Utility companies and service providers aren’t legal bodies, which means name change processes vary.
 

Still, it’s important to update them to avoid billing issues or identity mismatches.

This guide covers all major UK providers.

Who Counts as a Utility or Service Provider?

• Electricity companies
  
• Gas providers
  
• Water companies
  
• Broadband & mobile networks
  
• Council tax departments
  
• TV licensing
  
• Insurance companies
  
• Subscription services (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)
  

What Proof They Require

Most utilities accept:

• Your deed poll (photo or PDF)
  
• A passport or driving licence (optional)
  

Very few require a certified copy.

How to Update Each Category

1. Gas, Electricity, and Water Providers

They primarily use your account number, not your name, so updates are simple.

They update:

• Account holder name
  
• Direct debit records
  
• Future bills
  
• Online account profile
  

Timeline: 1–14 days

2. Internet, Mobile & TV Providers

These updates affect billing and contract identity.

Providers update:

• Contract name
  
• Billing name
  
• Credit check identity (important)
  
• Device financing agreements
  

Some may re-run a soft credit check to match your new name.

Timeline: 1–7 days

3. Council Tax

This is the most “official” utility update.

Local councils update:

• Council tax account
  
• Housing benefit records
  
• Electoral roll (if registered)
  

Note: Electoral roll updates can take 1–2 months.

4. Insurance Companies

This includes:

• Car insurance
  
• Home insurance
  
• Life insurance
  
• Pet insurance
  

They update:

• Policyholder name
  
• Direct debit details
  
• DVLA-linked records (for car insurance)
  

Some insurers may charge a small “policy amendment fee.”

Chart: Which Utilities Require Deed Poll Proof

Summary

Utility companies make the name-change process simple, but timelines vary. Most updates only require a deed poll, and many don’t require proof at all.