Change of Name Deed: Complete Guide to Legally Changing Your Name by Deed Poll with a UK Deed Poll Service for only £12.97 - Name Change by Unenrolled Deed Poll without a Solicitor
- Apr 29
- 15 min read
Updated: May 14
A change of name deed (also known as a deed poll) is a legally binding document used in England and Wales to officially change your name. It confirms that you are abandoning your old name and will use your new name for all purposes going forward.
A deed poll is a legal document that anyone aged 16 or over can complete themselves, or with the help of a solicitor or professional deed poll service. You can use a change of name deed to change your forename, surname, or any part of your name.
Once signed and witnessed, you can use it to update your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, and all other official records. Changing a child's name by deed poll requires the consent of everyone with parental responsibility.
You can choose either an unenrolled deed poll (a private document) or an enrolled deed poll (a public record lodged at the Royal Courts of Justice). Most organisations, including the passport office and DVLA, will accept either type.
Introduction: What Is a Change of Name Deed?
So maybe you have decided to change your name. Maybe you are getting married, going through a divorce, transitioning, or simply feel that your current name no longer reflects who you are. Whatever the reason, a change of name deed is the document that makes it all official.
Put simply, a Change of Name Deed is also known as a UK deed poll and is a legal document that allows you to formally adopt a new name in the UK, commonly known as "changing your Name by Deed Poll."
The term comes from the old legal practice of cutting or "polling" the edge of the parchment straight, to show it was a deed made by one party rather than two. Do not let the old fashioned name put you off though.
A change of name deed is one of the most straightforward legal documents you will ever encounter, and millions of people across England and Wales use them every year to update their legal name.
There a a number of different types of deed poll so, whether you are looking to legally change your name as an adult, change a name of a child, or replace a lost or damaged deed, this guide covers everything you need to know. We have also included answers to the most common questions people ask when starting the name change process with the help of gov.uk.
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Guide Index
What Is a Change of Name Deed and How Does It Work?
A deed poll is a legal document that you sign to confirm two things: first, that you are giving up your old name entirely, and second, that you will use your new name for all purposes from that point on. It is not simply a nickname or an alias. It is a formal commitment to a new legal name.
Once you have signed your deed poll correctly and had it witnessed, it becomes legally valid immediately. You can then begin the process of updating your name across your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, NHS records, and any other official documents. The key thing to remember is that the deed poll itself does not automatically update those records. You need to contact each organisation individually and present your deed as proof of your new name.
Unenrolled Deed Poll vs Enrolled Deed Poll: What Is the Difference?
There are two types of deed poll available in the UK, and understanding the difference between them will help you decide which is right for your situation.
An unenrolled deed poll is a private document. It does not appear on any public register and is not lodged with any court. The vast majority of people who change their name in the UK use an unenrolled deed poll. It is just as legally valid as an enrolled deed, and most organisations including HM Passport Office and the DVLA will accept it without any issues.
An enrolled deed poll is a deed that has been registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. Once enrolled, the name change becomes a matter of public record and is published in the London Gazette. This process is known as enrolment. Enrolled deed polls are less common and are typically chosen by people who want their name change to be officially on the public record, or who anticipate that certain organisations might require a higher level of proof.
For most adults living in the UK, an unenrolled deed poll is perfectly sufficient. However, if you are unsure which is right for you, a change of name deed solicitor can advise you based on your specific circumstances.
How to Change Your Name as an Adult in the UK
Changing your name as an adult in the UK is a relatively simple process, and you do not need to hire a solicitor to do it, although many people find it helpful to use a professional deed poll service to make sure everything is completed correctly and you can apply for a deed poll online with our deed poll office.
It is possible to change your full name or just your first, middle and/or just make a change of surname, but ultimatly, it's your decision to change which ever name or names suit your needs. You will receive a deed poll as proof of the name change. A deed poll in the UK is the quickest, easiest and cheapers was to change your name.
