NatWest says the quickest way is its app: an eForm, then an email with a photo of your document. Telephone Banking and branches work too, and NatWest accepts enrolled and unenrolled deed polls.
Banks change their processes from time to time, so if anything differs when you get in touch, follow NatWest’s instructions. Every source is linked.
In the NatWest app, open your profile, go to Personal details and select your legal name, then complete the eForm. Email a photo of your supporting document to [email protected] with your current name, account number and sort code in the subject line. NatWest says your name is updated in 2 to 4 working days. You can also call Telephone Banking on 03457 888 444, or visit a branch with your debit card, photo ID and documents. A deed poll can be enrolled or unenrolled.
Log in, select your initials or picture at the top left, choose Personal details, then select the arrow next to your legal name.
Review your current name details, pass biometric security, and complete the eForm telling NatWest your new legal name.
Send it to [email protected]. In the subject line, put your current name and your main account number and sort code.
NatWest says your name will be updated in 2 to 4 working days.
| Other route | What you need |
|---|---|
| Telephone Banking | 03457 888 444 (Relay UK 18001 03457 888 444, or +44 8705 888 444 from abroad). Have your Online or Telephone Banking login details ready. Also 2 to 4 working days. |
| Branch | Your debit card, because you’ll tap in your PIN to prove it’s you, plus photo ID and your supporting documents. |
| Credit card only | Call the number on the back of your card and NatWest will guide you through it. |
| Why your name changed | App or phone | In branch |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage or civil partnership | Marriage or civil partnership certificate | The same |
| Divorce or dissolution | Decree absolute and birth certificate, or final dissolution order and birth certificate | The same, or decree absolute and a passport in your former name |
| Going back to a former name | Your marriage certificate on its own can be enough if it shows both your married and former names | The same |
| Separated, not divorced | Marriage certificate and birth certificate | Marriage certificate with suitable ID and address documents |
| Adoption | A deed poll letter | A deed poll letter, or acceptable ID and address documents |
| Any other change | Deed poll or statutory declaration. The deed poll can be enrolled or unenrolled | Deed poll (registered or non-registered) or statutory declaration |
NatWest is unusually clear about this. For any change of name that isn’t marriage, divorce or adoption, it accepts a deed poll or statutory declaration, and says the deed poll “can be enrolled or unenrolled (also known as a ‘Make Your Own Deed Poll’)”. In branch it uses the words registered or non-registered for the same thing.
If you use the app, you’ll be emailing a photo, so make sure every part of the deed poll is legible: both names, the date, your signatures and your witness’s details. Keep the original safe at home.
In Scotland, NatWest notes that a deed poll registered there is known as a Change of Name Deed.
You need a clear photo of a complete, signed and witnessed deed poll. Start with one that’s been checked.
NatWest lets you change your gender status without providing documents, though it says it can only process male or female at the moment. A title change that’s part of a name change goes through the same process as the name change.
Royal Bank of Scotland is part of the same group and uses the same process, with its own email address and phone number. See our guide to changing your name with Royal Bank of Scotland.
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 NatWest 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.
NatWest says your name will be updated in 2 to 4 working days when you use the app or Telephone Banking.
Yes. NatWest says a deed poll can be enrolled or unenrolled, also known as a ‘Make Your Own Deed Poll’.
[email protected], after completing the eForm in the app. Put your current name and your main account number and sort code in the subject line.
No. NatWest says the quickest way is the app, and you can also do it through Telephone Banking. A branch works too if you’d prefer.
Yes. NatWest says you can request a change of gender status without documents, though it can only process male or female at the moment.
Use the relevant organisation’s instructions when submitting your documents.
A deed poll NatWest accepts, and every other organisation on your list. Individually prepared and checked, with free UK delivery.
ChangeYourName.co.uk is an independent UK deed poll provider.
Printed deed poll
£14.95, free delivery