Apostille for Deed Polls

What Is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legally binding document that confirms you have adopted a new name and no longer use your previous one. For example, Susan Smith may execute a Deed Poll to become Susan Jones. This document proves your name change and must be used exclusively in all areas of life, including passports, bank accounts, and official records.

Types of Deed Polls Accepted

• Enrolled Deed Polls (registered at the Royal Courts of Justice)
• Unenrolled Deed Polls (privately executed but legally valid if properly signed)

Common Rejection Reasons

• The Deed Poll lacks a solicitor/notary signature
• It is only witnessed by a layperson
• It is printed from a template and unsigned

When Is a Deed Poll Needed Abroad?

Foreign authorities frequently request proof of a legal name change in situations such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership overseas
• Opening an overseas bank account
• Visa or residency applications
• Enrolment at an international school or university
• Changing your name on a foreign passport or ID
• Applying for dual nationality
• International banking
• Updating academic certificates or transcripts
• Legal name change after divorce or gender transition

How to Get the Apostille

To qualify for apostille legalisation, a Deed Poll must be signed or certified by a UK solicitor or notary public. Because many Deed Polls are simply witnessed by friends or colleagues, additional certification is often required.

If the Deed Poll Is Already Solicitor/Notary Signed

If your Deed Poll was witnessed and signed by a solicitor or notary at the time it was executed, it can be sent directly for apostille with no extra steps.

If the Deed Poll Is Not Yet Certified

Send us the original Deed Poll and our solicitors will:

• Create a certified copy of the document
• Confirm it as a “true copy” of the original
• Submit the certified copy for apostille legalisation

You can order this combined certification and apostille service online for a fast turnaround.

Apostilling the Original Deed Poll

If you need the original document apostilled, you will need to instruct your own solicitor to witness a new Deed Poll or certify the existing one as an original. Our team can only certify copies.

Processing Timeline

• Solicitor certification: 1 business day
• Apostille issue: 1–2 business days after certification
• Return delivery: Tracked post, typically next day (UK) or 3–7 days (international)

For use abroad, a Deed Poll usually requires a Hague apostille. Whether for visas, study, marriage, or banking, ensuring the document is properly certified and legalised will prevent delays overseas.