How to remove someone’s name from a title deed

A change in personal circumstances may make it necessary to remove a name from a property deed.

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Matthew Boyle

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Whether it’s due to death, divorce or a change in personal circumstances, it may become necessary for a name to be removed from a property deed. This is usually achieved by the property owners, including the person whose name is being removed, completing a transfer deed.

Although you can generally complete the process yourself, you might want to get legal help and have a lawyer review the paperwork for you.

How can I remove a name from the title deed?

The basic process involves filling in a series of forms and sending them to HM Land Registry. The exact procedure you’ll need to follow depends on a few things, such as whether or not there is a mortgage on the property.

Steps to remove a name from a property deed

1. Fill in the application to change the register.

You’ll need to fill in the application to change the register, known as form AP1.

You can obtain a copy of the official title register for £3 from the Land Registry website.

2. Sign the transfer deed.

The transfer deed, often referred to as TR1, must be signed by the property owners, including the one who is being removed.

3. Take form ID1 to a solicitors’ firm.

Form ID1 is the certificate of identity for a private individual. This form needs to be completed by a solicitor. You must also take with you a valid form of identification, which must be one of either:

  • A valid passport
  • A current photocard driving licence from either the EU, UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands. A provisional licence wouldn’t be enough
  • A UK Biometric Residence Permit

You will also need to provide two of the following:

  • A mortgage statement, sent by post, for the most recent finished accounting year
  • A UK-issued credit card, supported by a recent account statement, under three months old
  • A council rent book for the last three months
  • A council tax bill for the current year
  • A utility bill sent by post under three months ago
  • A current firearm or shotgun certificate
4. Send the completed forms to HM Land Registry.

The forms should be sent to this address:

HM Land Registry
Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB

Don’t want to deal with all the trouble of handling your deed? You can consult with a lawyer who will complete the process for you.

What if there is a mortgage on the property?

If you need to remove a name from a title deed for a property with a mortgage on it, you will need written consent to do so from the lender. Generally, it is easier to obtain this if the person(s) left on the title deed is (are) sufficiently financially secure.

How can I remove a name from the title deed when a property owner dies?

In this case, you should fill in the deceased joint proprietor (DJP) form.

This form should then be sent to the HM Land Registry Citizen Centre, at this address:

HM Land Registry
Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB

Frequently asked questions

Who is most likely to be researching removing someone's name from a title deed?

Finder data suggests that men aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.

ResponseMale (%)Female (%)
65+6.03%6.09%
55-646.85%7.38%
45-549.28%9.46%
35-4410.84%10.24%
25-3410.98%10.06%
18-246.80%5.99%
Source: Finder sample of 6,630 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics
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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

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60 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    ElaineAugust 10, 2017

    How can one transfer title deeds if one out of 3 owners refuses to sign the transfer to sell a property ?

      AvatarFinder
      MayAugust 11, 2017Finder

      Hi Elaine,

      Thanks for your question.

      That can be a complicated case. Before the transfer, removal, and change in names on the property deed, all the parties involved must agree and sign to conform with the changes. Otherwise, you’d need to seek legal advice. You may try checking with Rocket Lawyer for any questions you have around property deeds.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    TomJuly 31, 2017

    Hey, how long does the process take to take my name off some title deeds on a property with no mortgage. Is it quicker going to a lawyer to sort out?
    Thanks

      AvatarFinder
      AnndyJuly 31, 2017Finder

      Hi Tom,

      Thanks for your question.

      The average completion time for processing a change of ownership is around 5 to 6 weeks but could take longer depending on a number of reasons such as the application lacking certain documents.

      The advantage of working with a lawyer is that they can help you prepare and submit a complete set of documents which could prevent any unnecessary delay in processing.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Default Gravatar
    AnnJuly 27, 2017

    I have to take my son off our house deeds as he is about to purchase he’s own home we have no mortgage on our home what do I need to do

      AvatarFinder
      MayJuly 28, 2017Finder

      Hi Ann,

      Thanks for your question.

      The general process of removing someone’s name from the deed is actually outlined above. However, if you’d want it to be done smoothly and to know the processing fees involved, best that you seek advice from a lawyer.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    ShazJuly 25, 2017

    Me and my daughter needs to remove our name from property deeds.

      AvatarFinder
      MayJuly 25, 2017Finder

      Hi Shaz,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      You may refer to the above general process on how you can remove names from the property deed. Though to start with, you would need to fill out an application form (which costs £3 per copy) to change the register, which you can obtain from the Land Registry website. I would also suggest that you consult with a lawyer who can help you with the whole process and may explain to you the possible fees involved.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    SaminaJuly 18, 2017

    I want to remove my ex husbands name from a property as the moment we bought the house 25 years ago he divorced me and left the country i have 3.5years of mortgage left on my property and have always paid it by myself how do go about removing his name as I don’t know his whereabouts

      AvatarFinder
      NoiJuly 20, 2017Finder

      Hi Samina, thanks for getting in touch. I’d recommend going over your case with an expert; consider contacting a local solicitor. You could also submit your question to Rocket Lawyer if you’d like some quick legal advice.

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