Adding or removing a middle name

You can add, remove or change a middle name in Northern Ireland.

To make the change, you will need a deed poll. This is a legal document that sets out your former name and your new name.

What you can change

With a deed poll, you can:

• add a middle name, including if you do not have one
• remove one or more middle names
• replace a middle name with a different one
• add more than one middle name

You do not need to give a reason for changing your name.

Middle names you have never used

Your middle name is part of your legal name, even if you have never used it. You will need a deed poll to remove it from your documents.

Keeping your previous surname as a middle name

When they marry, some people keep their previous surname as a middle name. Your marriage certificate does not cover this, so you will need a deed poll. Find out more about changing your name when getting married.

The rules

Your new middle name cannot include numbers or symbols, other than hyphens and apostrophes. It also cannot be offensive or used to mislead people.

Very long names may be shortened on some documents. Find out more about names you cannot use.

Updating your records

Once you have changed your middle name, you need to tell the organisations that hold your records. Each one will ask to see your deed poll.

Find out more about who to tell.

Apply for a deed poll

It costs £25 to apply for a deed poll with the NI Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.