The Deed Poll Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Decide on your new name
Before you do anything else, decide on the new name you want to use. You can change any part of your name including your forename and surname. You cannot use your deed poll to change your name to something that is considered offensive or to include numbers or symbols.
Step 2: Prepare your change of name deed
You can create your own deed poll document at home, use a reputable deed poll service, or instruct a solicitor to prepare it for you. If you use a service or solicitor, they will ensure the wording is correct and legally valid.
Step 3: Sign the document
You must sign the deed poll in your old name and your new name. The document must be witnessed by an independent adult who is not a family member. The witness must sign the document and provide their name and address.
Step 4: Order certified copies
It is strongly recommended that you order several certified copies of your deed poll at the same time. You will need to send copies to multiple organisations and most will not return original documents. Having several certified copies ready saves time and hassle.
Step 5: Start updating your records
Begin with your passport and driving licence, as these are the documents that most other organisations will want to see as photo identification. Contact the passport office and DVLA as soon as possible, then work through your other records systematically.
Updating Your Passport After a Name Change
To update your passport, you will need to complete the relevant application form and send it to HM Passport Office along with your current passport, your deed poll, and the relevant fee. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, you may be able to get a free replacement. Visit the official HM Passport Office guidance on GOV.UK for the most up to date information on fees and application requirements.
Updating Your Driving Licence After a Name Change
To update your driving licence, you will need to complete form D1 and send it to the DVLA along with your current licence and your deed poll. The DVLA will issue a replacement licence in your new name. You can find the relevant forms and guidance on the DVLA section of GOV.UK.
Changing a Child's Name by Deed Poll
Changing a child's name is slightly more complex than changing an adult's name, because additional consents are required. Understanding the rules before you start will save you a great deal of time and stress.
Who Can Apply for a Change of Name Deed for a Child?
A child is defined as anyone under the age of 16. Anyone who has parental responsibility for a child can apply to change that child's name by deed poll. However, and this is important: everyone with parental responsibility must consent to the name change.
Parental responsibility is a legal concept that refers to the rights and responsibilities that a parent or guardian has in relation to a child. In most cases, both birth parents will have parental responsibility. If one parent refuses to consent to the name change, the other cannot simply go ahead without them. In that situation, it may be necessary to apply to the family court for permission.
How to Change a Child's Name in Practice
Once you have the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, the process is similar to changing an adult's name. A deed poll document is prepared in the child's name, and it is signed by those with parental responsibility rather than by the child themselves. A child aged 16 or 17 can sign their own deed poll.
It is worth noting that some schools, the NHS, and other organisations may also want to see evidence of parental consent when you are using a new name for a child, even if you have a valid deed poll. Keeping copies of any written consents alongside your certified copies of the deed poll is good practice.
The Child's Birth Certificate and Name Changes
A deed poll does not change what is recorded on a child's birth certificate. The birth certificate will continue to show the name given at birth. The deed poll is the document that proves the child's name has been changed, and it is used alongside the birth certificate when dealing with official organisations. If you need to update a child's passport, you will need both documents.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Deed Poll
Losing or damaging your deed poll can feel like a significant problem, particularly if you are in the middle of the name change process or need to prove your name for a specific reason. The good news is that it is entirely possible to get a replacement.
Replacing an Unenrolled Deed Poll
If your deed poll was unenrolled (meaning it was never registered with the Royal Courts of Justice), you will need to create a new deed poll. The new document will be dated with today's date, not the original date of your name change. Most organisations will accept this without any issues, as the important thing is that the deed is legally valid, not when it was created.
A reputable deed poll service or a solicitor can help you create a replacement quickly. You will then need to order certified copies of the new document to distribute to organisations that require them.
Replacing an Enrolled Deed Poll
If your original deed poll was enrolled (registered with the Royal Courts of Justice and published in the London Gazette), it is possible to obtain a certified copy from the court records. Because enrolled deeds are a matter of public record, the original enrolment is preserved indefinitely. Contact the Royal Courts of Justice for guidance on obtaining a copy of an enrolled deed.
