Do I Need a Solicitor to Change My Name by Deed Poll?

Changing your name can sound like a complicated legal process, so it's understandable to wonder whether you need to visit a solicitor before you can change your name by deed poll.

For many adults changing their name in England and Wales, however, a solicitor is not generally required simply to make an unenrolled deed poll.

What Is a Deed Poll?

A deed poll is a document used as evidence that you have changed your name and intend to use your new name going forward.

Once your deed poll has been correctly completed and executed, you can use it when asking relevant organisations to update their records.

Different organisations have their own requirements, so it is always sensible to check what evidence an organisation requires before sending your documents.

Do I Have to Visit a Solicitor?

For a straightforward unenrolled deed poll, you do not generally need a solicitor simply because you are changing your name.

This means that changing your name doesn't necessarily involve arranging a solicitor's appointment or turning the process into something intimidating.

There may, of course, be individual circumstances where obtaining independent legal advice is appropriate. If you're uncertain about your particular circumstances or the legal consequences of changing your name, you should seek suitable professional advice.

What About an Enrolled Deed Poll?

An enrolled deed poll is different from an unenrolled deed poll.

Enrolment involves an application to the Royal Courts of Justice and results in the change of name becoming a matter of public record.

It is therefore important not to assume that an enrolled deed poll and an unenrolled deed poll are the same thing.

What Happens After I Change My Name?

Once your deed poll has been completed, you can begin contacting the organisations that hold your details.

Depending on your circumstances, these could include:

• HM Passport Office

• DVLA

• Banks and building societies

• HMRC

• Your employer

• Healthcare providers

• Insurance companies

• Utility providers

You don't necessarily have to update everything in one day. Many people find it easier to work through their records gradually.

A Straightforward Way to Change Your Name

At Trusted Deed Poll, our aim is to make the process clear and straightforward.

Our Adult Deed Poll service provides professionally printed documents on premium certificate paper, helping you take the next step in your name change without unnecessary complication.

Adult Deed Poll – £15

✓ Professionally printed✓ Premium certificate paper✓ Official embossed seal✓ Secure online application✓ ICO registered✓ 256-bit SSL encrypted checkout

Ready to begin? Apply online with Trusted Deed Poll.