Signing takes ten minutes, and getting it right first time saves weeks of back and forth. You sign twice, once in your old name and once in your new one, with two witnesses watching. Then they sign too.
Each step is based on what HM Passport Office and the DVLA tell their own staff to check. Sources are listed at the end.
Ask two adult witnesses who aren’t close relatives and don’t live with you. With them watching, sign in your old name and your new name in ink, and make sure it’s dated. Each witness then signs and adds their name and address.
Sign every original copy the same way, never photocopy a signed one and don’t laminate it. That’s exactly what HM Passport Office and the DVLA check for.
They need to be with you in person and see you sign. A video call doesn’t count.
Use the signature you’ve always used, in the space for your old name.
Use your new signature in the space for your new name. HM Passport Office only accepts a deed poll signed in both names.
Fill in the date if it isn’t already printed. The Passport Office won’t accept an undated deed poll.
Each one signs, prints their name and adds their address, plus anything else your deed poll asks for.
Each original is signed by you and both witnesses separately. Do them all in one sitting.
HM Passport Office’s caseworker guidance lists exactly what its staff check: signed in the old and new name, signed by at least one witness, every signature a real ink signature, and dated. Follow the steps above and yours ticks every box. HM Passport Office: evidence to change a name
| Mistake | What happens | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Signing in one name only | The Passport Office asks for a new deed | Sign in your old name and your new name |
| Leaving it undated | The Passport Office won’t accept it | Check the date is filled in |
| A typed or digital signature | Only real ink signatures are accepted | Sign by hand, in ink |
| Signing before your witnesses arrive | They can’t confirm what they didn’t see | Sign a fresh copy with them watching |
| A relative or housemate as witness | Some organisations refuse it | Ask a friend, neighbour or colleague |
| Photocopying a signed copy | The DVLA doesn’t accept photocopies | Sign each original separately |
| Laminating it | The DVLA doesn’t accept laminated certificates | Keep it flat in a folder |
Made a mistake? Don’t cross it out or use correction fluid. Use a fresh copy instead. If you ordered from us, you can order extra copies from your original order. GOV.UK: change the name on your driving licence
We prepare your deed poll from your details and a person checks it before it’s printed, so all you do is sign. £14.95 with free delivery.
Your signature doesn’t have to spell out your new name. It can be any mark you choose to use as your signature. What matters is that you use the same one from now on, because organisations compare them.
Some banks ask for examples of both. The Co-operative Bank, for example, asks for your old and new signatures alongside your proof of name change. Our bank by bank guide lists what each bank wants. The Co-operative Bank: update your contact details
Your deed poll is ready to use the moment it’s signed and witnessed. Take a scan or photo for your own records, then keep the originals flat and safe.
Start with your driving licence, which is free to update, then your passport. Both need your original deed poll, which is why extra originals help: you can send them out at the same time. Our step-by-step guide has the full order, and how many copies you need helps you choose.
Both. HM Passport Office only accepts a deed poll signed in your old name and your new name.
A pen with black ink is best, as it copies and scans clearly. Whatever you use, it must be a real ink signature, not a digital one.
No. Your witnesses must watch you sign. If you’ve already signed, use a fresh copy and sign again in front of them.
Don’t cross it out or use correction fluid. Use a fresh copy instead. If you ordered from us, you can order extra copies from your original order.
No. A signature can be any mark you choose to use. Use the same one from now on, because banks and others compare signatures.
No. The DVLA says not to send laminated certificates, so keep your deed poll flat in a folder instead.
The official rules this guide is based on, checked in October 2026.
Your deed poll, prepared from your details, checked by a person and posted free with clear signing instructions. £14.95, all in.
ChangeYourName.co.uk is an independent UK deed poll provider.
Printed deed poll
£14.95, free delivery