Why Use a Solicitor or Professional Deed Poll Service?
While it is perfectly legal to create your own deed poll at home, many people choose to use a solicitor or a professional deed poll service for the peace of mind it provides. Here is why that can be a wise choice.
Getting It Right First Time
A deed poll that is incorrectly worded or improperly witnessed can cause real problems when you try to use your new name with the passport office, DVLA, or your bank. A solicitor or reputable deed poll service will ensure the document is correctly drafted and legally valid from the outset, saving you the trouble of having to redo it.
Witnessed by a Solicitor
Some people prefer to have their deed poll witnessed by a solicitor for added reassurance. While it is not a legal requirement to have a solicitor as a witness, having a solicitor or notary public witness your deed can make it easier to have your document accepted by certain overseas organisations, as they may require a higher level of authentication than a standard witness can provide.
Certified Copies You Can Trust
A professional deed poll service will produce certified copies of your deed that are clearly formatted and easy for organisations to recognise. Banks, government departments, and other bodies are accustomed to seeing documents produced by established services, which can make the process of updating your records smoother.
Our Change of Name Deed Solicitors Are Here to Help
Our change of name deed solicitors have helped thousands of people through the name change process. Whether you are changing your name for personal, professional, or legal reasons, we can guide you through every step, from preparing the document to advising on how best to present it to official organisations.
Contact us today to get started.
Using Your New Name After a Change of Name Deed
Once you have your deed poll in hand, the question most people ask is: where do I start? The answer is to work methodically through your documents and records, starting with the most important.
Here is a suggested order for updating your records after a name change:
HM Passport Office (your passport)
DVLA (your driving licence)
Your employer and HMRC
Your bank and building society
Your NHS GP and any healthcare providers
Your local council (for council tax, electoral roll, etc.)
Your mortgage provider or landlord
Insurance providers
Utility companies
Any professional bodies or membership organisations
Most organisations will ask you to send a certified copy of your deed poll along with a completed change of name form. Some will accept a photocopy, while others will insist on a certified copy. It is worth checking with each organisation before you send anything, to avoid any delays.
Proof of Your New Name
Your deed poll is your primary proof of your new name. In most cases, organisations will also want to see a form of photo identification in your new name, which is why updating your passport or driving licence first is so important. Once you've changed your name on those documents, you have photo ID in your new name to support all your other applications.
Special Situations: Civil Partnership, Marriage, and Name Changes
It is worth being clear about the different ways a name can be changed in the UK, as they carry different legal weight and involve different documents.
Changing Your Name After Marriage or Civil Partnership
When you get married or enter a civil partnership, you can change your surname by using your marriage or civil partnership certificate as proof of your new name. You do not need a deed poll to change your name in this way. Your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate acts as the legal authority for the change.
However, if you want to change your name in a way that goes beyond simply taking your partner's surname, such as creating a double barrelled name or changing your forename entirely, you will need a change of name deed in addition to your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Change of Name After Divorce
If you want to revert to a previous name following a divorce, you can do so using your decree absolute (now called a final order) and your marriage certificate together. If you want to change to an entirely different name, a deed poll is the right route.
Change of Name Deed FAQs
What is the difference between a deed poll and a statutory declaration?
A deed poll is the standard legal document used to change your name in the UK. A statutory declaration is a different type of legal statement, sworn in front of a solicitor or notary public, and is sometimes used as an alternative to a deed poll in certain circumstances. Some organisations, particularly in Scotland, may accept a statutory declaration instead of a deed poll. However, for the purposes of changing your name in England and Wales, a deed poll is the most widely recognised and accepted document.
Do I need to publish my name change in the London Gazette?
If you choose to enrol your deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice, the change will be published in the London Gazette as part of the enrolment process. This makes it a matter of public record. However, if you opt for an unenrolled deed poll, there is no requirement to publish anything in the London Gazette or anywhere else.
Can I change any part of my name with a deed poll?
