Sometimes in your life, you feel a name change is necessary. Maybe you’re bullied in school due to your name or are getting married. Conversely, you may be separating from your partner and want to change your name.
Whatever the reason, changing your name can be daunting if you don’t know the right approach. You’ll need to go through the courts, which can be expensive and time-consuming. You may also have to go back and forth with a few offices, such as the DVLA and HMRC, which can be frustrating.
We intend to share the right approach to make your life easy, such as using UK Deed Poll Office for the name change. So here are useful tips for changing your name the right way. Read on and thank us later!
Research and Be Informed
Start with researching the process of changing your name. Read up on all the necessary details, such as what documents you will need, how long the process takes, etc., so that you don’t miss any steps or run into any problems. Make sure to read up on all applicable laws regarding name changing, as each area may have its requirements.
Ensure You Have a Valid Reason
It’s important to know that you can’t change your name if it helps you avoid debts or commit fraud. Also, anything offensive is not allowed. So, ensure that you have a valid reason for changing your name.
The most common reasons include the following:
- Marriage: If you’re getting married, you can change your name before or after the wedding.
- Divorce: If you have divorced and want to return your maiden name, it’s also possible. However, this will be at the discretion of the court.
- Religious Reasons: Choose a name that is connected to your faith.
Choose the Right Name
Take time to choose a new name that reflects what you want out of life and who you are. Try not to rush into any decision, as this could have unexpected consequences in the future. You should avoid choosing names that sound too similar to your original, which could lead to confusion.
Check for Availability
Check the availability of your desired name to ensure no one else already has it. This is important because having two people with the same name can lead to legal issues and confusion in the future. If you want to check availability, you can contact local government offices or consult a lawyer specialising in names and naming conventions.
Make Sure It’s Gendered Appropriately
Make sure that your new name is gender-appropriate. For example, if you change your name from ‘John’ to ‘Jane,’ then update all relevant documents accordingly. You should also consider any nicknames or shortened versions of your name that people could use, as they may not be appropriate for the gender you are transitioning to.
Inform
Once you have legally changed your name, inform all entities related to your life. Examples include banks, employers, schools and universities, insurance companies, subscriptions and memberships you have, etc. It would help if you let them know about the change so there is no confusion or inconvenience in the future.
Update All Documents
Make sure to update all relevant documents with your new name after completing the legal process of changing your name. This includes government-issued ID cards such as passports and national identity cards; educational certificates; driver’s licenses; etc.
Final Word
Changing your name can be long and tedious, but you can make it much easier with the right approach. Following the tips we’ve shared here, you should be able to change your name without any major hiccups. Good luck!
