how can i change my surname?

Question

how do i go about changing my surname? legally
does it cost and how long does it take?
do i need to change my passport and birth certificate

Answer 1

By a Change of Name Deed. You can type this out yourself on your computer and it should read -

THIS CHANGE OF NAME DEED is made this day of

Two Thousand and by me the undersigned of (address), formerly (former full name).

1.I declare that I have absolutely relinquished and abandoned the use of my former surname of (former surname) and in substitution therefore I have adopted and hereby formally assume the name of (full new name).

2.I intend at all times hereafter the use only the name (new full name) and hereby authorise all persons to designate and address me accordingly.


SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED ] (your new signature)

By the above-named (full new name) ] (formerly known as (full former name)

In the presence of:- ]

----(Witness Name)----------- ] (witness signature)

Of
---(Witness address)----------
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------


---(2nd witness Name)------- ](2nd witness signature)

Of
----(2nd witness address) ---
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------

Date, sign and have the form witnessed. This is now a legal document.
No need to pay for a solicitor or anyone else to do it.

Print out 2 or 3 (and sign and have witnessed) because some organisations will accept photocopies, but some like passport, driving licence etc will require the original, which they will return to you, but it will take a few weeks for it to be returned.

You can't change your birth certificate, but all other docs can be changed. In certain circumstances (ie if you get married) you will have to produce your birth certificate AND your Change of Name Deed, so DON'T lose the originals!

This is in the UK.

Answer 2

Think carefully before embarking on this expensive step. Following seeing your solicitor(attorney) your name will have to be officially changed by Deed poll. Following this, every official document you own will have to be changed: credit/debit cards, passport etc. Official certificates will need to have an addendum attached to show that this is indeed your documentation.You cannot change your Birth Certificate. You should have a very good reason for changing your birth surname, unless it is something really gross like "dogsbreath" etc. Discuss it with your parents because they will be very hurt that you want to do this. If nobody else involved and you cannot live with your name another minute, go ahead and good luck with whatever name you choose.

Answer 3

If you're in the UK then you can do it by Deed Poll.

You don't need a Soclicitor.

I'm doing it now as I want to revert to my maiden name after a divorce.

It costs about £39 plus £15 if you want legal copies of the Deed Poll (because banks etc won't accept photocopies). I also have to pay an extra £4 to change my title from "Mrs" to "Miss". Bit of a rip off really.

It only takes a week or so from the time they receive your form to the time they send your Deed Poll out. Then you just notify everyone you have dealings with the use the Deed Poll as proof of your new name.
Go on the Deed Poll website - you can either put in a request online or send off for a Deed Poll pack.

Answer 4

I changed mine in February 2005. I did it at my solicitors. It cost £49 including v.a.t. I think it took a week. You have to change your passport and that is the price of a new one. You can't change your birth certificate though, that will always stay your birth name. After I left my husband it was the best £50 I had ever spent!!

Answer 5

You change it by Deed Poll via a solicitor, I think it costs about £150. Then you change your passport. I don't think you can change your birth certificate, as that was your name given at birth, but if you need to identify yourself you show people the deedpoll, so that they can see you have changed your name.

Answer 6

You can change your surname by deed-poll - its a legal thing, not sure how you do this, but a solicitor might be able to help or try your local Citizen's Advice Bureau [CAB]. You cannot change any of your forenames however.

The other way to change your surname is to first be female and marry a man with a surname you like. But please remember, that marriage is not just a word, it is a sentence.

Answer 7

I believe you have to contact an attorney, which would cost and probably varies depending on who you contact. Also it has to be published in the newspaper under legals and you have to give a reason you want to change your name. I believe you also have to go to court and state why you want a name change. And then you would go about the task of changing all your documents such as your drivers license, passport, etc.

Answer 8

my daughter of 24 wants to change her surname to mine, she has her fathers surname at present. Do i need a solicitor

Answer 9

If you are in the UK it can be done by deed poll assuming the change is not because of marriage then you just have to inform banks etc. They have a comprehensive website (just type deed poll into the search engine) but can't copy it here as it'd be breach of the copyright.

Answer 10

You can either contact
http://thedeedpoll.co.uk/adult/
it will be £16 or contact any solicitor.
Then when you get the change of name deed then post it to all the people you wish to know your change of name, doctor, dentist, hospital, any body who sends you bills, telephone, water, gas, electric, your bank.
You do not change your birth cert but you will need to change your passport.