How to legally change your child's name in the UK
To legally change your child's name in the UK, simply complete and submit our secure online application form.
Once your application has been processed, usually the same working day, you’ll receive a confirmation email and deed poll document to prove your child's name has changed.
You can choose to receive your deed poll the same working day by email, or the next working day by post.
It costs £14.97 to get a deed poll and change your child's name.
Contents
- Overview
- After you submit your application
- Notifying your record holders
- Changing the name on your passport
- What is parental responsibility
Important information
We are a specialist deed poll agency offering independent unenrolled deed poll services and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government, HM Passport Office or GOV.UK.
Overview
Important information
You must be 16 years of age or over to apply for a deed poll using this online service.
To change your child's name on their official documents like their passport, with other government organisations like the NHS or their school, and with private Institutions like their bank, you will need a legal document of name change.
A deed poll is the name of the most commonly used legal document that proves a name change and the process is known as, 'changing your child's name by deed poll.'
When changing your child's name by deed poll, you can:
-
change their first, middle or last name
-
add or remove names
-
change the spelling of current names
-
choose a completely new full name
A deed poll is legally recognised as proof of name change by all UK government bodies and private organisations.
How to get a deed poll
You can change your child's name and get a deed poll by completing our secure online application form.
You can choose to receive a deed poll as proof of your child's name change securely as a password protected PDF document by email, or by post.
A deed poll issued by us is accepted as legal evidence of name change by all UK government agencies and private organisations, and:
-
there are no additional costs, legal or court fees
-
you do not require a solicitor
-
your child's name change remains private and confidential
-
we verify your child's legal name change with their record holders
-
we can reissue a deed poll if it ever becomes lost or damaged
We are a specialist UK deed poll agency, specialising in drafting and issuing unenrolled deed polls. We do not offer enrolled deed polls.
After you submit your application
You will receive a deed poll to prove your child's name has changed by email, or by post - tracked with the royal mail, depending on the option you choose.
When your deed poll arrives
When you have your deed poll, you must sign it in the presence of a witness such as a friend, work colleague or neighbour.
Your witness can be anyone but must:
-
be 18 years of age or over
-
not related to you or your child
-
not live at the same address as you or your child
We will send you a confirmation email containing all the information you need to help you sign and witness your deed poll.
Notifying your record holders
When your deed poll has been signed and witnessed, show or send it to your child's record holders and they will update their records with your child's new name.
There is a different process for updating your child's passport.
We will send you a confirmation email containing all the information you notify your child's record holders.
Changing the name on your child's passport
To change the name on your child's passport or apply for their first passport in a different name than what appears on their birth certificate, you must include the deed poll document along with the passport application.
You will also be required to attached a letter confirming that all persons holding parental responsibility for the child, consents to the child’s name being changed. The letter must also be signed by such persons.
Before submitting a passport application with HM Passport Office, ensure you have additional documentation in your child's new name such as a bank statement or GP letter.
What is parental responsibility
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities a person has for a child and the child’s property. it includes decisions about the child’s education, religion, medical treatment, and legal name.
The following people automatically have parental responsibility:
-
the birth mother of the child unless parental responsibility has been removed by way of a court order
-
the father, if he was married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth or listed on the birth certificate
-
same-sex partners in civil partnerships or marriages who are legal parents of the child
The following people do not automatically have parental responsibility but can obtain it:
-
unmarried fathers not on the birth certificate
-
step-parents
-
grandparents or other relatives caring for the child
-
same-sex partners not named as legal parents
These individuals can acquire parental responsibility through:
-
a parental responsibility agreement with the mother
-
a parental responsibility order from a court
-
becoming a legal guardian
-
a child arrangements order that the child lives with them
If more than one person has parental responsibility for the child, all people with parental responsibility must give consent to change the child’s name by deed poll.
You cannot change a child’s name legally without this consent, unless you get permission from the court.
If the other person with parental responsibility cannot be located, and you’ve made reasonable attempts to contact them, you will need to apply to a family court for a specific issue order allowing you to change the child’s name without their consent.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your attempts to reach the other parent (e.g., letters, emails, social media, or proof you’ve asked family/friends).
You cannot legally change a child’s name without the consent of all persons holding parental responsibility, unless you get permission from the court.
-
What is a deed poll?A deed poll is the formal name of the legal document that proves you have changed your name. It is accepted across the UK by government departments, banks, and other organisations as official proof of your new name.
