What Happens If Your Deed Poll Is Rejected

If you’ve created your own deed poll and submitted it to a bank, passport office, or another official institution, you might be facing a frustrating problem—your deed poll has been rejected.

Many people assume that simply drafting a deed poll themselves is enough to make their name change official, but not all deed polls are accepted.

In this article, we’ll explain why your deed poll may have been rejected, what you can do to fix it, and why choosing a professionally prepared deed poll—like the ones we provide at UK Deed Poll Office—ensures your name change is fully recognised everywhere.

Why Was Your Deed Poll Rejected?

There are several reasons why a self-made deed poll might be rejected by banks, government offices, and other institutions:

1. It Was Not Properly Witnessed

A deed poll is a legal document, and like any legal document, it must be properly witnessed to be valid.

✅ Correct witnessing:

• You must sign the deed poll in the presence of a witness.
• Your witness must be an adult (18+) and not a family member.
• The witness must also sign the document.

❌ Common mistakes that cause rejection:

• Signing the document before the witness is present.
• Using a family member as a witness.
• Forgetting to include the witness’s full name and address.

2. The Wording Was Incorrect or Incomplete

A deed poll must include legally required wording to confirm that you:

• Have abandoned your old name.
• Will only use your new name moving forward.
• Require all institutions to update your records accordingly.

❌ If your deed poll is missing key phrases, institutions may reject it because it does not meet legal standards.

3. The Paper Size or Formatting Was Incorrect

While it may seem minor, formatting errors can cause rejection.

✅ Accepted formats:

• A4-sized document.
• Clear, formal layout.
• Printed on high-quality paper (not handwritten or printed on standard thin paper).

❌ Mistakes that lead to rejection:

• Printing the deed poll on the wrong paper size.
• Using handwritten documents instead of printed ones.
• Including unnecessary or incorrect wording.

4. Some Organisations Don’t Accept DIY Deed Polls

Even if your self-made deed poll follows the correct format, some organisations only accept deed polls from recognised providers.

Government bodies like HM Passport Office and some banks may reject homemade deed polls if they:

• Do not look official.
• Are not backed by a trusted deed poll provider.
• Are not written on high-quality, legally formatted paper.

At UK Deed Poll Office, we guarantee that our deed polls will be accepted by all UK institutions, including the Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and employers.

How to Fix a Rejected Deed Poll

If your deed poll has been rejected, here’s what you can do to resolve the issue:

1. Contact the Organisation That Rejected It

• Ask why they refused your deed poll.
• Check if they require specific wording, a different format, or a new witness signature.

2. Get a Properly Certified Deed Poll

If your DIY deed poll was rejected, the best solution is to get a professionally issued deed poll.

✅ A guaranteed deed poll from UK Deed Poll Office:

• Uses the correct legal wording.
• Is printed on official high-quality paper.
• Is fully recognised by all UK institutions.
• Comes with a witnessing guide to ensure it’s signed correctly.

3. Ensure All Your Documents Match

Once you have an accepted deed poll, make sure all your records are updated, including:

• Passport
• Driving licence (DVLA)
• Bank accounts
• HMRC and employment records

Having consistent records ensures a smooth transition to your new name.

How to Avoid Deed Poll Rejection in the Future

The easiest way to avoid issues is to use a deed poll service that is guaranteed to be accepted.

At the UK Deed Poll Office, we provide legally recognised deed polls that meet all official requirements.

 ✅ Guaranteed acceptance by UK banks, passport office, DVLA, and employers.
✅ Correct legal wording to ensure compliance.
✅ Properly formatted and printed on official paper.
✅ Step-by-step guidance to avoid common mistakes.

If you need to fix your name change and want a hassle-free process, we can help.

Final Thoughts

Having your deed poll rejected can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s due to incorrect formatting, missing information, or unofficial documents. Rather than struggling with a DIY version, the simplest solution is to use a professionally prepared deed poll to ensure full acceptance.

At the UK Deed Poll Office, we handle everything for you—so you can change your name with confidence.