Can I change my name on a birth certificate?

No. In the UK, a birth certificate is a historical record. Your Deed Poll acts as a permanent link between your birth name and your new name.

How many copies do I need?

We recommend at least 2-5 original copies so you can update the Passport Office and Banks simultaneously without waiting for documents to be returned.

Do I need to notify the police of my name change?

Yes, if you're on the Sex Offenders Register, you are legally required to notify the police within 3 days of a name change. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges.

Can prisoners change their name?

Prisoners can legally change their name, but prison governors may refuse to update prison records if they believe the change is disruptive or a security risk.

Will changing my name affect my criminal record?

No, changing your name does not erase or hide your criminal record. Authorities can still trace your past through National Insurance records and other official databases.

Can I choose a completely new name?

Yes, you can choose a completely new name, provided it is not for fraudulent purposes. A Deed Poll legally formalizes this change and makes it official.

Do I need a Deed Poll to change my name after probation?

If you're on probation, you must inform your Probation Officer before executing a Deed Poll. Failing to notify them could be interpreted as a breach of your conditions.

Can I change my name on the Sex Offenders Register?

No. The Sex Offenders Register records your criminal status, and a name change cannot be applied to this list. You must still comply with all registration requirements.

Name Change for Prisoners & Ex-Offenders UK

Having a criminal record does not prevent you from changing your name in the UK. Under common law, any adult may adopt a new name by executing a Deed Poll, provided the change is not made for fraudulent purposes. This applies whether convictions are spent or unspent, and even if you are currently serving a sentence. If you are unfamiliar with the general process, you may wish to review our complete guide to changing your name in the UK.

However, changing your name does not erase or conceal a criminal record. Official bodies such as the police, courts, HM Prison Service, HMRC and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are able to link previous names through date of birth and National Insurance records. When applying for roles requiring a DBS check, you must declare all previous names you have been known by. Our legal glossary explains how Deed Poll documentation interacts with background checks and official records.

In certain circumstances, there are additional legal obligations. Individuals on probation, licence, or subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 must inform the appropriate authorities promptly after a name change. Failure to notify can itself constitute a criminal offence. If you intend to proceed, ensure your documentation is professionally prepared by reviewing our Adult Deed Poll application service before executing any change.

Is it legal to change your name?

In the UK, anyone over the age of 16 has the legal right to change their name by Deed Poll. This includes people currently serving a prison sentence, those on parole/Licence, and those with spent or unspent convictions. However, you cannot change your name to deceive authorities or to hide a criminal past for fraudulent purposes.

The Notification Rule

While you can change your name, you are legally required to notify the police, probation service, or any relevant registry of your new name. Failure to do so can result in a breach of your Licence or a separate criminal offence.

1. Individuals on the Sex Offenders Register

If you are subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, you have a strict legal obligation regarding name changes.

The 3-Day Rule: You must notify the police of your change of name (and any alias you use) within 3 days of the change taking place.
In-Person Notification: This notification must usually be done in person at a designated police station.
Criminal Offence: Failing to notify the police of a name change while on the register is a criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

2. Currently Serving Prisoners

Prisoners are allowed to change their name, but prison governors have the right to refuse to update the "Prisoner Record" if they believe the name change is for a disruptive purpose or poses a security risk.

Official Records

Even if you sign a Deed Poll, the prison may continue to refer to you by your "committed name" (the name you were sentenced under) for administrative and security reasons.

Process

You should notify your wing officer or personal officer. You may need to pay for the Deed Poll from your private funds or prison earnings.

3. People on Probation or Licence

If you are serving the remainder of your sentence in the community, your Licence conditions almost certainly include a requirement to "be of good behavior" and keep your Probation Officer informed of your circumstances.

You must consult your Probation Officer before executing a Deed Poll. Changing your name without their knowledge could be interpreted as a failure to be transparent, potentially leading to a recall to prison.

4. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

When applying for jobs that require a DBS check (formerly CRB), you are legally required to list every name you have ever been known by. Changing your name by Deed Poll does not "wipe" your criminal record or remove convictions from a DBS certificate. The system links all your names via your National Insurance number and birth date.

Summary Checklist

Notify your Probation Officer/Social Worker immediately.
If on the Sex Offenders Register, visit the police within 3 days.
Update HMRC and the DWP to ensure benefits are not interrupted.
Inform the DVLA and Passport Office (they will check records).

Name Change for
Prisoners & Ex-Offenders