[Angostura]

It should also be pointed out that the Deed Poll pictured isn't an official document in any meaningful sense. In the UK, you pretty much change your name by starting to use a new name and telling all the official bodies that you have done so - and asking for new paperwork in that name (including passports etc).

These Deed Poll forms are produced by any number of paralegal-esque companies and are useful to include when writing to your bank/utility conpany, but that's about it.

[arethuza]

There does appear to be a central process for doing it in Scotland:

https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/recording-change-...

Edit: Being married to Scots law lawyer I feel obliged to point these things out any time I see a mention of a "UK" legal system... ;-)

[Angostura]

As an English person, I would like to both apologise and thank you for pointing out the difference and challenging my default assumption.

[codeulike]

To be precise: You will need a Deed Poll, which is a piece of paper with certain words on it, and it needs to be signed and witnessed, but you can make one yourself and you dont need an official body or lawyer to do it.

[Angostura]

Correct - and here are the certain words. https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-...

“I [old name] of [your address] have given up my name [old name] and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name].

“Signed as a deed on [date] as [old name] and [new name] in the presence of [witness 1 name] of [witness 1 address], and [witness 2 name] of [witness 2 address].

“[your new signature], [your old signature]

“[witness 1 signature], [witness 2 signature]”