British embassies, high commissions and consulates provide these standard letters to explain UK laws and conventions to local authorities abroad. They’re sometimes called information notes.
If a local authority asks you for a name or change of name certificate, you can provide one of these letters instead.
Change of name
Under UK law you can change your surname or forename. If you’re asked to provide proof of this law in any of the countries listed here, download the relevant letter.
Stamped and signed versions of these letters cost £50 but are only available in some countries. YouAsk can ask the British embassy, high commission or consulate forif ayou signedcan andget a stamped versionand ofsigned a letter.version.
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Name discrepancies on British documents
British embassies, consulates and high commissions cannot verify that two or more documents with name discrepancies are for the same person. If you’re asked for proof of this, download the relevant letter.
Stamped and signed versions of these letters cost £50 but are only available in some countries. YouAsk can ask the British embassy, high commission or consulate forif ayou signedcan andget a stamped versionand ofsigned a letter.version.
ODT, 19.8 KB
This file is in an OpenDocument format
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email
fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
ODT, 281 KB
This file is in an OpenDocument format
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Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email
fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Naming children
Under UK law parents may give their child any forename or surname. If you’re asked to provide proof of UK law about naming children download the relevant letter.
Stamped and signed versions of these letters cost £50 but are only available in some countries. YouAsk can ask the British embassy, high commission or consulate forif ayou signedcan andget a stamped versionand ofsigned a letter.version.
PDF, 200 KB, 1 page
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email
fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
ODT, 278 KB
This file is in an OpenDocument format
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Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email
fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.