Can you Change Your Signature?

So, can you change your signature in the UK? The answer is yes. You can legally change your signature in the UK. However, when you adopt a new signature, you should ensure it matches other legal documents you have already signed, such as your passport.

You might also want to consider advising financial institutions, such as banks, of your change in signature. While you can legally change your signature whenever you want to, there are some practical implications.

In this article, we will take a look at:

• When you can change your signature

• Why you might change your signature

• How to change your signature

• The processes for changing your signature on official documents like your passport and driving licence

• Practical steps to alter your signature, including how to change your signature on electronic signature platforms

Can I change my signature at any time?

Yes, you can change your signature at any time in the UK. There's no legal requirement to maintain the same signature throughout your life. However, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind:

• Verification purposes: Your new signature should ideally be consistent across documents to avoid authentication issues; many people have different handwritten and online signatures, which is acceptable.

• Banking records: You should notify your bank of significant signature changes to prevent transaction delays.

• Official documents: To make it easier, you may want to consider timing your signature change when renewing important documents like passports or driving licences.

• Legal documents: You may want to keep records of your old and new signatures, especially for ongoing contracts or agreements.

Most electronic signature platforms allow you to update your signature easily. However, you may need to continue using your previous signature for certain documents where identity verification is crucial, such as legal contracts or financial agreements.

Remember that while changing your signature is perfectly legal, maintaining consistency in your new signature helps prevent future document processing and verification complications.

Why do people change their signature?

People change their signatures for various practical and personal reasons over time:

• Life changes: Marriage, divorce or other significant life events often prompt people to update their signature to reflect their new identity or if they have changed their name.

• Security concerns: If a signature is too simple or easily forged, individuals may choose to develop a more complex version and change the style.

• Digital transformation: The rise of electronic signatures has led many to adopt different signatures for digital and handwritten documents.

• Personal expression and professionalism: As people evolve, they might want their signature to better reflect their personality and current style or to change for professional reasons.

• Practical reasons: Some may change their signature to make it more legible or faster to write, especially if they sign documents frequently.

Remember that while you can change your signature at any time, it's crucial to maintain consistency across your essential documents and notify relevant institutions of the change.

Does my signature have to be my name?

No, your signature does not legally have to be your name in the UK. There's no law requiring your signature to match your legal name. Acceptable formats include your full name, initials, a stylised version of your name, symbol, or mark. You have flexibility in how you choose to sign documents, as long as you consistently use your chosen signature to show your intent to be bound by the document.

When choosing a signature that's not your name, though, remember:

• Consistency matters: Whatever signature style you choose, use it consistently across similar documents.

• Electronic signing: Digital electronic signature platforms accept various signature styles, from typed names to drawn signatures.

• Legal validity: Your signature remains legally binding whether it matches your name or not, as long as it can be proven that you made the mark.

However, using a signature related to your legal name is often the most practical choice, even if it is not an exact match. It makes it simpler and more straightforward to verify identity.

Can I change my signature after marriage?

Yes, you can change your signature after marriage in the UK and no formal process is required. Your marriage certificate provides legal evidence of your name change, making it straightforward to update your signature.

You can either keep your old signature or change your signature after you have been married.

Important steps to consider when changing your signature:

• Notify your bank and provide your marriage certificate

• Update your signature on your passport if renewing

• Inform your employer of the change

• Update any financial institutions where you hold accounts

Digital signatures after marriage:

If you use electronic signatures, you can:

• Update your electronic signature to match your new handwritten one

• Adopt a new digital signature that reflects your married name

• Use different signatures for digital and physical documents

Remember, while changing your signature after marriage is common, you're not legally required to do so. The most important thing is maintaining consistency in whichever signature you use going forward.

Can I change my signature on official documents?

Yes, you can change your signature on official documents in the UK. However, you'll need to follow specific procedures for different types of documents to ensure the changes are correctly recorded and recognised. You'll need to notify relevant authorities and institutions of the change and be prepared to provide identification when requested. For financial documents or your HR department, they may wish for you to update existing documentation with your new signature.

Electronic signatures on official documents: For documents requiring electronic signatures, most UK government departments and organisations now accept:

• Digital signatures through approved platforms

• Scanned copies of handwritten signatures

• Electronic signature certificates

It's important to note that there are three categories of electronic signature: Simple Electronic Signature, Advanced Electronic Signature, and Qualified Electronic Signature, each with a different level of security. While electronic signatures are widely accepted, a traditional 'wet ink' signature is still required for certain documents, such as wills, court orders, and some real estate transactions.

Remember to maintain clear records of when and how you changed your signature, particularly for high-importance official documents where authentication may be required later.

How can I change my signature on my passport?

You cannot change a signature on an existing passport once it's been written, but you can apply for a replacement passport or request to use your new signature when you renew your passport. Your passport's signature is one of its security features, so it should match your current signature.

There are fees and application forms associated with passport replacements and renewals, with a standard adult passport costing £94.50 for online applications or £107 for paper forms. It is also £12.50 cheaper to apply online than by post. For the most current fees, it's always best to check the official GOV.UK website passport fees page.

When you receive your new passport, you must sign it with your new signature on the designated 'holder's signature' line using a black ballpoint pen. For new passports:

• Sign your new passport as soon as you receive it

• Use a black ballpoint pen only

• Sign within the designated signature box on page 3

• Ensure your signature stays within the lines

• You cannot use the passport until it's signed

Here's a little more on signing your passport.

How can I change my signature on a bank account?

If you are changing your signature, it is best to notify your bank. This may be needed if you are using a credit card or debit card with a matched signature on your account. Each bank or building society may follow a slightly different process for this. You may need to fill in a 'change of details' form and provide a form of ID like a driving licence, passport or utility bill.

Can I change my signature on my driving licence?

Yes, you can change your signature on your driving licence, but you'll need to follow the DVLA's official process.

Here's how to do it:

For a photocard licence for a car:

• Complete a D1 form (available from Post Office branches)

• Include your current photocard licence

• Send these to DVLA along with the £17 fee, which applies for a photocard reneweal, but changing your name on your license is free

• If your licence is due for photo renewal soon, consider doing both changes together

Important notes:

• You must continue using your old licence while waiting for the new one

• Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks

• You can still drive while waiting for your new licence

• If you're also changing other details (like your address), include these on the form

Remember that while you can change your signature, it's best to maintain consistency across all your official documents to avoid any future verification issues.

Can I change my signature style?

Yes, you can change your signature anytime; it doesn't have to be related to a name change. You may also opt to have one signature for handwritten documents, but use an adopted signature for electronic signatures. This is entirely legal, and using an adopted signature with a full name or initials for electronic signing is common for many people who need to sign online.

How can I change my signature in Docusign?

1. Start by logging into your Docusign account

2. Choose 'Manage Profile' from the navigation

3. Select signatures from the menu, then select Actions, Edit

Then follow the instructions to create, draw or upload your new electronic signature.

How can I change my signature in Gmail?

You can update your signatures in Gmail using the Docusign integration.