Changing your gender and legal name in the UK
Last updated and up to date as of May 2026
There are many articles out there talking about how to change your name in the UK. Quite often they're overly complicated or too much information. Lets simplify that, and you'll have your name changed in no time.
Just a quick disclaimer, that I'm not a lawyer, solicitor, nor do I work in a field related to law or government.
There's a few different ways to change your name change in the UK, such as:
- By unenrolled deed poll, a piece of paper signed by two witnesses and yourself and is free
- By enrolled deed poll, this is put on a public register and costs money
There are other ways, but the one we'll focus on is an unenrolled deed poll, this one is usually the easiest. There is little difference between them, as both can be used to change your name at the places you'd usually like to change your name, such as banks, drivers license, utility bills, your employer, etc.
With either deed poll, you cannot change your name on your birth certificate, as this is done through a Gender Recognition Certificate.
Creating the unenrolled deed poll
Firstly, you need a physical document with your details on. The exact details you need are documented on gov.uk's website and this article is based on that.
Government Digital Service
They provide an example of how to write one, but there is a easy way using a website which allows you to add your information into a few text boxes and generate a PDF to save and print out.
Follow the link above, and fill out:
- your current legal name (including any middle names)
- your current address
- your new name (including any middle names)
- date of your name change (usually today's date)
- your first witness' details
- and finally, your second witness' details
If you have any questions about the process, there is quite a big FAQ on the free deed poll site.
Make sure to make multiple 'original' copies so you can speed up the process, as this way you can send your deed poll to multiple places without waiting for the document to be sent back first. An original copy is where you and your witnesses signed the paper directly, as opposed to photo copying the signed paper.
After, you've printed off, signed and had the deed poll witness, you're then ready to start updating your name with various providers.
Updating your name
Most places are easy to update. The except to this rule is DVLA and the Passport Office which I'll cover further down.
For banks, employers, utility bills, etc. you can change your name through giving them a copy of your details. This will be done one of three ways:
- Taking a photo of your deed poll and sending it to the place digitally. This is often used with neo-banks like Starling Bank
- Taking your deed poll to a place, where they will scan the deed poll to make a copy. Often done with traditional banks like NatWest, Barclays, etc.
- Posting your deed poll to the place. If you need to do this, make sure to get your letter signed on delivery so you know it arrives.
Some places can be more difficult than others, but for the most part this is a common process and an easy one. If a provider is not updating your name, then remind them that a deed poll, enrolled or not, is still a legal document and therefore can be used to change your name.
Updating your name on your drivers license
This is a bit more complex than the above method, but its still straight forward. Firstly, you'll need a D1 application form. You can get this at most post offices for free.
The gov.uk website outlines this process well.
Government Digital Service
At this point, if you would also like to update your gender, you can send a cover letter (a piece of paper you put in the same letter as the D1 application) explaining what you would like to update. You can use the wording such as:
To whom it may concern,
Please find enclosed my application to update details on my drivers license.
In addition to updating my name, I also wish to update my details regarding my gender from {birth gender} to {aquired gender}.
Yours faithfully,
{new name}
Inside your letter to DVLA, you should have:
- Your old drivers license
- D1 application form
- Your deed poll (if changing name)
- Cover letter (if changing gender)
Your passport
For changing your name, you can go through the standard process for updating your passport. It'll guide you through whats needed. See that process below:
Government Digital Service
For changing your gender, you need a bit more information. If you do not have a Gender Recognition Certificate, you will need to provide a few documents to the passport office:
- A document from a doctor showing your gender change is likely to be permanent
- A deed poll and proof of name change (eg. utility bill showing your new name) (if you're changing your name at the same time)
Government Digital Service
If you're ever unsure of what information will be accepted, always consult the gov.uk website.
If you have any questions or queries, please comment or DM us (Lincs Trans Pride) on Instagram.