What if I've lost my Deed Poll?

What to Do if You Lose Your Deed Poll

If you lose your Deed Poll, don’t worry—you can simply request a new one and start using it again. To validate the new document, you’ll need to:

1. Re-sign the Deed Poll.
2. Have it witnessed by someone who meets the required criteria.

Once completed, the new Deed Poll will be as legally valid as the original.

Proving a Previous Name Change

If you need to prove a previous name change—for instance, to show that you’ve been using your current name for a specific length of time or since a certain date—a standard replacement Deed Poll might not be sufficient.

In this case, you may require a "retroactive" Deed Poll, which is essentially a statutory declaration. This declaration:

• Must be witnessed by a solicitor.
• Typically requires evidence, such as bank statements or an old passport, to verify that you have been using your current name since the date claimed.

By following this process, you can ensure that your name change is recognised and properly documented.