What Is Deed Poll?

By Author: James Walsh
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Deed Poll is not mere a certificate, but a form of officially authorized contract, i.e. a legal document. Unlike other legal documents, deed poll is concerned only with one person and signed only by that person. Therefore, it binds only that person who signs it. With the help of the Deed Poll, one can officially change their name either partially or their full name. For instance, one can not only change their forenames, surname (or both), but also add names, delete names, alter the spellings or rearrange their present forenames. One can change their name using Deed Poll several times for several reasons provided they are not for unreliable or fake intentions. Though individuals use Deed Polls for various issues legally committing themselves to doing something, one common accepted fact is the change of name.

In common parlance, the proper legal term for a deed intended for change of name is the ‘Deed of Change of Name'. This deed includes three declarations, and by executing this one is indirectly accepting to avoid using their previous changed name; accepting to use only their new names in the future, always for ...
... whatever reasons; and also earnestly requesting others to address only by the new name. The term executing refers to signing, dating and having your signature witnessed.

If one wants to get all their documents and records attested in their new name, they will be requested to produce documentary evidence for name change. The Deed Poll is a formal statement evincing the name change, and this also provides sufficient documentary substantiation of the name by which you wish to be known now. It works similar to that of a marriage certificate for a married woman who wishes to accept her husband's surname. She writes to people who have her previous name records stating that her surname is changed to her husband's. For this she needs to enclose her marriage certificate as legal evidence. Similarly, when one intends to change their name using Deed Poll, they must write to everyone, enclosing the Deed Poll as documentary evidence. However, a Deed Poll cannot be used to get birth, marriage, civil partnership, decree absolute or other educational certificates changed as these are historical records, which were issued in the correct name.

The first and foremost fact is that the nationality and the country of residence are the major factors which determine whether one can apply for a Deed Poll to change name. The point to be noted here is that the Deed Poll is recognized only by the UK government departments, companies and organisations. If you belong to a foreign national residing in the UK, you should check with your country's high commission or embassy in London to check whether a Deed Poll will be accepted to get your passport changed to show your new name. Countries following a legal system based on the British legal system will usually accept a Deed Poll.

Having known much about the Deed Poll, let us now look into the intricacies of the deed. In the UK, to change the name using Deed Poll, one must have completed at least 16 years of age. If not, either of the parents can apply for a Deed Poll. Though there are no strict regulations or laws in the UK governing unsuitable names, there are certain regulations or restrictions on name change. The order for a Deed Poll will not be accepted for a name that is not viable to pronounce, which contains numbers or symbols, or which includes punctuation marks. However, one can use hyphen to connect forenames or surnames and use an apostrophe in the case of certain surnames. Names which are considered vulgar, offensive, blasphemous or unsuitable are also not accepted. Barring this, there are not much regulations regarding name change.

There is no need of legal evidence that you have changed your name, provided that you can be easily identified by your new chosen name. However, in certain circumstances, for instance, while applying for a passport, additional legal evidence for the change of name is required. The evidence required varies depending on the purpose for which it is needed and can include a letter from a responsible person, a public announcement, a statutory declaration, or a deed poll depending upon the situation.

James Walsh is a freelance writer and editor. For more information on changing your name byDeed Poll Agreements see http://www.namechange-deedpoll.org