RBS uses the same process as NatWest: an eForm in the app and an emailed image of your document, or Telephone Banking, or a branch. It accepts enrolled and unenrolled deed polls.
Banks change their processes from time to time, so if anything differs when you get in touch, follow RBS’s instructions. Every source is linked.
In the RBS app, select your initials or picture at the top left, choose Personal details, then the arrow next to your legal name, and complete the eForm. Then email an image of your supporting document to [email protected], with your current name and your main account number and sort code in the subject line. RBS says your name is updated in 2 to 4 working days. Telephone Banking on 03457 242 424 and branches work too, and a deed poll can be enrolled or unenrolled.
RBS says you’ll need its app, biometric security registered, and supporting documents showing your full new legal name.
Log in, select your initials or picture at the top left of the screen, choose Personal details, then select the arrow next to your legal name.
Review your current name details, pass biometric security, then complete the eForm telling RBS your new legal name.
Send it to [email protected]. In the subject line, include your current name and your main account number and sort code. RBS says your name will be updated in 2 to 4 working days.
| Other route | What you need |
|---|---|
| Telephone Banking | 03457 242 424 (Relay UK 18001 03457 242 424, or +44 (0)131 549 8888 from overseas). Press 4 to reach the team, and have your Telephone or Digital 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 a member of the RBS team will guide you through it. |
Royal Bank of Scotland: how do I change my name with the bank?
| Why your name changed | In the app | 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 links 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 |
For any change of name that isn’t marriage, divorce or adoption, RBS 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 an image, so check it’s sharp before you send it. Both names, the date, your signatures and your witness’s details should all be readable. Keep the original safe at home.
RBS adds that a deed poll registered in Scotland is known as a Change of Name Deed. Our guide to changing your name in Scotland covers the Scottish routes.
You’ll email an image of your document, so every name, date and signature needs to be clear. Start with a deed poll that’s been checked.
RBS lets you change your gender status without providing documents, though it says it can only process male or female at the moment. It can also update your title to a gender-neutral one such as Mx.
NatWest 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 NatWest.
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 RBS 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.
RBS says your name will be updated in 2 to 4 working days if you use the app or Telephone Banking.
Yes. RBS says a deed poll can be enrolled or unenrolled, also known as a ‘Make Your Own Deed Poll’.
[email protected], after you’ve completed the eForm in the app. Put your current name and your main account number and sort code in the subject line.
Telephone Banking is 03457 242 424, or 18001 03457 242 424 through Relay UK and +44 (0)131 549 8888 from overseas. Press 4 to speak to the team.
Yes. RBS says it can update titles to gender-neutral ones such as Mx, and you can change your gender status without providing documents.
Use the relevant organisation’s instructions when submitting your documents.
A deed poll Royal Bank of Scotland 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