Yes. You can use a deed poll to change your forename, surname, or any part of your name. You can also add a name, remove a name, or change the spelling of a name. The only restrictions are that the new name must not be offensive, must not include numbers or symbols, and must not be used to facilitate fraud or deception.
What is the process for enrolling a deed poll?
Enrolling a deed poll means registering it with the Senior Courts Costs Office at the Royal Courts of Justice. You will need to complete an application, pay a fee, and provide evidence such as your current name, your new name, and why you wish to enrol. Once the enrolment is complete, your name change is published in the London Gazette and becomes a matter of public record. The GOV.UK website has full guidance on how to enrol a deed poll.
Will all organisations accept an enrolled deed poll?
Most organisations across England and Wales will accept an enrolled deed poll as definitive proof of a name change. The advantage of enrolment is that the deed is permanently on the public record, which can be useful if you ever need to prove your name change many years later. Some organisations may specifically request an enrolled deed poll, particularly in cases involving large financial transactions or overseas dealings.
Can I change my name if I do not have a birth certificate?
You do not need a birth certificate to create a deed poll. However, when applying to update your passport or other official documents, you may be asked to provide your birth certificate alongside your deed poll. If you do not have a birth certificate, it is possible to apply for a replacement through the relevant register office.
What is a register office and what role does it play in name changes?
A register office (sometimes written as registry office) is a local government office responsible for recording births, deaths, and marriages. When you change your name by deed poll, you do not need to visit a register office. However, if you need a copy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate to support your name change application, a register office is where you would apply for one.
Is a deed poll recognised by government bodies?
Yes. A deed poll is recognised by all UK government bodies including the passport office and DVLA. It is also accepted by HM Revenue and Customs, the NHS, and the vast majority of banks, building societies, and other financial institutions. Some overseas authorities may require additional verification, and a change of name deed solicitor can advise you on this if you are dealing with international organisations.
What does it mean that a deed poll is legally binding?
When we say a deed poll is legally binding, we mean that by signing it, you are making a formal legal commitment to use your new name for all purposes and to abandon your old name entirely. It is not simply an expression of preference. It carries legal weight and can be relied upon as official proof of your name change by organisations across the UK.
Do I need to use a deed poll service, or can I create my own?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor or deed poll service. You can create your own deed poll at home. However, many people find that using a professional service results in a document that is more readily accepted by banks and passport authorities, as these organisations are familiar with standard formats. A professionally produced deed also reduces the risk of errors that could delay the name change process.
How long does the deed poll process take?
The deed poll itself can be created and signed in a matter of minutes. The time consuming part is updating all of your documents and records, which can take several weeks or months depending on how many organisations you need to notify. The passport office currently asks applicants to allow a certain number of weeks for processing. Always check GOV.UK for the most current processing times before you apply.
Can someone living in the UK but born abroad change their name by deed poll?
Yes. Anyone living in the UK can change their name by deed poll, regardless of their country of birth. However, if you need to update official documents issued by another country, such as a foreign passport, you will need to follow that country's own procedures. A change of name deed solicitor can advise on the steps involved for your specific situation.
Useful External Links
For further information and to carry out your name change applications directly, the following official resources are authoritative and up to date:
Change your name by deed poll: GOV.UK
Change the name on your passport: HM Passport Office via GOV.UK
Change the name on your driving licence: DVLA via GOV.UK
Apply for a copy of a birth certificate: GOV.UK
Family court applications including child name changes: GOV.UK
The London Gazette: Official public record
Ready to Change Your Name? We Can Help.
Our team of experienced change of name deed solicitors makes the process as simple and stress free as possible. Whether you are changing your name as an adult, navigating the requirements for changing a child's name, or need to replace a lost or damaged deed, we are here to guide you.
We produce legally valid, professionally prepared deed poll documents with certified copies ready to send to the passport office, DVLA, and every other organisation on your list. We also advise on the most effective order in which to update your records and answer any questions you have along the way.
Get in touch with our change of name deed solicitors today and take the first step towards using your new name with confidence.
This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a qualified solicitor.
