Change of name

We provide Change of Name by Statutory Declaration only and do not prepare Deed Poll documents.

A Statutory Declaration of Change of Name is a formal written statement confirming that you have chosen to adopt a new name. It must be signed in the presence of a UK solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths, who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature.

Once signed, the document can be used to update your name with official organisations such as banks, HM Passport Office, the DVLA and other institutions.

 A Statutory Declaration must be sworn or affirmed before a solicitor. Many people prefer this option because it carries the added formality of being witnessed by a legal professional.

A Statutory Declaration of Change of Name and a Deed Poll both achieve the same result allowing you to formally adopt and use a new name  and both are generally accepted by banks, HM Passport Office, the DVLA and other official bodies. The key difference lies in the level of formality. A Deed Poll is a legal document that you prepare and sign yourself in the presence of witnesses. A Statutory Declaration, however, must be sworn or affirmed before a UK solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. The solicitor verifies your identity and formally witnesses the declaration, which many people prefer as it provides an added level of legal formality.

If you wish to obtain a Deed Poll, it can be prepared privately using a template or through one of the many online Deed Poll providers. Some companies offer standard or enrolled Deed Poll services for a fee, and guidance on the process is also available on the official UK Government website. Unlike a Statutory Declaration, a Deed Poll does not need to be signed before a solicitor, but it must be properly executed and witnessed to be valid.