Middle name changes are among the most popular name-change requests in the United Kingdom. Whether it’s adding, dropping, or changing your middle name, there are no restrictions to it. As long as you submit a deed poll, you can have any middle name of your choice.
How to change your middle name?
Changing your middle name requires you to submit a deed poll. A deed poll is a legal document that certifies that you sever all association with your old name and will only be using your new name from here on. Once you finalise your deed poll, you can update your middle name on official documents like Passport, Driver’s license, etc. and have your new middle name legally recognised.
You should, however, note that only possessing a deed poll will not give your new middle name official recognition. You have to change your middle name in all of your legal documents; only then will it be legally recognised.
Adding a middle name
You may choose to add multiple middle names to your original name. But you should note that the Passport Office can print only a maximum of 30 characters for your first name, which includes your middle name, and again a maximum of 30 characters for your surname. So when you are changing your middle name, keep these restrictions in mind.
If your new middle name exceeds the character limit, you can request the Passport office to display an abbreviated form of your name on the main page of your new passport. They can then display the full name on the observations page.
Dropping your middle name
Dropping middle names is a common enough request in the United Kingdom. The reasons for dropping a middle name are manifold and are mostly done for convenience purposes. The procedure to drop a middle name is similar to the one discussed above.
You need to obtain a deed poll without your middle name. Once your deed poll is completed, you can drop your middle name from all documents and only use your first and last name.
List of Organisations where you have to update your middle name
After obtaining a deed poll, you have to update your middle name with the following institutions:
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Banks: Once you are done changing your middle name legally, you will have to do the same with banks. Most banks will not allow you to change your middle name in their servers online to prevent possible fraud. You have to be personally present along with certified documents that legally prove your name change.
The common documents that most United Kingdom banks ask for to change your middle name are as follows: deed poll, statutory declaration, marriage certificate or civil partnership schedule issued in the United Kingdom, and a Final Court order or Decree absolute in the scenario of divorce or partnership dissolution.
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Passport office Changing your middle name requires you to get a new passport. The name on your passport must be the same one that you use while travelling. It will take you about ten weeks to get a new passport in the UK, one that will reflect your changed middle name.
DVLA: You have to bring your old driver’s license along with documents proving your name change. They will issue you a new driver’s license free of cost with your new middle name.
Some other institutions where you would need to have your middle name changed after getting your deed poll are HM Revenue and Customs, HM Land Registry, and Local Council.
Final thoughts
Changing your middle name in the United Kingdom is usually a convenient process, and it also does not cost you much money. However, you must remember to change your middle name in all of your official documents; otherwise, you might be in danger of being accused of fraud.