Change Your Child's Last Name By Deed Poll: You can change your child's First, Middle and Surname today with our online UK Name Change Service. No Solicitor Required. You can also Change Your Name
- May 12
- 21 min read
Updated: May 14
Quick Answer:
Can you change your child's last name in the UK?
Yes. You can change your child's last name, first name or middle name in the UK by deed poll without a solicitor.
A deed poll is a legal document that records a child's name change and is accepted by the Passport Office, HMRC, the DVLA, schools and the NHS. To change a child's name by deed poll, you must have the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility for the child.
If all parties agree, the process can be completed entirely online today with no solicitor required. If there is disagreement, you may need to apply to the family court for a specific issue order.
Children aged 16 and over can change their own name by deed poll without parental consent. Once the deed poll is signed and witnessed, you can use it to update all official records across government departments and private organisations.
Key facts:
A deed poll is legally recognised across the UK
No solicitor is required when all parties agree
Everyone with parental responsibility must give written consent
Children aged 16 or over can apply independently
A deed poll does not change what is on a child's birth certificate
You can complete the entire process online today
If you are thinking about changing your child's name, you are not alone. Thousands of families across the UK go through this process every year, whether following a divorce, a remarriage, a change in family circumstances or simply because the child's name no longer feels right.
The great news is that in most cases, changing childs name in the UK is a straightforward process. You do not need to spend money on a solicitor, you do not need to appear in court and you do not need to wait weeks for a result.
Our online name change service makes it possible for you to apply for a deed poll today from the comfort of your own home.
This guide covers every aspect of how to change your child's first name, middle name or surname legally and simply in the UK.
We explain what the law requires, when parental responsibility matters, what happens when parents disagree, and how a deed poll gives your child a fresh start with their child's new name recognised everywhere it matters.
Ready to Change Your Child’s Name for only £12.97?
If so, click on the following link:
Need more information?
Click on the following link:
Guide Index
How to Change a Child's Name By Deed Poll: The Basics Explained
Why a Deed Poll Is the Simplest Way to Change a Name in the UK
A deed poll is a legal document that records the fact that a person, including a child, has given up their old name and will from that point forward use a new name. The phrase "deed poll" comes from the legal tradition of cutting the edge of the document straight, or "polling" it, to distinguish it from a deed between two parties.
For the purposes of changing a child's name, a deed poll is the most widely used and universally accepted method across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The document serves as proof of the name change and is accepted by every major UK institution.
Once a child's deed poll has been correctly completed, signed and witnessed, you can use it to update your child's passport, driving licence (when they reach driving age), school records, NHS records, bank accounts and any other records held in the child's old name.
You can change your child's first name, middle name or surname, or any combination of these, using a deed poll. Our service allows you to do all of this online today.
Did you know, the child's name can be changed again, even if the child's name has been changed in the past.
Understanding Parental Responsibilities Before You Change the Name of a Child
Parental Responsibilities: Who Must Agree Before a Child's Surname Can Be Changed?
This is the single most important legal point to understand when considering a child's name change.
A child's name is considered an integral part of their identity and their relationship with both parents. Because of this, the law in England and Wales is clear: you cannot legally change a child's name unless you have obtained the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility for the child.
Parental responsibility is the collection of legal rights, duties and powers that a parent or guardian has in relation to a child. In England and Wales, parental responsibility is automatically held by:
The child's birth mother
The child's father, if he was married to the mother at the time of birth
The child's father, if he is named on the birth certificate for births registered after 1 December 2003 in England and Wales
An adoptive parent, following an adoption order
A step parent, if parental responsibility has been granted by a court or through a parental responsibility agreement
Any person who has been granted parental responsibility by a court order
It is vital that you identify everyone who holds parental responsibility for your child before you begin. Everyone with parental responsibility must sign the deed poll to give their written consent to the change. If one person refuses, the deed poll process cannot lawfully proceed without a court order.
If the child's parent has passed away or if parental responsibility has been formally removed by a court, you may be able to proceed without that person's consent. In these circumstances you'll need to take legal advice to confirm your position.
The Process for Changing Your Child's Surname: A Clear Step By Step Guide
What the Process for Changing a Child's Name Looks Like in Practice
Many parents are surprised at how accessible the process for changing a child's name actually is. When everyone with parental responsibility agrees, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm who holds parental responsibility
Before anything else, establish clearly who has parental responsibility for your child. This affects who must sign the deed poll and give their consent to the change.
