Hi everyone,

I've been told to do everything you need to do to change your name you don't need a formal deed pole, but just a stat dec which a Solicitor has witnessed/signed. The reason I was advised this is because a deep pole is far more expensive.

I can't seem to find any 'official' deed pole websites, they all seem to be private companies offering their services, but it looks like you can actually get it done fairly cheaply.

Does anyone know the best way to go about changing your name?

Then also, I'd like to get this done before going back for my next clinic appointment in the hope I get the official letter that will enable me to change my gender marker on my driving licence and passport etc. How does this all work in the mean time? What I mean is, once I've legally changed my name don't I need to immediately inform the DVLA and other organisations?  At this point I would only be able to change my name, which would then mean going back later to change the gender marker.

Can I wait a while, until I have both things in place?

If anyone has any advice on how the process works in the UK I'd be really grateful.

Thanks.

Matt

This is what we have in the Wiki:

United Kingdom

Changing your name legally in the United Kingdom is a relatively easy process and can be done in a number of ways. Firstly you need to prove who you currently are, by supplying an up to date passport, drivers licence as proof of identity and then two utility bills, bank statements to provide proof of address.

The two ways to change your name are either by Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration, both are legally accepted by any agency or government body in changing other relevant documents (such as new passports, driving licence). There are a number of online companies that specialize in providing documentation, which is legally accepted under UK law. These are generally cheaper, but take longer and any mistakes are not easily rectified.

These need to be completed, witnessed and signed in the presence of a solicitor, magistrate or commissioner for oaths as you are then signing to say you revoke your previous name and will only use your new name in all circumstances. Once changed it is an offence (Fraud) to use your previous name. The service will cost approximately 50 GBP.

You will be provided with an original copy and it is always best to get a number (up to 5) certified copies of the original. Depending on what Government Department or Private company you are dealing with, you will be asked to provide the original (required for a passport) or certified copies. Having a number of these enables you to send off many name change requests at a time, remember to always request they be sent back.

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Changing_legal_name

Here's a thread: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,85791.0.html

Hope this helps, hugs, Devlyn

Ah fab thanks, and thanks for the links.

Do you know whether I can wait until I have both my name change and the letter stating gender change before making relevant changes, or do I need to change everything twice?

Would be a bit weird to have drivers licence etc saying Matthew - female!

I wish I had that answer for you, I haven't done any of this. Someone will come along, though. Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on September 06, 2013, 12:12:19 PM
I wish I had that answer for you, I haven't done any of this. Someone will come along, though. Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks Devlyn

Quote from: Mattfromengland on September 06, 2013, 12:08:40 PM
Ah fab thanks, and thanks for the links.

Do you know whether I can wait until I have both my name change and the letter stating gender change before making relevant changes, or do I need to change everything twice?

Would be a bit weird to have drivers licence etc saying Matthew - female!

All you need are your statuary declaration and letter from gender specialist for driving licence, passport etc. A month's or so delay is not going to get you done for fraud.

Quote from: Nicolette on September 06, 2013, 12:25:56 PM
All you need are your statuary declaration and letter from gender specialist for driving licence, passport etc. A month's or so delay is not going to get you done for fraud.

Hmmmm very good point when you put it like that, my question sounds a little OTT with my worrying!!!!

Thanks

Oh and any thoughts on stat dec V deed pole?

Quote from: Mattfromengland on September 06, 2013, 12:52:28 PM
Hmmmm very good point when you put it like that, my question sounds a little OTT with my worrying!!!!

Thanks

Oh and any thoughts on stat dec V deed pole?

A statuary declaration is used to formalise a name change that you made some time back. A deed poll is for a new name change. You need to sign the document in both your old name and new name in the presence of two witnesses. You do not need to enrol or publish the deed poll to use it as documentary proof of your name change.

Changing your name by deed poll is easy and very cheap.  You can do it on the internet for about £30.  To change your passport or driving licence, you need your deed poll and a letter from your doctor/therapist.  For changing your birth certificate, you have to go through a gender recognition panel at the end of your transition.  The latter is the only really formal change.

You do not need to go to a solicitor which will be far more expensive than by deed poll.

Unless you're a member of a professional body (doctor, solicitor, police etc.) you just need to complete a Deed of Change of Name, and it needn't cost you anything at all - here's a free version I downloaded, which has been accepted everywhere. You can work up your own version of this, but do include the seal thingy. And do remember to include both your old and new signatures (even if they're the same - long story...)

It's a very good idea, once you've completed this and signed it with a witness, to take it to a solicitors' office and get some certified copies made. They'll usually only charge you about a fiver for 5 copies (for example), and will want to see your passport or similar as proof of ID. Then you can send off the certified copies all at once to get your various details changed at the same time. Pretty much everyone accepts a certified copy (and will specify if it has to be the original - worth writing on the original in blue ink so it's obvious it's not a copy!).

Thank you everyone ever so much for all your advice.

I have just done my Deed Pole online. It was £10 + £1 per certified copy. I got 10 copies so £20 in total. Just need to get a witness to sign it when I do.

Yay!! Should arrive in the post in a few days

Again, thank you everyone. Everyone is soooo helpful and supportive, it's amazing

Matt