Need help changing your legal name by Deed Poll?
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Thinking of changing your name? Whether you’re updating your name after marriage, going back to a previous name, or simply wanting a fresh start, Baraka UK Deed Poll is a quick and legally recognized way to make the change in the United Kingdom.
A Deed of Change of Name (more commonly known as a Deed Poll) is a unique type of legal document, not a simple certificate.
Unlike typical contracts, which create obligations between two parties, a Deed Poll is a declaration made by a single party outlining their own intentions.
Today, the primary purpose of a Deed Poll is to make a formal name change.
Once you sign a Deed Poll, it provides evidence of your commitment to using a new name from that date onward. This allows you to request official changes with various institutions, including government bodies and banks, and to have your new name printed on documents like passports and driving licenses.
Purpose of a Deed
A deed is necessary when the person creating it is not receiving anything in return.
In legal terms, this is called “no consideration”—meaning there’s no exchange of value. In cases where consideration is present, a standard contract could be used instead.
Meaning of ‘Poll’
The word “poll” Â is an old legal term that refers to documents with neatly cut, straight edges (or “polled” edges).
This straight edge signified a document that was binding only on one individual, as opposed to an indenture, which involved multiple parties. In an indenture, documents were typically torn in a unique way to verify authenticity.
While technically, a name change document is called a “Deed of Change of Name,” it’s widely recognized in the UK as a Deed Poll due to common usage.
By executing the Deed Poll (signing, dating and having it witnessed) you are committing yourself to:
1. Abandoning the use of your former name
2. Using your new name at all times
3. Requiring all persons to address you by your new name
At Baraka UK Deed Poll, we deliver a proven and trusted service to make sure your Deed Poll is delivered legally and professionally, carrying our official seal, saving you time and money. By using our service, legally changing your name by Deed Poll is easy, straight forward and stress-free.
What Parts of Your Name Can Be Changed?
With a Deed Poll, you can add, change, or remove any part of your name, including first names, middle names, or surnames.
While most parts of your name can be modified, there are specific restrictions on name changes. For instance, you can’t choose a name that is offensive, vulgar, fraudulent, or promotes criminal activities. Your name can’t include numbers, symbols, or made-up punctuation, and it must only use Latin characters. Titles must be British-accepted (e.g., Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Master, Dr, Lady, etc.).
Baraka UK Deed Poll, once signed by yourself and co-signed by your witness, is a documentary evidence that you have changed your name and that you are legally binding yourself to using your new name. Therefore, it will enable you to apply for a new passport and driving licence, and change your name on your bank account and all other records.
A Deed Poll drafted by Baraka UK Deed Poll is an English legal document, and is recognised by all UK Government Departments and UK companies and organisations.
Yes, once your Deed Poll is signed, it becomes a legally binding document. You’ll be able to use it as proof of your new name wherever necessary.
Witnessing a Deed Poll
To sign a deed poll, you’ll need a witness who is:
Anyone can change their name using a Deed Poll in the UK. For children (0-18), their parents or legal guardians must apply on their behalf.
Generally, a deed poll is useful for most name changes, and it is particularly helpful if your name change involves special circumstances, such as needing a name change due to cultural or religious reasons.
Other individuals need a Deed Poll to amend a spelling mistake in their birth certificate.
If you take your spouse’s surname after marriage, the marriage certificate can often suffice as evidence. However, if you adopt a different surname or create a double-barreled name, or if your marriage certificate is from a different country or written in a foreign language, a Deed Poll may be required.
If you’re separated and you want to revert to your birth name, but you haven’t yet received your Decree Absolute, then you can change your name by Deed Poll — you don’t have to wait until your divorce is finali
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Who to Notify After a Name Change
Common organizations to notify include:
By law, all creditors must also be informed of your new name.
Keeping Your Deed Poll Safe
To keep your deed poll secure, store it with other important documents, such as your birth certificate. You may also want to order two or three copies of your Deed and give them to a trusted person for safekeeping. If you order multiple copies of your Deed Poll, all the copies are original legal binding documents, and as such, you need to sign all of them at the same time and get them co-signed by your witness.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to start your Deed Poll process, and we’ll guide you through every step to make it as seamless as possible.
Aisha Barbara Farina, MCIL, Chartered Linguist, Paralegal
Project Manager
Baraka UK Deed Poll is not affiliated with any government agency. We operate solely as a document provider for self-declaration of unenrolled deed polls. Our goal is to support you throughout your name change process, just as we have successfully done for thousands of UK residents.
