The process of altering your name by deed poll in Wales has official steps that must be followed to make a legal change. There are various reasons why someone might want to change their name, such as taking on a partner’s surname after marriage or reverting to a maiden name post-divorce. The motivation could also simply be a desire for a fresh moniker. The UK Government states that changing your name without a legal process is possible for everyday use, but for official documents, a deed poll is usually necessary.
A deed poll is a legal document that proves a name change, allowing alterations to any part of a name, including additions, removals, or spelling changes. There are two types of deed polls: unenrolled and enrolled. Both have the same legal status, but an enrolled deed poll becomes a public document accessible to anyone with basic details. It is also published in the London Gazette online. Conversely, an unenrolled deed poll keeps the process private, though some organisations may not accept it as evidence of a name change.
To complete an unenrolled deed poll, individuals over 16 can do so with two witnesses aged 18 or above, except some organisations might not recognise it if witnesses are close relatives. For an enrolled deed poll, one must apply to the Royal Courts of Justice, with forms available online at a cost of £42.44. Details on changing name on official documents like a driving licence or passport can be found on the UK Government’s website.
In cases of changing a surname after marriage or civil partnership, sending a copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate to an official record-holder suffices, and there is no need for a deed poll. For those changing their name post-divorce or civil partnership dissolution, providing marriage or civil partnership certificates along with decree absolute or final order can effect the change. Notably, individuals registered as offenders must notify the police within three days of a name change in person at the designated local police station, as non-compliance is a criminal offence.