further legal copies of your Deed Poll at a later date (i.e. you lose your documentation). You have the right to request a copy of the personal data that we hold about you, or to request the deletion of your personal data whenever you wish, as per our Terms and Conditions. We are fully GDPR compliant. Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Ref. No.: A109134