Step 2: Gather written consent from all parties
Everyone with parental responsibility must agree to the change and sign the deed poll document. This is not optional. You cannot legally use the new name until this step is complete.
Step 3: Complete your application online
Our online name change service allows you to create a legally prepared deed poll without needing to instruct a solicitor or visit any office. The process takes just a few minutes.
Step 4: Sign and witness the deed poll
The deed poll must be signed in the presence of an independent witness who is over 18 and not a family member of the child or those with parental responsibility. The witness must sign the document, print their full name and provide their address.
Step 5: Begin using the child's new name
Once the deed poll has been correctly executed, you can start using the new name immediately and begin the process of updating records with schools, the NHS, the passport office and other bodies.
Step 6: Update official records
You will need to send certified copies of the deed poll to each organisation you wish to update. Most organisations will ask to see the deed poll alongside the child's original birth certificate.
Do You Need a Court Order? What Every Parent Needs to Know
When You Need a Court Order and When You Do Not
The most common question parents ask is whether they need a court order to change their child's name. In the majority of cases, the answer is no. If everyone with parental responsibility gives their written consent, a deed poll is all you need.
However, there are specific circumstances in which you will need to apply to the court before you can proceed. You need a court order to change a child's name in the following situations:
One or more people with parental responsibility refuse to give their consent to the name change
There is already a child arrangements order in place that prevents either parent from changing the child's name without permission
The child is subject to a care order or supervision order from a local authority
The child is a ward of court
In these situations, you cannot simply go ahead and start using a new name for the child. Doing so without a court order where one is required could have serious legal consequences.
If you need a court order, you would apply to the family court for a specific issue order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The court will then decide whether changing the child's name would be in the child's best interests.
What Gov.uk Says About a Child's Name Change: Official Guidance
Gov.uk Guidance on Changing a Child's Surname: The Key Points for Parents
The official government guidance on gov.uk is clear and helpful for parents who are unsure of the rules around changing a child's name.
According to gov.uk, you can change a child's name by deed poll in England and Wales if everyone with parental responsibility agrees. The guidance confirms that organisations such as the Passport Office will accept an enrolled deed poll to change records held in the child's old name.
Gov.uk also notes that if there is a court order that includes provisions about the child's name, or if there is no agreement between those with parental responsibility, you must apply to the family court before proceeding.
The gov.uk website provides guidance on:
How to change a child's first name and surname by deed poll
How to enrol a deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice if required
What to do if one parent does not agree to the change
How the Passport Office and other bodies handle a child's name change
We recommend reading the official gov.uk guidance alongside this article to make sure you have a complete picture of your obligations and rights.
Useful gov.uk links for this process:
Can You Change Your Child's Name Without a Solicitor?
Why You Do Not Need a Solicitor to Change a Name By Deed Poll
One of the most persistent myths about changing a child's name in the UK is that you must use a solicitor. This is simply not the case when all parties with parental responsibility are in agreement.
A deed poll is a legal document, but it does not need to be prepared or certified by a solicitor to be valid. Thousands of parents across the UK change their child's name every year using an online deed poll service without ever setting foot in a solicitor's office.
You do not need a solicitor to:
Prepare your child's deed poll document
Witness or certify the deed poll
Submit the deed poll to organisations to update records
Change a child's name via the passport office, HMRC or the NHS
The only situation in which engaging a solicitor may genuinely be helpful is if the name change is contested by someone with parental responsibility, or if you are unsure about the legal complexities of your specific situation. In those cases, a family law solicitor can advise you on whether you need to apply to the court for a specific issue order.
For most families, however, an online deed poll service is all that is required. Our service is trusted by thousands of UK families and our deed poll documents are accepted by all major UK organisations.
How to Change the Name on a Child's Birth Certificate
What Happens to a Birth Certificate After a Child's Name Change?
This is an area where many parents have understandable confusion. The short answer is that a deed poll does not change what is recorded on a child's birth certificate.
A birth certificate is a permanent historical record of the child's name and details at the time of registration. It cannot be altered simply by completing a deed poll. When you present a deed poll to organisations such as the Passport Office or HMRC, you will usually be asked to show the deed poll alongside the original birth certificate. The two documents together demonstrate both who the child was at birth and what their child's new name is now.
In limited circumstances, it may be possible to get a child's birth certificate updated through a process known as re registration with the General Register Office. This is a separate legal process and applies only in specific situations, such as when a father is added to the birth certificate or when the parents subsequently marry.
