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Preferred names

Using a preferred name without a deed poll

Lots of people go by a name that isn’t on their passport: a middle name, a shortened name or a completely new one. You can use it socially, and many employers, schools and banks will put it on emails, badges and apps. But payroll, your passport and your bank statements stick to your legal name, and that’s where a deed poll comes in.

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Where a preferred name works
Where only your legal name will do
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Preferred names and legal names

Checked against HMRC, the Home Office, HM Passport Office and NHS England. Sources are listed at the end.

Updated: 30 October 2026
On this pageQuick answerWhere it worksWhere it doesn’tGoing by your middle nameMaking it legalFAQs

The quick answer

You don’t need a deed poll to be called by a preferred name. Friends, colleagues and most organisations will use it if you ask, and some banks, such as Monzo and Chase, let you set one in their app.

But a preferred name sits alongside your legal name, not instead of it. HMRC tells employers to put your first full forename on payroll, not a nickname, and your passport and bank statements carry your legal name. If you want one name everywhere, a deed poll makes your preferred name your legal name. Ours is £14.95, posted free.

Without a deed poll

Where a preferred name works

WhereYour preferred name?What stays in your legal name
Friends, family and social mediaYesNothing
Work email, badge and directoryUsually, if your employer agreesPayroll, your contract and right to work records
Your bank’s appSometimes, for example with Monzo and ChaseYour account, statements and certain documents
Your child’s schoolA “known as” name, day to dayThe admission register and exam entries
Your GP practiceAsk what it can recordYour NHS record, until you send proof of a change

Our Monzo and Chase guides explain how their preferred and chosen names work, and changing a child’s name at school covers “known as” names.

A common case

Going by your middle name

If you go by your middle name, it’s already part of your legal name, so you may not need to change anything. Plenty of people find forms, payroll and bank cards keep using their first name, though, and want their documents to lead with the name they use.

A deed poll can reorder your names, drop a first name or move it to the middle, so the name you use comes first everywhere. GOV.UK says you can change any part of your name, add or remove names, or change the spelling. Our guides to changing your first name and changing your middle name explain. GOV.UK: change your name by deed poll

One name, everywhere

Make your preferred name your legal name and update everything at once. Same-day processing when you order by 6pm, Monday to Friday.

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Frequently asked questions

No. You can ask people and organisations to call you by a preferred name without one. You only need a deed poll to change your legal name on your passport, payroll and other official records.

Usually not. HMRC tells employers to use your first full forename and not nicknames or familiar names, so payroll uses your legal name.

Generally your card and statements carry your legal name. Some banks, such as Monzo and Chase, let you set a preferred or chosen name in the app.

Yes. Your middle name is part of your legal name, so you can go by it freely. A deed poll can reorder your names if you want it to come first on your documents.

Many will for email, badges and directories, but payroll and right to work records stay in your legal name. Ask HR what it can change.

When the gap between your two names starts causing problems at work, at the bank or when you travel. A deed poll makes your preferred name your legal name from the day you sign it.

Check the detail

Sources for this guide

Guidance and reference pages

The official rules this guide is based on, checked in October 2026.

Continue your name change

Related guides

What is my legal name?

What counts, and how to prove it.

Can I change my first name?

Yes, and here’s how.

Changing your name at work

Payroll, HR and your employer’s records.

Ready when you are

Make the name you use your legal name.

A deed poll prepared from your details, checked by a person and posted free. £14.95, with same-day processing when you order by 6pm, Monday to Friday.

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