How can I change my name?

Question

Legally of course... how much will it cost... how long will it take? How old do I have to be?

I would like to actually change my surname as my surname is quite wired, also the family it is from are horrible and I am awfully ashamed to carry it... I'd like my own name I choose... Having to write my name everywhere reminds me of my family... don't like 'em...

Answer 1

16 with parental consent 18 on your own it is done through a solicitor and costs around 50 to 60 quid

Answer 2

I changed my surname a few months back so here's what I know of it.

You need to be at least 16 to change your name - but once you are 16 you do not need parental consent (my dad still has no idea!). However, parental consent is necessary if you are getting a new passport in your changed name - it only needs to be a written note with their signature though. If you cannot get consent you can still go ahead with the name change but you cannot get a new passport until you turn 18. Also, fun names (i.e. Mickey Mouse) can be refused to those under 18. Under the age of 16 and those with parental responsibility can change it for you.

Once you are 18 there are almost no limits, as long as you do not choose a name to pretend you are someone else (i.e. fraud).

I went on the deed poll website - www.ukdps.co.uk - and got them to send me the paperwork. (Do check out the website as I believe it will answer many of your questions.) Over the internet it costs 34 pounds (my keyboard wont type pound signs), but it's 5 pounds more by post. Technically that is the only cost, but I would advise getting legal copies as many institutions such as banks only accept legal copies and if you lose the original document without getting legal copies you have to pay for your name to be changed again - legal copies cost 13 pounds for the archive service (necessary for legal copies) plus 1 pound for each legal copy ordered up with a minimum of two - the form I got through in the post explained all of the costs (and getting the form does not constitute an agreement to change your name!), whilst the website goes through some examples of cost calculations.

It was very quick to come through - just a few days in the post. If you do not order legal copies, then as soon as the official name change document gets sent to you (i.e. the thing you paid for) and you and one other person have signed it, it becomes legally binding immediately. If you get legal copies then you have to send it back for the copies to be made and then they'll send it back to you with the copies - that shouldn't really add more than a week to the process. You can also pay a bit extra for faster delivery if you need it quickly.

Use the name you want to be known by before you change though - it can seem a bit weird and you want to make sure you feel right with it!

Answer 3

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, though I don't know how to handle it with my parents? I want to change my surname to my mother's maiden name simply because I like it more and I don't particularly like my current one- my Dad's family name. I'm a bit unsure about how to handle it though with him? He maybe upset that I don't want to be called by the same name as him? Any ideas about how to approach it?

also- if I change it, and I get married, will my wife assume my new surname, or will it be my old one?
sorry to hijack the thread!

Answer 4

You can apply for the papers on line, you need to be over 16 to change it yourself, but you can be known by any name as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes.
To be known as you need to contact the relevant people, ie your bank, gp any schools, colleges or workplace.
However if you do this you will not be able to change your passport. You can never change your birth certificate, but you can send the deed poll certificate along with the birth cert to prove you have changed your name.
If you apply on line it costs £34.
Please see the link below
Hope this helps

Answer 5

It is called Deed Poll in the UK I think it costs £100, someone I know changed there name from Phillip to Stephanie by this method, although for most purposes you can call yourself what you want.

I guess you are having a sex change, right?

Answer 6

I went to my local solicitor about changing my name and they wanted to charge me £64. I changed my forename in 1974 without paying because I was under 16. You just have to use the name you want - as long as your under 16. If your older than this you will have to pay for this privilige.

Answer 7

Get legal advice. A lawyer can answer all those questions.

Answer 8

not sure but whats wrong with your name.... i like James. unless of course thats what you want it to be. or maybe its your surname. sorry i dont know... sure someone on here does though.

Answer 9

You can change it by depole.....not sure how much it cost s now but worth it.

Answer 10

you need to go to your local registration place and do it all legally by dipole.