Change your name by deed poll

A deed poll is a legal document that changes your name in Northern Ireland.

You can use it to update your name on your passport, driving licence, bank account and other records.

How to apply

Play video

You can apply for a deed poll online. You will need:

• your current name
• the name you want to change to
• your address in Northern Ireland
• an email address

You can change your name at any time. You do not need to give a reason.

After you apply

You will receive a confirmation email once you've applied.

Your deed poll should arrive within 4 working days.

Signing your deed poll

You need to sign your deed poll in front of 2 witnesses. They must also sign it.

Your witnesses must be 18 or over and know you personally. They cannot be close relatives or live at the same address as you.

Most people ask friends, neighbours or work colleagues to act as witnesses.

Your deed poll becomes legally valid once you and your witnesses have signed it.

Using your deed poll

You can use your deed poll to tell organisations that you have changed your name. This includes:

• HM Passport Office
• the Driver and Vehicle Agency
• your bank or building society
• your employer

Each organisation has its own process for changing your name. You will need to provide your deed poll as proof of the change.

What you can change your name to

You can change your name to almost anything.

Your new name cannot:

• include numbers or symbols
• be offensive
• suggest a title you are not entitled to, such as Lord or Doctor

You can change your first name, middle names or surname. You can also add or remove names or change the spelling of your name.

Changing a child's name

You can change a child's name by deed poll if the child is under 16.

Everyone with parental responsibility for the child must agree to the change.

If someone with parental responsibility does not agree, you will need to apply to a court.