Use this section to find out how to change your forename or surname, as appropriate. Below you will find a summary on the topic, if you would like more information, click on the links in the left-hand side of page.

Provided a person does not wish to deceive or defraud anyone, they may call themself by any surname they choose. They may change their surname informally and later swear a statement confirming the new name or they may change their surname formally by a deed poll. If they wish, they may register the change of their surname but there is no obligation. Certain people have an obligation to tell the immigration authorities if they change their surname.

Changing a forename can be more complicated than some people may think. Some names cannot officially be changed at all unless the government or the Queen allows it. In practice though there is of course nothing to stop someone being called by whatever name they wish.

There is no requirement for a person to adopt any formality in changing their surname. However, a surname may be changed formally in three ways:

• by Act of Parliament;
• by royal licence;
• by deed poll.

Occasionally people will change their surname to comply with a name and arms clause in a will or settlement. The clause will set out precise what the person has to do to become entitled to the benefit. If they do not comply with the clause, they will not be entitled to the benefit.

If a person does not wish to change their surname formally, they may start to use their new surname and later swear a statutory declaration to confirm their use of their new surname.