Change of name service

Reading Registration Service is now able to offer this service to anyone over 18 years who wishes to change their name.

The following details apply to applicants:

• A change of name deed can be used to prove you have changed your name when presented with documents showing your previous name.
• A person can change their forenames, surname or both if they wish, but cannot include titles such as Lord, Lady, or Sir or any symbols or numbers.
• You can change your forename, surname or both, but any names chosen must not be offensive, vulgar or blasphemous.
• A foreign national living in this country can also make a change of name deed but must check with their own national authorities to ensure they will accept the change.
• British nationals living abroad must also check to ensure that the country they are residing in will accept the name deed. Some countries require a solicitor or notary public to witness the name deed.
• 2 witnesses are required to execute a deed poll. One witness will be the Registration Officer. You must bring an additional witness with you to the appointment to witness the deed poll. The additional witness must not be a relative, partner or someone you live with, but can be a friend of neighbour for example.
• Reading Registration Service will not issue a change of name deed for a person under the age of 18.
• Where applicable you must inform the police that you have changed your name. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. This would apply in circumstances where you are a registered offender. 

How do I arrange an appointment?

Please contact the Reading Registration Service 0118 937 3533 to make an appointment or for more details.

Fees and services provided

List of services	Fee
Standard adult name deed Complete one change of name deed showing previous name and new name, which will be signed and witnessed by a Registration Officer  and a witness of your choice with one cover sheet and a presentation folder.	£75.00
Additional copies of name deeds Extra copies are available at time of appointment.	£10.00
Replacement copies of name deeds Replacement copies can be issued if the original is lost. These can be purchased for up to a period of 2 years from date of change.	£25.00

Government services, banks and other organisations, will require a change of name deed as evidence of your new name.

Some documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, decree absolute or educational certificates cannot be changed using your change of name deed, as these are a record of fact, correct at the time of issue.

Documents required

All documents provided must be originals (not photocopies) and will be returned to you after we have completed your name change document.

ID

This must be one of the following:

• current valid passport
• driving licence
• full birth certificate – showing the name which is to be changed or a certified English translation

Proof of address

This must be one of the following:

• bank statement dated within 1 month
• utility bill dated within 3 months
• Council Tax bill for current year

Where can I find more information?

If you have any further queries regarding name change documents or regarding the service, then please get in touch:

Email: register.office@reading.gov.uk

Tel: 0118 9373533

Our guarantee

Our change of name deed documents, whilst being as legally valid as un-enrolled deeds, are also suitable for enrolling with the Royal Courts of Justice if you wish to do so.

Some organisations may not accept a deed poll you have made yourself as proof of your new name. Ask the organisation you are dealing with (for example your bank) if they need an ‘enrolled’ deed instead.

For further information about enrolling a change of name deed, visit the GOV.UK website.

Exceptions to our guarantee

Our guarantee does not apply if:

• you are a foreign national
• your change of name deed is not accepted by a government department, company or organisation outside the United Kingdom (British Embassies and British High Commissions overseas are considered part of the United Kingdom)
• a record holder is unable to enter your name correctly on their computer system. For example, because your name includes modified Latin characters or your forename or surname is too short
• a record holder requires other documentary evidence that your name has been changed for “all purposes.” For example, some financial institutions and the General Medical Council may want to see your passport in your new name before they will recognise your new name. Furthermore, the UK Identity and Passport Service (and British Embassies and British High Commissions overseas) may require evidence that you are using your new name for all purposes by presenting them with two or three documents in your new name.
• you are detained under the Mental Health Act and your clinicians decide you do not have sufficient mental capacity to understand the significance and consequences of changing your name
• the UK Identity and Passport Service (IPS) deem your new name to be in breach of their inappropriate and temporary name change policy, which states IPS will not issue a passport in a name they consider temporary or contains a political statement, a string of words that will not normally be considered a name, or a trade-marked name.

Terms and conditions

• All fees are non-refundable
• All appointments can be rescheduled once, provided you give 48 hours or more notice. Any further changes will result in the full fee being charged.
• Failure to attend your appointment will be considered a cancellation and as such no fees will be refunded.
• Reading Borough Council’s Register Office will not be accountable for any discrepancies arising once the change of name deed has been signed and witnessed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the change of name deed has been completed correctly.
• The information provided on the application form will be held on file in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. The information will be used for the management of change of name applications and will not be divulged to anyone outside of Reading Borough Council.