Santander handles name changes in branch. Bring personal ID, proof the account is yours and one document proving the change. An unenrolled deed poll needs a passport or driving licence in your new name alongside it.
Banks change their processes from time to time, so if anything differs when you get in touch, follow Santander’s instructions. Every source is linked.
Visit a Santander branch with some personal ID, proof that you own the account and one supporting document. Santander accepts a marriage or civil partnership certificate, decree absolute, enrolled deed poll or Scottish Registry, statutory declaration, final court order or adoption certificate. An unenrolled deed poll is accepted with one ID document in your new name, such as a passport or driving licence.
One document from the list below proves the change.
Santander asks for some personal ID. If you’re using an unenrolled deed poll, one ID document must be in your new name.
Santander asks for proof of account ownership as well as ID.
Santander says you’ll need to visit a branch if you’ve changed your name.
| Document | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Marriage or civil partnership certificate | Yes |
| Decree absolute | Yes |
| Enrolled deed poll or Scottish Registry | Yes |
| Unenrolled deed poll | Yes, with 1 ID document in your new name, for example a passport or driving licence |
| Statutory declaration | Yes |
| Final court order document | Yes |
| Adoption certificate | Yes |
Santander asks for one of these documents, alongside your personal ID and proof of account ownership.
Santander accepts an unenrolled deed poll, as long as you bring one ID document in your new name with it. It gives a passport or driving licence as examples.
The simplest order is: deed poll, then driving licence or passport, then the branch. Changing the name on a GB driving licence is free, and our driving licence guide covers what DVLA needs. Our passport guide covers the Passport Office.
There’s no need to enrol your deed poll for Santander if you can show new-name ID. An enrolled deed poll is accepted without it, but enrolment costs a court fee and puts your name change on public record.
Deed poll first, then your driving licence or passport, then the branch. Each step uses the document before it.
The original, from the list above.
In your new name if you’re using an unenrolled deed poll.
Santander asks for proof of account ownership.
Santander’s help page doesn’t say how long the change takes or how cards are reissued, so ask while you’re in the branch.
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 Santander 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.
Santander says you’ll need to visit a branch with some personal ID and proof of account ownership if you’ve changed your name.
Yes, with one ID document in your new name, such as a passport or driving licence.
Update your driving licence or passport first, or use another document on Santander’s list that fits your situation, such as a marriage certificate or statutory declaration.
Its list includes an enrolled deed poll or Scottish Registry.
No. An unenrolled deed poll is accepted with one ID document in your new name. An enrolled one is accepted without it.
Use the relevant organisation’s instructions when submitting your documents.
Your deed poll, then your new-name ID, then Santander. 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