What are certified copies / duplicates?
Certified legal copies, also known as duplicates, are copies of your child's original deed poll that have been certified as an original by a qualified paralegal.
A certified copy will be accepted as an original by government departments, financial institutions and all other record holders that need proof of your child's name change.
A certified copy will be accepted as an original by government departments, financial institutions and all other record holders that need proof of your child's name change.
Who can act as a witness for my child's deed poll?
If you are British and you live in the UK then you do not need a solicitor or public notary to act as witness to your deed poll. You can choose anyone who is over the age of 18 and independent of you.
The term independent means your witness cannot be a relative, partner or someone who lives at the same address as you. It's often the case that people ask friends, neighbours or work colleagues to act as a witness when they sign their deed poll.
The term independent means your witness cannot be a relative, partner or someone who lives at the same address as you. It's often the case that people ask friends, neighbours or work colleagues to act as a witness when they sign their deed poll.
When will I receive my child's deed poll?
If you order one of our Deed Poll Services, it will be professionally drafted and dispatched the same working day.
You should expect to receive your deed poll, certified copies and all supporting documentation within one to two working days via 1st Class Royal Mail delivery.
For 1st class deliver there is a small fee of £3.99.
You should expect to receive your deed poll, certified copies and all supporting documentation within one to two working days via 1st Class Royal Mail delivery.
For 1st class deliver there is a small fee of £3.99.
Do I need a solicitor to change my child's name by deed poll?
No, you do not need to use a solicitor in order to legally change your name.
The quickest, and easiest, way to do it is online. It’s also an inexpensive option because Deed Polls Online will professionally draft a deed poll for a fraction of the fee charged by a solicitor.
The quickest, and easiest, way to do it is online. It’s also an inexpensive option because Deed Polls Online will professionally draft a deed poll for a fraction of the fee charged by a solicitor.
How many certified copies should I order?
When you change your name you will need to notify all record holders.
This will mean providing proof of your name change to organisations and authorities such as HM Passport Office, the DVLA, pension companies and utility companies.
If you know you need to contact a high number of record holders then it’s advisable to order more than our recommended minimum of 15 - 20.
This will mean providing proof of your name change to organisations and authorities such as HM Passport Office, the DVLA, pension companies and utility companies.
If you know you need to contact a high number of record holders then it’s advisable to order more than our recommended minimum of 15 - 20.
Can I use a photocopy of my deed poll?
The vast majority of record holders will not accept a photocopy of your child's deed poll. They will require either your original deed poll or a certified copy.
