The government has issued new guidance on the process for changing names on official documents.
While the majority of people apply to change their names for legitimate reasons such as getting married, the guidance notes, applications can also in some instances be linked to crime and fraud.
Therefore:
“The policy is focussed on achieving two aims: first, helping the genuine applicant to obtain documents in a change of name with the minimum but necessary level of supporting information; and second, deterring, disrupting and detecting those who change their names in order to commit crime or avoid detection.”
The Home Office document applies to passports, visas and other travel and residence documents. A person who applies to change their name on such documents will have to provide evidence that they plan to use the new name across the board. Suitable evidence includes marriage certificates and deed polls.
Read more here.