-
How does changing my name by deed poll work?You apply for a deed poll declaring your new name. Once you have your deed poll, you can use it to update your name on official records like your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts. Our online service makes this quick and easy.
-
Can I change my child's name by deed poll?Yes. If your child is under 16 but all people with parental responsibility must agree and sign the deed poll. Our service supports child name changes with a simple online application.
-
How long does it take to get a deed poll?You can receive your deed poll instantly by email as a password protected PDF document or within a few days by post, depending on your preference.
-
Is changing my name by deed poll legal in the UK?Yes. A deed poll is a fully legal way to change your name and is accepted by all UK organisations and government agencies. Under common law, a properly executed deed poll must be accepted
-
Can I use a deed poll to change my middle name or only my first and last names?You can change any part of your name — first, middle, or last — using a deed poll. You can add or remove names, change the spelling of current names or choose a completely new full name. You can even add a title change e.g. from Mrs to Miss.
-
What if I want to change my name back later?You can change your name as many times as you want by applying for a new deed poll each time.
-
How do I apply for a deed poll online?Just fill out our secure online form with your current and new names, pay £14.97, and choose email or postal delivery.
-
What information do I need to provide?We ask for your current name, new name, date of birth, and contact details. You do not need to provide any documentation.
-
Can I choose to receive my deed poll by email or by post?Yes, you can choose instant email delivery or a postal copy sent to your address.
-
How much does it cost?Our deed poll service costs just £14.97 for a deed poll by email or by post, with no hidden fees. We can also provide extra duplicate deed polls, Record Holder Covering Letters, Agency Certification Letters, Lifetime Record Holder Verification and Lifetime Storage and Replacement at a small additional cost, but these additional services are optional.
-
Is your service secure and private?Yes. We use secure encryption to protect your data, and we follow GDPR rules to the letter. Your information is never shared without your consent. We also only provide unenrolled deed polls meaning your name change is 100% private and confidential and not placed on public record like with an enrolled deed poll.
-
What happens after I complete my application?You will receive your deed poll instantly by email or in a few days by post.
-
How do I use my deed poll to update my name on official documents?Show your deed poll when updating your name on passports, driving licences, bank accounts, and other records.
-
Will the deed poll be accepted by government bodies and banks?Yes, it is accepted across the UK guaranteed, or your money back.
-
Do I need witnesses to sign my deed poll?Yes. You must sign your deed poll in front of an independent adult witness who will also sign your deed poll. Your witness can be anyone as long as they: are 18 years of age or over not related to you not your partner do not live at the same address as you
-
Can I make copies of my deed poll?You can make copies of your deed poll, but they will not be accepted by your record holders. Record holders will only accept an original, wet signed deed poll as proof of name change. We can send you as many original deed polls as you need.
-
Are there restrictions on what names I can choose?Names must not be offensive, include symbols or numbers, or be chosen to commit fraud.
-
Can I change my name if I am under 18?Children under 16 need a person with parental responsibility to apply on their behalf. Those aged 16 or over can apply themselves and do not need their parent’s permission.
-
Can non-UK residents get a UK deed poll?Yes, but check if you need extra steps to use it overseas.
-
Is a deed poll the same as a court order?No, a deed poll is not a court order. A deed poll is not evidence that you have been ordered to change your name, a deed poll is a legal self declaration of name change. An unenrolled deed poll is private and confidential and an enrolled deed poll is placed on public record. We only provide unenrolled deed polls.
-
How long is a deed poll valid for?Indefinitely, once signed and witnessed.
-
Will my new name be recognised internationally?Usually yes, but some countries may require extra legal steps. Please seek legal advice from your country’s embassy.
-
Can someone challenge my name change?Only in rare cases if fraud is suspected.
-
What if I lose my deed poll?You can apply for a replacement from us.
-
What if I need help filling out the form?Contact our support team by phone on 0333 339 1980 or by email at support@deedpollagency.co.uk for assistance.
-
Can I contact someone after applying?Yes, we offer full lifetime priority support for anyone who submits and application with us.
-
What if I want to change my name again?You can apply for a new deed poll any time.
-
Still have questions?Telephone us on 0333 339 1980 Email us at support@deedpollagency.co.uk Or submit a contact form on our contact page by clicking here, we’re here to help in any way we can.
-
Is your agency legit?Absolutely. We have been assisting people to change their name and issuing legal change of name documents to residents of the United Kingdom for many years and as such, we are bound by strict laws and regulations and are registered and regulated by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).