8 Instances You May Need to Change Your Name in the UK

Although changing your name isn’t as simple as updating your Facebook name, it isn’t overwhelmingly difficult either. You just need to know the right approach. Whether you want to change your name for personal or professional reasons, the process is relatively simple in the United Kingdom. In this blog post, we’ll explore eight instances where you may need to change your name and how to do so. Read on.

Changing Your Name After Getting Married or Divorced

If you want to legally change your name after getting married or divorced, you can do so by deed poll. All you need is your original marriage certificate or divorce decree absolute. You can apply for a deed poll online, with a minimal cost associated with changing your name.

Changing Your Child’s Name

To change your child’s name, you will need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility for the child. If the child is 16 or over, they must also consent. Once you have everyone’s consent, you can apply for a deed poll online.

Changing Your Name Due to Gender Reassignment

You will need to provide a statutory declaration stating that you intend to live in your acquired gender until death. You can apply for a deed poll online; the cost is minimal.

Changing Your Name for Any Other Reason

You might not be happy with your present name, get bullied by your name, or feel uncomfortable with its meaning. These reasons make sense to change your name, and you can do so with a deed poll.

Changing the Spelling of Your Current Name

This is especially useful if you have a common name and want to make it more unique by changing its spelling. For example, suppose your name is “Alexander”. In that case, you can consider something like “Alex” to make it crisp and easy to remember.

Adding or Removing a Middle Name

You might want to add or remove a middle name or change its spelling. You may also need to do this if you have problems with your name being too long and complicated. For example, suppose your full name is “John Richard Smith”. In that case, you can consider changing it to something like “John R Smith” so that it’s easier for people to remember.

Changing the Order of Your Names

If you want to change the order of your name (e.g., if you currently go by “John Smith” but want it to be “Smith John”), you can change your name order to get a name that’s more suitable for your personality. There’s nothing wrong with changing your name’s order. If you think doing this is necessary, a name change with a deed poll may be worth it.

Hyphenating or Un-hyphenating Last Names

If both partners in a hyphenated last-name couple wish to hyphenate their last names (or un-hyphenate them), they may do so free of charge via special procedure through marriage/civil partnership registration. This is provided they complete and sign the correct forms at the local register office at least seven days prior wedding/civil partnership ceremony. 

After marriage/civil partnership has been registered, either partner may subsequently use Deed Poll Office procedures – albeit at full price -to make other changes, including reverting the original surname(s).

Final Word

There are many instances where you may need to change your name in the UK. The process is relatively simple in most cases, so there’s no need to worry if you find yourself in one of these situations. Use a deed poll to change your name, and drop a comment down below if you have any questions. Good luck!