For the purposes of changing a child's surname or first name, the deed poll is your proof of the name change and is legally sufficient for updating records with the vast majority of UK organisations. You do not need to change the birth certificate to make the name change legally effective.
Further guidance on birth registration is available at gov.uk Birth Registration.
How to Apply for a Court Order When Parents Cannot Agree
The Steps to Apply for a Court Order Through the Family Court
If the other parent or another person with parental responsibility refuses to agree to the child's name change, you may wish to apply to the court for a specific issue order. This is the formal legal process by which the family court is asked to resolve a dispute about a child's upbringing.
Here is what the process involves when you apply for a court order:
Step 1: Attempt mediation first
Before you apply for a court order, you are generally expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, known as a MIAM. This is a meeting with an accredited mediator who will assess whether your dispute can be resolved through mediation rather than court proceedings. In some circumstances you may be exempt from this requirement.
Step 2: Complete Form C100
To apply to the court for a specific issue order, you need to complete Form C100, which is available on the gov.uk website. This form sets out the details of your application and the reasons why you are asking the court to grant permission for the name change.
Step 3: File your application with the family court
Once your C100 is complete and you have attended the MIAM or obtained an exemption, you file the application with your local family court along with the relevant fee.
Step 4: Attend the hearing
The family court will list the matter for a hearing. Both parties will have the opportunity to put their case forward, and a judge will decide what is in the child's best interests.
Step 5: Receive the court's decision
If the court decides that the name change would be in the child's best interests, it will make a specific issue order granting permission for the change. This court order then permits you to proceed with the deed poll.
It is worth noting that applying to the court for a specific issue order to change a child's name can be a lengthy and costly process, both financially and emotionally. Wherever possible, it is always better to try to reach agreement with everyone who holds parental responsibility.
Child Arrangements and a Name Change: What Every Parent Should Understand
How Child Arrangements Orders Affect Your Ability to Change a Name
Child arrangements orders are court orders that govern where a child lives and how often they spend time with each parent. These orders can have a direct impact on decisions about a child's name.
If there is an existing child arrangements order in place, it may contain a condition that neither parent can change the child's name without the consent of the other or without a further court order. Even where no such condition is stated in the child arrangements order, the general legal position remains that the consent of everyone with parental responsibility is required before a child's surname can be changed.
Parents who share care of their child under a child arrangements order and who cannot agree on a name change will need to apply to the court for a specific issue order, as described above.
It is also important to note that even if a child arrangements order does not explicitly refer to the child's name, a parent who changes a child's name without the knowledge or agreement of the other parent may be found to have acted in breach of the spirit of the order and of their obligations under the Children Act 1989.
If you are unsure whether a child arrangements order affects your ability to change your child's name, the Citizens Advice website provides free guidance, or you may wish to seek advice from a family law solicitor.
How to Get an Order to Change the Name of a Child When There Is No Agreement
What an Order to Change the Name of a Child Means in Practice
When one parent wishes to change a child's name but cannot obtain the consent of the other, the only legal route is to apply to the court for an order to change the name of a child. This is known as a specific issue order and is made under the Children Act 1989.
An order to change the name of a child is not granted automatically. The family court will consider a range of factors before making any such order, including:
The length of time the child has been known by their current name
The potential impact of a name change on the child's identity and sense of belonging
Whether the name change would affect the child's relationship with either parent or their wider family
The child's own wishes and feelings, having regard to their age and understanding
The practical impact of a different surname on the child's day to day life
The court's paramount consideration in any proceedings involving a child is the child's best interests. A parent's desire to change their child's surname will only succeed if they can demonstrate that the change would be in the child's best interests, not simply in the parent's best interests.
If you are considering applying for an order to change the name of a child, the Cafcass website provides useful guidance on what to expect from the family court process.
Name Without the Other Parent's Consent: What Are Your Options?
Name Without Consent: What the Law Says and What You Can Do
One of the most emotionally charged questions in this area of law is whether a parent can change a child's name without the knowledge or consent of the other parent.
The answer is straightforward: you cannot legally change a child's name without the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility unless you have obtained a court order permitting you to do so.
Changing a child's name without this consent is not just legally ineffective; it could be treated as a breach of the other parent's parental rights and may result in enforcement action through the family court.
There are, however, limited circumstances in which it may be possible to proceed without one person's consent:
If that person does not have parental responsibility
If that person has died
If parental responsibility has been formally removed by a court order
If the court has granted a specific issue order permitting the change
Outside of these circumstances, you cannot simply start using a new name for your child without agreement. Even if you and your child are in a different situation to when the child arrangements were originally made, you must either reach agreement with everyone with parental responsibility or apply to the family court.
