name change

[DaveNot 55]

I just realised that my legal documents showing my name change when I was 2 doesn't have a stamp and is a photocopy. The document is 30 years old. It isn't headed letter... I'm wondering how much of an issue this could be for the embassy?

[DaveNot 55]

Okay, so my story will hopefully help others out in a similar situation to me:

My name was changed when I was two years old by a solicitor and was not registered legally at the supreme court. Therefore, it is not on the Deed Poll. The National Archive doesn't have proof of name change either. All I had was my original birth certificate and current documents to show what my name is now.

The London US embassy specifically says "Name Change Deed Poll: If applicable, deed poll or other legal evidence showing your change of name (except by marriage)." These seem quite specific, but with a loose element in there given UK law with regards to name changes. If you want to be called Dippy Do you're now Dippy Do without any legal requirements needed.

Anyway, I wrote to the embassy asking about the validity of my documents and they replied stating 'We cannot pre-adjudicate documents in email." They basically told me to go to the interview and bring as much evidence as possible.

So, knowing I basically had no proof of my name being changed, I went into a magistrates court today and made an appointment with the Justice of Peace. I had undertaken an oath and asked them to write me a letter (several copies) to show my name was changed and somebody in a respected position has seen some form of evidence for this. All went well at a cost of £35. The other advice I was given previously to attend an appointment with a solicitor and ask my parents to write declarations that my name was changed. Then you could have also undertaken an oath and have the solicitor sign off on it, at a rate of £300/h.

All I can say is, that I hope this will be suffice for the interview to satisfy the consular officer.

I hope this may help others too.