Change of name by deed poll in Tanzania

This post covers everything you need to know about the change of name by deed poll in Tanzania.

In this guide, you will learn

• what is a deed poll
• how to change the name by deed poll
• sample/ example of a deed poll
• How much does it costs
• etc.

What is a Deed Poll?

A deed poll is a unilateral legal document used specifically for the change of a person’s name.

It is called a unilateral document because it only binds one person i.e a person who swears/affirms to change his/her name.

When do you need a change of name by deed poll?

You can use deed poll to;

1. change your first or last name
2. To add a new name
3. To rearrange your name
4. To correct the spelling of your name
5. etc.

Why the change of name by deed poll?

On occasion, you may want to leave and abandon your former name and adopt a new name.

This may be due to;

1. marriage (you wish to use your spouse’s name)
2. Divorce
3. Change of nationality,
4. adoption
5. the inconsistency of names on your important certificates
6. gender change
7. change of religion
8. etc

The aim of a deed poll is to legally handle the process of changing your name and make your new name legally accepted.

Therefore when a person wishes to change his name he must swear a deed poll.

What happens after a change of name by deed poll?

After duly charging your name by deed poll, you can start to use your new name immediately.

That means you have to stop using your old name and use the deep poll as evidence to support the use of your new name.

Further, after the formalities for changing your name by deed poll, you are advised to inform any person or institute that you are dealing with, about the change of your name.

The important place to inform about your change of name includes;

1. Your bank and other financial institution
2. Your employer
3. Post offices
4. Immigration
5. A business that provides you with utilities
6. etc,

Qualities of Deed poll

The common traits of deed poll in common law countries are

1. It must be on legal paper.
2. It must be attested by the commissioner for oaths.
3. It should be registered by the relevant authority to be acceptable. In Tanzania is the Ministry for Lands. Kitengo cha usajili was hati.

change of name by deed poll costs

Costs for change of name by deed poll in Tanzania is divided into two folds

• Preparation cost (paid to a person who will draft a deed poll for you)
• Registration costs (paid to the registrar of Documents)

The following are the actual costs

See also: Power of attorney sample