As A British citizen living abroad, how do I change my name?

As a British citizen living abroad, changing your name can seem complex and confusing. Whether you've recently married or divorced or simply want to update your name for personal reasons, it's important to understand the steps involved in changing your name as a British citizen living abroad. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

First

Check your eligibility: Before changing your name, you need to ensure that you are eligible to do so. In most cases, you must be over 18 years old and hold a valid British passport. But we recommend also checking with your local British embassy that there are no extra requirements.

Second

Obtain a deed poll: A deed poll is a legal document that proves you have changed your name. To obtain a deed poll as a British citizen living abroad, you can click here and apply for a change of name deed poll with us; it takes as little as 5 minutes.

Create Your Deed Poll In 5 Minutes

Click here to start creating your deed poll

Third

Update your passport: Your passport is one of the most important forms of identification you have as a British citizen living abroad. You'll need to update it to reflect your new name. You can apply for a new passport using your deed poll as proof of your name change.

Fourth

Notify relevant authorities: Once you have your updated passport, you must notify any relevant authorities of your name change. This may include your local embassy or consulate, your bank, and any other official organisations you are affiliated with. You may need to provide your deed poll as proof of your name change.

Fifth

Update your personal documents: Make sure to update your name on any personal documents, such as your driving license, insurance policies, and any property deeds you may have. You may need to provide your deed poll as proof of your name change.

Sixth

Notify friends and family: Finally, notify your friends and family of your name change. This can be done via email or social media, or you may want to send official notification cards.

Changing your name as a British citizen living abroad may seem daunting, but it's important to remember that you are not alone. Plenty of resources are available to help you through the process, including online services and legal professionals. Take your time, and work through the process step-by-step to ensure that your name change is legal and recognised by all relevant authorities.