Change Your Name Today: Our Simple Online Deed Poll Service
Ready to Change Your Child's Name? Here Is How Our Service Works
If you have the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility and you are ready to proceed, our online service makes it as simple as possible to change your child's first name, middle name or surname by deed poll.
Here is why thousands of UK families trust our service each year:
Everything online, start to finish
You do not need to visit any office, post anything or wait for an appointment. The entire process is completed online.
No solicitor required
Our deed poll documents are legally prepared and accepted by all major UK organisations including the Passport Office, HMRC, the DVLA, the NHS and high street banks.
First name, middle name and surname changes
Change any combination of your child's name. Change the child's first name, add a middle name, change the child's surname or change all three in one document.
Legally recognised across the UK
Our deed polls are valid in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Accepted everywhere that matters
Whether you need to update your child's passport, school records, doctor's records or bank account, our deed poll will be accepted.
Fast turnaround
Do not wait weeks for the process to begin. You can get started right now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing a Child's Name By Deed Poll
Can I change my child's family name without going to court?
Yes, in most cases. When you have the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, there is no need to go to court. A deed poll signed by all parties with parental responsibility is all you need. You would only need to apply to the court if consent is refused, if a child arrangements order prevents the change, or if there is some other legal restriction in place.
What is a change of name deed and is it the same as a deed poll?
A change of name deed and a deed poll are the same thing. Both terms refer to the legal document used to record that a person is giving up their old name and adopting a new name. The term "deed poll" is more commonly used in everyday speech, while "change of name deed" is the more formal legal term. Both are equally valid descriptions of the same document. If you've lost your child's deed poll, you may be able to get a replacement.
What is a change of surname specifically?
A change of surname is the process of legally replacing a child's last name with a different surname. This might involve taking on a parent's surname, a step parent's surname, reverting to a birth surname or adopting an entirely new family name. The process is the same as any other name change by deed poll. You need the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility and a correctly executed deed poll.
What does "apply for a specific issue order" mean?
To apply for a specific issue order means to make a formal application to the family court asking it to resolve a specific dispute about a child's upbringing. In the context of a child's name, if one parent wants to change the child's surname and the other refuses, the parent who wants the change can apply to the court for a specific issue order. The court will then decide what outcome is in the child's best interests. You can apply to the court to get a court order using Form C100, available on gov.uk.
How do organisations decide whether to accept a deed poll?
Each organisation has its own policy on what documentation and deed poll they will accept it before they are able to change and update their records and change your child's name on their records. Most UK organisations will accept an unenrolled deed poll to change their records.
Some may require an enrolled deed poll, which is a deed poll that has been registered with the Senior Courts Costs Office. Our deed poll service provides guidance on which organisations may require an enrolled version and how to get one. It is also worth contacting the relevant organisation to understand the deed poll format they require before submitting your documents, as requirements do vary.
When a deed poll arrives, it is normal for the organisation to understand the deed poll and verify it relates correctly to their records. Most reputable organisations will accept a deed poll provided it is properly executed and accompanied by appropriate supporting documents.
Can I start using a new name for my child straight away after the deed poll is signed?
Yes. Once the deed poll has been correctly signed and witnessed, you can use the new name immediately in informal contexts. However, to update official records, you will need to present the deed poll to each relevant organisation. Some organisations may take time to process the change. You should not destroy or permanently hand over the original deed poll until all records have been updated, as you may need to refer back to it.
What is an enrolled deed poll and does my child need one?
An enrolled deed poll is a deed poll that has been registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. This makes it part of the public record. Most organisations will accept an unenrolled deed poll to change records, so most families do not need to enrol the deed poll. However, some organisations, particularly older institutions, may specifically request to see an enrolled deed poll. It is worth checking with the specific organisations you need to update whether they require an enrolled deed poll or whether an unenrolled version will be sufficient.
Will the deed poll change my child's name on their passport?
Yes. His Majesty's Passport Office will accept a correctly executed deed poll to change a child's name on their passport. You will need to submit a new passport application alongside the deed poll and the child's existing passport. Guidance on changing passport details for a child is available at gov.uk Passport Changes. You'll need to follow the Passport Office's current procedure, which may include a fee for a new document.
Can I change my child's name via an online service rather than through a solicitor?
