Changing your name is a significant decision, but what happens if you want to go back to your old name after having changed it by deed poll?
The short answer is: you can go back to your old name, but it isn’t as simple as just starting to use it again.
In this article, we’ll explain the steps you need to take if you want to revert to your old name after a previous name change by deed poll.
A deed poll is a document that allows you to officially change your name. Once you’ve changed your name using a deed poll, your new name is recognized as your legal name by all institutions, such as banks, the Passport Office, the DVLA, and HMRC.
The deed poll essentially acts as proof that you’ve changed your name and intend to be known by that new name moving forward.
If you've previously changed your name using a deed poll, going back to your old name isn't automatic.
Legally, your new name is your official name, and you can’t simply revert to your former name without going through another formal name change process. That means you’ll need to create a new deed poll to change your name back to what it was.
Once your name has been changed by deed poll, you can’t just start using your old name again. For example, if you changed your name from Sarah Smith to Sarah Jones, legally you are now Sarah Jones. Official institutions won’t recognize "Sarah Smith" anymore unless you formally change your name back.
If you want your old name to be recognized again by government bodies, banks, utility companies, or employers, you’ll need to provide evidence that you’ve changed your name back.
This means obtaining a new deed poll, just as you did when you first changed your name.
If you want to revert to your old name, you’ll need to create a new deed poll. The process is the same as when you first changed your name:
Even though you’re going back to your old name, you will need to treat it like any other name change. You can’t use your original deed poll as proof of reverting to your old name; you need a new document for this.
Some people wonder if they can use the original deed poll (the one that changed their name the first time) to prove their former name.
Unfortunately, this isn't possible. Your original deed poll no longer applies once you’ve legally changed your name. A fresh deed poll is required to formally revert to your old name.
Once you've changed your name back, you’ll need to notify all the relevant organizations and institutions about the name change. This includes the:
Each of these organizations will need to be notified of your name change and provided with a copy of your new deed poll.
To make this process easier, we offer an Easy Name Change Kit that includes all the necessary pre-filled forms and step-by-step instructions to notify the key organizations of your name change. This can significantly speed up the process, helping you avoid delays caused by incorrect paperwork or missed steps.
There are no specific legal restrictions that prevent you from reverting to a former name. However, you must go through the same formal process as you did when you first changed your name. There’s no legal limitation on how many times you can change your name, as long as you follow the correct procedure.
It’s worth noting that changing your name multiple times can sometimes cause confusion with institutions, especially if you frequently switch between names. It’s important to ensure that all your official documents and records are up to date each time you change your name.
The cost of creating a new deed poll is £18.50. This covers the creation of a new legally valid deed poll that allows you to revert to your old name.
In addition to the cost of the deed poll itself, you may also face additional costs when updating official documents such as your passport or driving licence.
For example, updating your passport with your new name will cost around £82.50, and updating your driving licence is usually free.
If you’ve changed your name by deed poll in the past and now want to revert to your old name, you’ll need to go through the legal name change process again. This involves creating a new deed poll, notifying relevant institutions, and updating all your official documents.
While this process can be time-consuming, our Easy Name Change Kit can make it much easier and faster. The kit includes pre-filled forms for all the major institutions you need to notify, helping you save time and avoid paperwork errors.
If you’re ready to change your name back, contact us today to get started with the Easy Name Change Kit!
