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31 Changing Your Name

1 Introduction

Many people want to change their name at some time in their lives. If you want to change your name for any reason, it is quite straightforward and doesn’t have to cost much. This leaflet explains whether you can change your name, and how to go about it.

pdf icon Download Changing your name (PDF File 217kb)

To download a PDF version of this leaflet click on the PDF icon above. PDF files require you to have a copy of Acrobat® Reader in order to be able to read them. This piece of software is freely available from the download pages on Adobe's web site.

There is information on:

2. When may I want to change my name?

3. When am I allowed to change my name?

4. What if I am widowed?

5. What if I enter into a civil partnership?

6. What if I want to change my child´s name?

7. What sort of name can I choose?

8. How do I prove I have a new name?

9. Who should I tell about my name change?

10. Further help

11. About this leaflet


This leaflet is published by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). It was written in association with Citizens Advice.

The leaflets are regularly updated but the law may have changed since they were printed so the information in them may be incorrect or out of date.

Leaflet version: February 2007