Changing your name is a big decision. People and organisations are used to your old name, so it can be hard to break old habits and start using your new name. Furthermore, you might have difficulty making people aware of your new name, so you must decide carefully. Even after deciding, the process can be confusing if you don’t think straight, and there are many pitfalls to avoid. This guide will help you through the process and avoid common mistakes made by people changing their names in the UK. Take a look.
Changing Your Name Too Quickly
You mustn’t rush into it if you have just decided to change your name. You need time to get used to the idea and deal with the practicalities before changing your name legally. Take some months for this. Seek answers to questions such as:
- What will your new name be?
- How will you change your name?
- Will it affect your children’s names and birth certificates?
- Who needs to know about the change (e.g., family and friends)?
- What will happen to your old name (e.g., can you keep it as a middle name)?
It would help if you also use your new name informally before making the legal change. This will help you get used to it and make the transition smoother.
Not Doing Your Research
Before starting the process, you must thoroughly research what’s involved. This includes finding out:
- How to change your name (including which deed poll service to use)
- The cost of changing your name
- What documents do you need to update
- Who needs to be told about your new name.
Not doing your research can cause problems later on, so take your time at this stage.
Overlooking the Details
When planning your name change, it’s easy to overlook the details. But forgetting things like updating your passport or changing your bank details can cause major problems down the line. Make a list of all the places where your old name is used, and update each one accordingly.
This includes:
- Government agencies and departments (e.g., HMRC, DVLA)
- Banks and other financial institutions (e.g., building societies, investment firms)
- Insurance companies (e.g., health, life, car)
- Utility companies (e.g., gas, electricity, water)
- Landlords and mortgage providers
- Membership organisations (e.g., gyms, clubs, unions)
- Employers
- Schools and colleges
- Medical professionals.
It’s a lot to remember, so take your time and systematically review each.
Not Changing Your Name on Important Documents
One of the most important things to do when changing your name is to update your official documents. This includes your passport, driving licence, birth certificate and marriage/divorce certificate. If you don’t do this, you could have problems travelling, proving your identity or getting married again in the future. Make sure you allow plenty of time to change these documents, which can take several weeks or even months.
Not Notifying the Right People and Organisations
As well as changing your name on official documents, you must also notify the right people and organisations of your new name. This includes family and friends, employers, schools/colleges, landlords/mortgage providers, utility companies, insurers and membership organisations. Some of these will require proof of your new name, so make sure you have this to hand.
Forgetting to Update Your Will
If you have a will, it’s important to update it when you change your name. Otherwise, your estate could be distributed according to your old name, which may not be what you want. Updating your will is relatively straightforward – you just need to amend it to reflect your new name.
Final Word
Changing your name is a big decision, so taking your time and doing it right is important. By following the steps above, you can avoid the most common mistakes and make sure the process goes smoothly. Good luck!
This is a submitted article.
