What to do if your deed poll is rejected
It’s frustrating, but it’s rarely the end of the road. Most refusals come down to a small problem you can fix, or to someone who isn’t sure of their own organisation’s rules.
Last reviewed 28 October 2026
1. Find out exactly why
Ask them to tell you, in writing if possible, what the problem is and what they would accept instead. “We don’t accept that” isn’t a reason. You need to know whether it’s the document itself, how it was signed, or something else, such as your other ID not matching yet.
Something like this usually works:
“Could you tell me exactly why my deed poll can’t be accepted, and what you need from me instead? An email is fine.”
2. Check for the usual problems
Most refusals come down to one of these, and each has a quick fix:
| What’s wrong | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Signed in only one name | Make a fresh one and sign it in both your new and your old name. |
| A witness’s details are missing | Sign a fresh one with two adult witnesses who add their names and addresses. |
| A witness is related to you or lives with you | Sign a fresh one with witnesses who aren’t family and live elsewhere. |
| They were sent a photocopy | Send a signed original, or show it in person. |
| There are handwritten corrections | Make and sign a clean new one. |
| A printed or digital signature | Every signature has to be handwritten in ink. |
| The date is missing or doesn’t make sense | Date it on the day it’s signed. |
If you need a fresh one, you can make it here again in a couple of minutes.
3. If the deed poll is fine, push back politely
Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with it, and the person you’re dealing with just hasn’t seen one before. These usually help:
- Ask for a supervisor or the team that handles name changes. Front-line staff often aren’t the people who set the rules.
- Explain that HM Passport Office and DVLA accept unenrolled deed polls, and point them to GOV.UK’s deed poll guidance.
- Offer a second document in your new name, such as a new passport or driving licence, if you already have one.
- Ask to see the policy that says they can’t accept it.
4. Make a complaint
Every bank, building society and insurer has a complaints process. Use it, and keep copies of everything you send. If a bank or other financial firm still won’t help after eight weeks, or sends a final response you’re unhappy with, you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free.
Most other organisations, such as energy and phone companies, also have an ombudsman you can turn to once you’ve been through their own complaints process.
When an enrolled deed poll really is needed
Very occasionally an organisation insists on an enrolled deed poll, which is registered with the High Court and published in The Gazette. It costs a fee and takes several months, so ask first whether they’ll take another document in your new name instead. If they won’t, GOV.UK explains how to enrol a deed poll.