Change of name deeds
A change of name deed, commonly called a deed poll, is a formal document evidencing that you have abandoned a former name and adopted a new one.
Russ
HMLR Case Specialist
The name on your title register must match the name on your identity documents when you sell or remortgage. Where it does not, a change of name deed is the cleanest way to close the gap.
What we do
Draft the deed: In the form accepted by HM Land Registry, banks and HM Passport Office.
Witnessing: Executed as a deed before an independent witness.
Certified copies: Supplied so you can update several institutions at once.
Update the register: We can lodge the AP1 to change your name on the title at the same time, with no Land Registry fee.
Which evidence your situation needs
Marriage or civil partnership
The certificate is enough. No deed poll is needed.
Reverting after divorce
The final order together with your birth or marriage certificate.
Any other change
A change of name deed: the only route where no life event evidences the change.
Correcting a spelling
Treated as a correction to the register, evidenced by your birth certificate or passport.
A child's name
Everyone with parental responsibility must consent, and children over sixteen must agree themselves.
Enrolled deed poll
Publishes the change in the London Gazette. Required by very few institutions.
How it runs
- 1
Deed drafted
In the wording accepted by HM Land Registry, HM Passport Office, banks and the DVLA.
- 2
Signed and witnessed
Executed as a deed before an independent adult witness who is not a family member.
- 3
Certified copies issued
Several at once, so you can update institutions in parallel rather than one at a time.
- 4
Title register updated
We lodge form AP1 with code COU. There is no Land Registry fee for a change of name.
- 5
Original retained
Keep it safe, lenders and buyers will ask for it on any future sale or remortgage.