Changing your name on the electoral register

The quick answer

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, register again on GOV.UK with your new name. GOV.UK says you need to register again if you’ve changed your name, and it usually takes about five minutes. Your council may ask for evidence, such as your deed poll or marriage certificate. In Northern Ireland, use the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland instead. Once you’re updated, check your credit files, and if you need photo ID to vote, make sure the names match.

The practical details

How to update your name on the register

Where you live	How to update your name	Good to know
England, Scotland or Wales	Register to vote again on GOV.UK with your new details.	You’ll be asked for your National Insurance number, but you can still register without one. Some councils also offer a change of name form.
Northern Ireland	The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI).	Northern Ireland has its own form, returned to EONI rather than a local council.
Living abroad	The electoral registration office that confirmed your overseas registration.	Contact that office rather than using the UK resident service.

GOV.UK says you can update your name, address or nationality by registering again with your new details, and that registering usually takes about five minutes. GOV.UK: register to vote

Your next step

What your council might ask to see

New applications are checked against government records. Wandsworth Council explains that where a match can’t be found, you’ll be sent a request for evidence of identity. So it can help to update your tax and benefit records first, then the register. Our guide to changing your name with HMRC shows how. Wandsworth Council: evidence of identity

If you use a council’s paper change of name form instead, expect to show evidence. Stockport Council, for example, asks for a marriage or civil partnership certificate, a deed poll or an amended birth certificate, and accepts originals or copies, preferring copies by post. Stockport Council: change your name on the electoral register

The practical details

Why it matters for credit checks

There are two versions of the register. Everyone’s name and address goes on the full register, and you can’t opt out of it. GOV.UK lists checking applications for loans or credit among its permitted uses. If the register still shows your old name, a lender’s checks may find it harder to match your application to you. GOV.UK: the open register and the full register

The open register is the version anyone can buy. You can opt out of it using the same register to vote service, and opting out doesn’t affect your right to vote. Updating your name is a good moment to check which you’d prefer.

After you’ve updated the register and your lenders, check your credit files with each agency. Our guide to credit reports after a name change explains what to look for.

One document for every record

Start with a prepared deed poll, then update the electoral register, your bank and your credit files with the same clear evidence.

Order a printed deed poll What’s included

The practical details

Voter ID: make sure the names match

You need photo ID to vote in person at UK parliamentary elections, some local and mayoral elections in England, Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales, and some referendums in England. GOV.UK says the name on your ID must match your name on the electoral register. GOV.UK: photo ID you’ll need to vote

If your passport or driving licence is still in your old name, you can either re-register so the names match, or take a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, to the polling station. A deed poll proves a change in the same way. Small differences, like Jim instead of James, are fine, and expired photo ID still counts. Polling station staff make the final call.

No accepted photo ID? You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate in the name you’re registered under. Apply on GOV.UK.

The practical details

If your safety is a concern

Some people change their name to put distance between themselves and someone else. If having your name and address on the register could put you or someone in your household at risk, you can apply to register anonymously. You’ll need a court document or an attestation from an authorised person, and the register shows a code instead of your name and address. You can still vote. Stockport Council: anonymous registration

Ask your council’s electoral services team about it before you re-register with your new name. Our guide to changing your name by personal choice covers the deed poll side.

Your questions answered

Frequently asked questions

Yes. GOV.UK says you need to register again if you’ve changed your name. It usually takes about five minutes online.

If your photo ID is in your old name, GOV.UK says you can bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate. A deed poll proves a change in the same way. Polling station staff decide whether to accept it.

Lenders can use the full register when they check credit applications, so it helps if it shows your current name. Update your lenders and credit files too.

It might. Applications are checked against government records, and if they don’t match, the council asks for evidence. Some councils’ change of name forms always ask for it.

No. You can opt out of the open register using the register to vote service, and it doesn’t affect your right to vote.

Check the detail

Sources for this guide

Guidance and reference pages

Use the relevant organisation’s instructions when submitting your documents.

Prepared for your next step

Your new name. Your deed poll, taken care of.

A prepared deed poll gives your council, your lenders and everyone else one clear document linking your names. Individually prepared and checked, with free UK delivery.

Order for £14.95 See what’s included

The quick answer

How to update your name on the register

What your council might ask to see

Why it matters for credit checks

One document for every record

Voter ID: make sure the names match

If your safety is a concern

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to re-register to vote after changing my name?▾

Can I use my deed poll at the polling station?▾

Does the electoral register affect credit checks?▾

Will my council ask for proof of my new name?▾

Do I have to be on the open register?▾

Sources for this guide

Guidance and reference pages

Related guides

Credit reports after a name change

Changing your name with HMRC and National Insurance

Your complete name-change checklist

Your new name. Your deed poll, taken care of.