A deed poll is one form of valid proof of name change, however, there are other forms of documentation that are equally acceptable. You might not necessarily require a deed poll to change your name, depending on your circumstances and the kind of change you want to make.
Note that nothing precludes you from proving your name change using a deed poll in addition to other forms of evidence. The deed poll or marriage certificate is used to alter your name rather than you changing your name yourself. There is therefore nothing wrong with confirming your name change in numerous places if that is what you like to do.
In some cases, a deed poll won't be necessary if you want to change your name. When you change your name, you must correctly register it in some form; however, you may be able to use a record or certification that you already have. If you got married and want to take your spouse's name, you can present your marriage certificate as evidence of the name change.
Your name legally changes when you adopt a new name
There are a few select instances in which you can record a Deed poll name change on your birth register entry or re-register your birth as an alternative to a deed poll. Legally, it makes no difference whether you present proof of your name change on an altered birth certificate or a deed poll. The record, whether it be a deed poll or a birth certificate, solely serves to formally record the name change. The majority of women or men who adopt their partner's surname do not want their birth record entry to be permanently changed after their marriage or civil partnership, which is by far the most common reason for name changes. A name change by deed poll is exactly the same in concept as a name change by marriage or civil partnership, with the exception that your deed poll is used as proof of your name change.
