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Practical UK name-change guide

Deed poll originals, certified copies and photocopies

Understand signed originals, certified photocopies and scans, with a dated acceptance guide for DVLA, HM Passport Office, Land Registry and Nationwide.

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Clear document guidance
Practical next steps
Sources linked below
Clear answers, with the source behind them

Practical guidance for your next name-change step. References are linked throughout and collected at the end.

Updated: 17 October 2026
On this pageQuick answerWhat does each document type mean?What major organisations sayWhat our additional copies service suppliesHow many originals should you prepare?A reliable document-handling routineFAQs

The quick answer

A signed original deed poll, a certified photocopy and an ordinary scan are different documents. Acceptance depends on the organisation and the submission route. Extra separately signed originals can help you update several records while keeping a deed available at home.

The practical details

What does each document type mean?

TypeWhat you haveWhat to check
Signed originalA deed completed with the required actual signatures and date.All signature and witness details are complete.
Additional signed originalAnother deed document, separately signed and witnessed.Complete each one properly; do not merely photocopy signatures.
Certified photocopyA copy checked against an original and certified by an acceptable person.The recipient’s rules for who may certify and the required wording.
Photocopy or scanA reproduction without the original signatures or certification.Whether that recipient accepts it through that particular channel.

“Copy” alone is an ambiguous word. When an organisation asks for a certified copy, ask whether it means a certified reproduction or an additional executed original. That small clarification can prevent you from sending the wrong format.

Your next step

What major organisations say

This comparison was checked on 16 October 2026. It summarises the published routes, not every exception or individual identity check.

RecipientPublished positionYour practical action
DVLA driving licenceOriginal name-change documents; no photocopies or laminated certificates.Prepare an executed original and follow the licence application instructions.
HM Passport OfficeOriginal or replacement linking documents, with specific policy exceptions.Do not assume a privately certified photocopy is acceptable merely because it is certified.
HM Land Registry, England and WalesOriginal or certified evidence can support a registered name update.Follow the AP1 and identity-evidence requirements as well.
Nationwide, by postCertified copy with its change-of-name form; originals must not be posted.Check certification requirements or use the branch route.

DVLA: changing your name on a driving licence; HM Passport Office: evidence to change a name; HM Land Registry: update or correct the register; Nationwide: change your name, title or gender

The practical details

What our additional copies service supplies

Our additional copies are prepared using your existing deed poll details and each needs to be signed and witnessed separately. Once properly completed, you have additional executed originals to use when a recipient needs original name-change evidence.

The ordering page calls these “additional certified copies”. Each additional original needs to be signed and witnessed in accordance with the instructions supplied. If a recipient specifically requests that kind of certified photocopy, follow its certification instructions.

The practical details

How many originals should you prepare?

Start with your update list rather than a fixed number. Count the organisations that need an original by post at the same time, then decide whether you also want one retained at home. Branch inspection and approved uploads may reduce the number you need to send away.

For example, if you plan to update a passport and driving licence concurrently and both require an original deed, two completed originals allow separate submissions. A third can remain in your records. Extra copies provide flexibility; they do not change the authority’s processing time.

If you are replacing evidence for a name change made years ago, read our lost deed poll guide before assuming freshly signed papers will satisfy a historical-evidence request.

Keep your updates moving

Order additional deed poll copies when you need documents available for several organisations. Follow the signing instructions for each original you intend to use.

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Step by step

A reliable document-handling routine

Ask the recipient for the document type and submission channel.

Check whether supporting identity documents are also needed.

Keep a secure reference scan before posting an original.

Record the document sent and retain proof of posting.

Check the returned paperwork and revised record together.

Store originals flat and securely; avoid laminating documents needed for DVLA.

For certification, use the recipient’s approved certifier and wording. Check whether it wants a separately signed original or a photocopy certified by an approved professional, as those are different document formats.

Your questions answered

Frequently asked questions

A further deed properly signed and witnessed is an additional executed original. It differs from a photocopy of signatures.

Its driving-licence guidance asks for original documents and says not to send photocopies or laminated certificates.

No. Requirements can differ by bank and by branch, postal or digital route. Check the route you intend to use.

Only where the recipient permits that method. Keep scans for reference, but do not assume they replace an original for every application.

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

Lost your deed poll after several name changes?

Read the practical steps and document guidance.

Passport proof of your new name in use

Read the practical steps and document guidance.

Change name with bank

Read the practical steps and document guidance.

Prepared for your next step

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

Order additional deed poll copies when you need documents available for several organisations. Follow the signing instructions for each original you intend to use. Individually prepared and checked, with free UK delivery.

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