Changing Your Name in Wales with a Deed Poll

In Wales, as in the rest of the UK, you have the legal right to change your name at any time, for any reason, provided the purpose is not fraudulent. The most common and recognised way to do so is through a Deed Poll.

A Deed Poll is a legal document that acts as evidence that you’ve changed your name and intend to use your new name going forward.

It allows you to update official records and identification documents across government, financial, and private institutions.

A Deed Poll is a straightforward legal declaration. It sets out that you:

Have given up your former name

Have adopted a new name

Intend to use your new name for all legal purposes

Once signed and witnessed correctly, a Deed Poll becomes valid and can be used to update your name with:

HM Passport Office

DVLA

HMRC, banks, utility providers, NHS, schools, and employers

You do not need to register your Deed Poll with a government body. A properly executed Deed Poll is fully valid under UK law.

Who Typically Uses a Deed Poll?

People in Wales choose to change their name for a variety of reasons, including:

Marriage or civil partnership (especially if creating a new surname or combining names)

Divorce or separation (to revert to a previous name)

Gender transition

Cultural, religious, or personal identity reasons

Preference or dislike of their current name

In cases where a name change is not covered by a marriage certificate or decree absolute, a Deed Poll is typically required to update official records.

Is a Deed Poll Valid in Wales?

Yes. A Deed Poll is legally valid in Wales, as well as in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is accepted by all UK government departments and is a standard, recognised way to change your name.

Do I Need to Go to Court?

No. You do not need to go to court or involve a solicitor to change your name in Wales. A Deed Poll — when signed, dated, and witnessed correctly — is all that is required for the change to be legally recognised.

Can I Change Any Part of My Name?

Yes. A Deed Poll can be used to:

Add or change a first name

Add, remove, or change middle names

Change your surname

Change your entire name

There are some restrictions. You cannot choose a name that is intentionally misleading, includes numbers or symbols, is offensive, or promotes illegal activity.

What Happens After I Create a Deed Poll?

Once your Deed Poll is signed and witnessed, you can use it to notify organisations of your name change. Most will ask for the original Deed Poll or a certified copy, alongside proof of ID. It’s recommended to update key records such as your passport and driving licence first, followed by banks, your GP, your employer, and any other relevant bodies.

How Long Does It Take?

The time it takes to receive your Deed Poll depends on the delivery method you choose and the time your application and payment are received.

UK Standard Delivery (£3): Your Deed Poll will be posted via Royal Mail 1st class within four working days of receiving your application and payment.

UK Priority Delivery (£6): If your application is received by 3:30 PM, your Deed Poll is posted the same working day using Royal Mail 1st class.

UK Express Delivery (£14): Applications received by 3:30 PM are sent the same working day for guaranteed next working day delivery by 1 PM.

UK Express (Saturday) Delivery (£18): Orders received by 3:30 PM on Friday are guaranteed for Saturday delivery by 1 PM.

UK Express Plus Delivery (£32): For guaranteed delivery by 9 AM the next working day (if ordered by 3:30 PM).

UK Express Plus (Saturday) Delivery (£36): For guaranteed Saturday delivery by 9 AM if ordered by 3:30 PM on Friday.

Alternatively, if you’re based near Essex, a Premium One-Hour Service is available at the UK Deed Poll Service office. For £25, your Deed Poll can be professionally prepared and issued within an hour.

Note: While you may receive your Deed Poll quickly, updating your name across official records (e.g. passport, bank, DVLA) can take additional time depending on each organisation’s process.

Summary

Changing your name in Wales using a Deed Poll is a legally recognised, straightforward process. It enables you to take control of your identity and ensure that all your personal records reflect your chosen name. No court appearance is required, and the process is widely accepted by both public and private institutions.

Further guidance is available from: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/looking-after-people/changing-your-name/

Ready to Make Your Name Change Official?

If you’ve decided to change your name and are ready to begin the process, you can apply for a Deed Poll online. Whether you’re changing your name as an adult or on behalf of a child, you can access a legally valid document suitable for updating all relevant records.