Who to tell when you change your name

Once you have changed your name by deed poll in Northern Ireland, you need to tell the organisations that hold your records. Each one updates its own records, so you will need to contact them one by one.

Most organisations will ask to see your deed poll as proof of the change.

There is no deadline for most updates.

Updates you must make

You must tell:

• the Driver and Vehicle Agency, to keep your driving licence details accurate
• anyone you owe money to, such as lenders and credit card providers

Government organisations

Driving licence

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) issues driving licences in Northern Ireland. You can update your name by post, and there is no fee. Find out more about updating your driving licence.

Vehicle registration

Vehicle registration is handled separately by the DVLA in Swansea. You will need to update your name on your vehicle log book (V5C) with them.

Passport

HM Passport Office asks for your deed poll and evidence that you are using your new name, such as a payslip or an updated driving licence.

You do not need to update your passport straight away. You can keep using it until it expires, but any travel you book must match the name on your passport. Find out more about updating your passport.

Tax and National Insurance

Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) so your tax and National Insurance records are correct.

Benefits

If you get benefits, including Universal Credit, tell the Department for Communities. Your payments may be delayed if your records do not match your identification.

Rates

Contact Land and Property Services to update the name on your rates account.

Electoral register

Update your details with the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.

Health records

Tell your GP practice, and they will update your health records.

Banks and money

Tell every bank and building society you have an account with. Each has its own process, and most will ask to see your deed poll and photo identification.

You will also need to tell credit card providers, lenders, pension providers and any savings or investment providers separately, even if they are part of the same group as your bank.

Work and education

Tell your employer so they can update your payroll, pension and other records.

If you are a student, tell your school, college or university.

Other organisations

You will also need to update your name with:

• gas, electricity, phone and broadband providers
• insurance providers, including car, home and life insurance
• professional bodies, memberships and subscriptions

Anything you miss can be updated when it comes up.

Showing your deed poll

Organisations will usually ask to see your original deed poll. Some will also ask for photo identification. Some keep it while they process the change, then return it.

If you want to update several records at the same time, you can order extra copies when you apply.

Your birth certificate

Your birth certificate cannot be updated. It records your name at birth. You can show it alongside your deed poll when you need to prove your identity.

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.