Deed Poll
A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. You can change any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or change spelling.
There are 2 ways to get a deed poll. You can either:
- make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll yourself
- apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll
When would a deed poll need to be legalised?
The most likely times you’ll need to have your deed poll legalised are —
- if you’re getting married abroad
- if you’re emigrating to another country
- if you want to apply for a visa to enter another country
- if you’re a foreign national living in the U.K., and you want to change the name in your foreign passport
- if you want to apply for an overseas residence card, e.g. —
- For India: an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) or PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) card
- For Pakistan: a NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) or POC (Pakistan Origin Card)
Completing a Deed Poll
A Deed Poll for a change of name contains three declarations and by executing the Deed Poll (signing, dating and having your signing witnessed) you are legally committing yourself to:
- Abandoning the use of your former name
- Using your new name only at all times
- Requiring all persons to address you by your new name only
Execution of an deed poll
If an individual is completing a deed poll, then in most cases, the document must be signed in the presence of a solicitor. At Maroof Solicitors, we are legally qualified to legalise a deed poll for you and guide you on its use. Please contact us for further information or book an appointment using our enquiry form.
On your appointment with us please bring the following with you:
- A current valid signed passport Or
- Photo card driving license.
AND
- A utility bill as proof of your address (not older than 3 months) Or
- A recent bank statement (not older than 3 months)
All relevant documents must INCLUDE an English translation of any document which is in a foreign language.