Yes. You can change a child's name via our online deed poll service without involving a solicitor at any stage. Our online process is designed to be straightforward for any parent and produces a legally valid deed poll that is accepted by all major UK organisations.
Does changing a child's name affect a marriage or civil partnership certificate?
No. A deed poll does not alter any marriage or civil partnership certificate. A marriage or civil partnership certificate is a record of an event that took place on a particular date and cannot be retrospectively changed by a deed poll. If your child later marries and their name has been changed by deed poll, their marriage certificate will record the name they are using at the time of the marriage.
What proof of the name change will schools and the NHS need?
Both schools and the NHS will typically accept a deed poll as proof of the name change. You will usually need to show the original deed poll or a certified copy, along with the child's birth certificate. Some schools may also ask to see a letter confirming the change and signed by all those with parental responsibility. It is worth contacting each organisation in advance to find out exactly what documentation they require.
What happens if one parent attempts to change the child's name without consent?
If one parent attempts to change a child's name without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, this can have serious consequences. The other parent could apply to the family court for a prohibited steps order to prevent the name being used or to have the original name reinstated. Courts take a dim view of parents who attempt to unilaterally change a child's name, and this behaviour may be taken into account in any subsequent child arrangements proceedings.
At what age can a child choose their own name?
Under UK law, a young person at the age of 16 or over can change their own name by deed poll without requiring parental consent. Between the ages of 16 and 18, they would use a deed poll specifically designed for young people. From the age of 18 onwards, they are treated as an adult for the purposes of a name change.
My child has a parent's surname from a previous relationship. Can I still change it?
Yes. The fact that your child carries a parent's surname from a previous relationship does not of itself prevent a name change. However, you must still obtain the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility, including the parent whose surname the child currently holds if that person has parental responsibility. If that parent refuses to give their consent, you would need to apply to the court for a specific issue order.
Is it possible to change a child's name back to their original name after a deed poll?
Yes. If circumstances change, it is possible to change a child's name back to a previous name using a further deed poll. The same rules apply: you need the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility, and the process is the same as for the original name change.
What does "need to apply to the court" mean in practice?
It means that before you can lawfully change the child's name, you need to apply to the family court for a specific issue order. The need to apply arises when there is no agreement between those with parental responsibility, or when there is an existing order that restricts name changes. The application is made using Form C100 and typically involves attending a MIAM before the court will accept the application.
Can I still change my child's name if the other parent is absent?
In some circumstances, yes. If the absent parent does not have parental responsibility, their consent is not legally required. If they do have parental responsibility, you would technically need their consent or a court order. However, if that parent has been absent for a significant period and cannot be located, there are processes by which the court may be willing to dispense with their consent. You'll need to take legal advice in this situation, but it is not automatically impossible.
When is a child's name being changed considered not in the child's best interests?
The family court may decide that a child's name being changed is not in the child's best interests if, for example, the name change would sever the child's connection with an important part of their identity or heritage, if it would negatively impact the child's relationship with the other parent, or if the child themselves (being of sufficient age and understanding) has expressed that they do not wish to change their name. The court will weigh all relevant factors, and the outcome depends on the specific circumstances of each case.
External Resources and Further Reading
For further guidance on changing a child's name by deed poll in the UK, the following high authority resources are recommended:
Resource | Description | Link |
Official guidance on changing a child's name by deed poll | ||
Parental rights and responsibilities | ||
Form C100: Application for court orders | ||
Enrol a deed poll for an adult or child | ||
Changing passport information | ||
Citizens Advice | Free guidance on family law and children | |
Cafcass | Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service | |
The Children Act 1989 in full | ||
The Law Society | Find a family law solicitor near you | |
General Register Office | Birth registration and re registration |
Ready to Change Your Child's Last Name Today?
Changing a child's name by deed poll in the UK is one of the most accessible legal processes available to families. When you have the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility, you can complete the entire process online, without a solicitor and often within a single day.
Our online name change service has helped thousands of UK families give their children a fresh start with a name that reflects their identity and family circumstances. Whether you need to change your child's first name, their surname or add a middle name, we can help you do it quickly, affordably and correctly.
Do not let misconceptions about cost, complexity or legal requirements put you off. The process is straightforward, our deed polls are legally prepared and accepted everywhere in the UK, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If your situation involves a dispute over parental responsibility or an existing court order, please seek independent legal advice from a qualified family law solicitor. Information is correct as at the date of publication and reflects the law in England and Wales.
