Change of name by deed poll in the UK

[DJClaire 134]

This may be a bit of a weird one, but I am at a loss as to where to go.

 

I am a UK citizen and when I was between 5 - 8 years old my parents changed my name by deed poll.  I have misplaced the original 80's document and need to get a replacement but the UK does not have a central database of name changes!!! So I am not sure where to go to get a legally binding copy of the certificate, for my K1 interview at the Embassy in London.

 

Has anyone else ever had to show a childhood name change? What paperwork was required? 

 

All my documentation is in my current name, apart from my original birth certificate which has my mothers maiden name on.

 

Anyone had a similar experience?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

You will have better luck maybe asking the Brits in the United Kingsom Forum on VJ.

 

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/99-united-kingdom/

 

 

[mindthegap 2,590]

A deed poll is just a declaration.

As long as it states that you renounce all use of the prior name, you are now known as xxxxxx  it is legal. Could be written on the back of a cigarette packet if desired and it would still be legal.

This can then be used to chance a licence, bank account, passport etc.

 

I changed my name by deed poll, and at my CR-1 DCF interview at the London embassy, they absolutely needed a copy of it. I got a fancy looking one from http://deedpoll.org.uk/ - even though I didn't have to, it looks more legit having something that looks professional and official. There are also places like https://freedeedpoll.org.uk/ and http://freedeedpoll.co.uk/ that will generate a legal one for free.

 

 

Your issue is that it was done way back, and you don't have the original. The US state and embassy don't seem to understand how easy it is to legally change your name in the UK, and that no court filing, appearance, or fancy paperwork is required, or even any paperwork if desired.

Perhaps you could 'find' another copy of the original somewhere that you forgot about.......

Edited July 2, 2018 by mindthegap

[DJClaire 134]

4 minutes ago, mindthegap said:

A deed poll is just a declaration.

As long as it states that you renounce all use of the prior name, you are now known as xxxxxx  it is legal. Could be written on the back of a cigarette packet if desired and it would still be legal.

This can then be used to chance a licence, bank account, passport etc.

 

I changed my name by deed poll, and at my CR-1 DCF interview at the London embassy, they absolutely needed a copy of it. I got a fancy looking one from http://deedpoll.org.uk/ - even though I didn't have to, it looks more legit having something that looks professional and official. There are also places like https://freedeedpoll.org.uk/ and http://freedeedpoll.co.uk/ that will generate a legal one for free.

 

 

Your issue is that it was done way back, and you don't have the original. The US state and embassy don't seem to understand how easy it is to legally change your name in the UK, and that no court filing, appearance, or fancy paperwork is required, or even any paperwork if desired.

Perhaps you could 'find' another copy of the original somewhere that you forgot about.......

3

Are you suggesting using a site that allows you to 'back date' the 'certificate'? I have E Mailed the FOC to ask for clarification. I can of course order one online from as little as £8 but the cost to 'legalise' the certificate with the FOC is £30. Should I do both?

 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

How about what the London embassy says on their website.

 

If you use a different name from the one shown on the birth certificate, you must produce a document explaining the use of such a name. Evidence includes, but is not limited to baptismal certificate/record, a deed poll and/or school records showing early use of name;

 

 

Sounds like other options perhaps? 

[LeesaMarie 206]

okay, so. Just because you got your name changed by deed poll, doesn't mean your name was changed in the registry. While the change declaration is legal and binding, there won't be a record of it, so maybe first find out what your parents did. 

 

If you have the opportunity to get a certificate now, and an official registry change for a mere £38, do it. £38 is not worth any delays this may cause you. Please follow the advice on .gov and not "deedpoll" sites:

 

https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll

 

(sorry I work in compliance)

[Lisalee 0]

Hi I was in the same predicament as yourself, you can apply for a replacement Deed Poll Certificate from the UK Deed Poll Office in London. I applied on their website and asked for priority shipping.

 

you can find them here or by visiting https://www.changemyname.org.uk 

[Saqib-s 188]

On 7/2/2018 at 6:36 PM, Wuozopo said:

How about what the London embassy says on their website.

 

If you use a different name from the one shown on the birth certificate, you must produce a document explaining the use of such a name. Evidence includes, but is not limited to baptismal certificate/record, a deed poll and/or school records showing early use of name;

 

 

Sounds like other options perhaps? 

Hi Wuoozopo, can you share a link to this ? (Edit:) Nevermind found it:

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/appointment-notification/


I was looking here: 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/LND-London.html

Edited September 1, 2021 by Saqib-s