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Practical UK name-change guide

How to change your name with Nationwide Building Society

Nationwide updates your name in a branch, or by post with its change of name form and a certified copy of your proof. Here’s what to take, what to send, and the two Nationwide rules that catch people out.

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Checked against Nationwide’s own pages
Branch or post
Sources linked below
Based on Nationwide’s own pages, checked on 28 October 2026

Building societies change their processes from time to time, so if anything differs when you get in touch, follow Nationwide’s instructions. Every source is linked.

Updated: 28 October 2026
On this pageQuick answerBranch or postWhat to showYour deed pollCards and Virgin MoneyAfter the changeFAQs

The quick answer

Take proof of your name change into any Nationwide branch and the staff will update your details. If you’d rather post it, fill in Nationwide’s change of name form and send it with a certified copy of your proof to Nationwide Building Society, Swindon, SN38 1NW. Don’t post originals: Nationwide says it can’t accept them by post or send them back. Changing a first name needs a deed poll or statutory declaration, and any new cards or chequebooks follow within 10 working days.

How it works

Two ways to tell Nationwide

RouteWhat happensWhat to bring or send
In a branchA member of staff looks at your proof and updates your details there.Your proof of name change. Nationwide says the ID it needs depends on whether the change is for an adult or a child.
By postFill in the change of name form, then post it to Nationwide Building Society, Swindon, SN38 1NW.A certified copy of your proof. Nationwide says it can’t accept original documents in the post or send originals back.

Nationwide’s help page only lists these two routes. It doesn’t mention changing your name in the app, in the Internet Bank or over the phone, so plan on a branch visit or a form. Nationwide: change your name, title or gender

The form itself says that if you’re under 13, or your accounts are managed by an adult, you should visit a branch instead of posting it. If your address or contact details have changed too, Nationwide wants a separate change of address form.

Documents

The proof Nationwide asks for

Why your name changedProof listed on Nationwide’s form
Marriage or civil partnershipMarriage or civil partnership certificate
Divorce or dissolutionDecree absolute or dissolution order
Deed poll or statutory declarationThe deed poll or statutory declaration itself
A new first nameA deed poll or statutory declaration. The form says you must produce one to record a change to any of your forenames.
Anything elseThe form has an “Other” option where you explain the reason

The form also asks for your previous signature and your new one, each in its own box in black ink, and a declaration that you’ll only use your new name with the Society from now on. Nationwide: change of name form (IF12, November 2025)

Changing a first name? A marriage certificate won’t do it, even if you’re changing your surname at the same time. Nationwide’s form is clear that a change to a forename needs a deed poll or a statutory declaration.

Deed polls

Using a deed poll with Nationwide

Nationwide lists a deed poll as proof of a name change and doesn’t ask for it to be enrolled. Make sure yours is complete before you use it: signed in your old and new names, dated, and witnessed.

In a branch, take the signed original. Staff see it there and then, so it comes home with you.

By post, send a certified copy instead. Nationwide’s help page doesn’t say who can certify it, so ask Nationwide before you post, or use a branch and skip the question altogether. Our guide to originals, certified copies and photocopies explains the difference, because a photocopy someone has signed isn’t always what an organisation means by certified.

Need the document Nationwide asks for?

Changing your first name, or your surname for a reason other than marriage? Nationwide asks for a deed poll or statutory declaration.

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Your next step

Your cards, joint accounts and Virgin Money

Nationwide says any cards or chequebooks you need will be sent within 10 working days of your name change being processed. It also warns that you might still get a few messages in your old name for a short time afterwards.

On a joint account, Nationwide’s form points out that your new name may appear on statements the other account holder can see. If you’re not happy with that, tell Nationwide before you send the request.

Got accounts with Virgin Money as well? Nationwide says you need to contact both of them separately, so changing your name with one doesn’t update the other. See our guide to changing your name with Virgin Money.

Afterwards

Once Nationwide has your new name

Nationwide also asks you to check the contact details it holds for you once the change is made, so that anything it sends reaches you.

Your account number and sort code stay the same, so your salary, Direct Debits and standing orders keep running. What does need a nudge is anyone who pays you. Banks check the name you’re paid under through Confirmation of Payee, and Pay.UK says a personal account has to match the exact registered name. Once Nationwide has your new name, someone paying you under the old one may be told it doesn’t match, so give your employer, landlord and regular payers the new name too. Pay.UK: Confirmation of Payee

Your credit file catches up as lenders report your new name. Our guide to name changes and your credit report explains how the old and new names stay linked, and the name change checklist keeps track of everyone else.

Your questions answered

Frequently asked questions

Nationwide’s help page lists two ways to change your name: in a branch, or by post with its change of name form. It doesn’t mention the app or the Internet Bank.

No. Nationwide says it can’t accept original documents in the post or send originals back. Send a certified copy with the form, or take the original into a branch.

Nationwide’s change of name form lists a deed poll as proof of a name change and doesn’t say it has to be enrolled. Make sure it’s properly signed and witnessed.

A deed poll or a statutory declaration. Nationwide’s form says you must produce one of these to record a change to any of your forenames.

Nationwide says any cards or chequebooks you need will be sent within 10 working days of the change being processed.

Check the detail

Sources for this guide

Guidance and reference pages

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

Continue your name change

Related guides

Changing your name with your bank

What UK banks ask for, and what to do if one turns your deed poll down.

Changing your name with Virgin Money

Branches, credit cards and mortgages each have their own route.

Originals, certified copies and photocopies

Which version of your deed poll to send, and when.

Prepared for your next step

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