How Do I Change The Name On My Child's UK Passport? - British Passport Guide: Child Passport Change of Name or Change your Name on your British Passport and get a Passport Application
- Oct 20, 2025
- 22 min read
Updated: May 14
If your child's name has changed, whether with a deed poll, following a divorce, a remarriage, a gender change, or simply a personal decision, you'll need to update their travel documents to reflect that.
Knowing how to change the name on your child's UK passport isn't always straightforward, and the rules around parental responsibility, deed polls, and what evidence you need can feel confusing at first glance.
This guide walks you through everything, step by step, in plain English. No legal waffle. Just clear, practical advice on how to get it done properly.
PLEASE NOTE
Changing your child’s name on their passport requires legal written proof of the child's name change.
Do You Need A Document Of Name Change?
A child deed poll is one of the easiest and most accepted documents used to prove a child’s new legal name for passport applications, schools, GP records and more.
We can issue your child deed poll for just £12.97 with a simple one-off fee and no hidden costs.
There are no court fees, no legal costs and no solicitor required.
You can receive your deed poll instantly by email or choose delivery by post.
It’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to legally change your child’s name and get proof of the name change for their UK passport application.
GUIDE INDEX
Why Change the Name on Your Child's Passport?
Life changes and names change with it. You might want to change your child's name following a divorce and remarriage, a change of surname to match the rest of the family, or after a formal name change by deed poll. Whatever the reason, the name in your child's passport needs to match their legal name for all purposes especially if they're travelling abroad.
HM Passport Office will not allow your child to use the passport if the name in the new passport application is different to the name already recorded. That mismatch causes delays at borders, so it's worth getting sorted sooner rather than later.
Understanding Parental Responsibility Before You Apply
Before you do anything else, you need to understand parental responsibility because it's central to everything that follows.
What Is Parental Responsibility and Why Does It Matter for a Child's Passport?
Parental responsibility is the legal term for the rights, duties, and authority a parent or guardian has over a child. When it comes to changing a child's name — on a passport or anywhere else — you need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility for the child.
That typically means both parents, even if they're separated or divorced. You cannot simply apply for a new passport in the child's new name without the other parent's agreement, unless a court order specifically allows it.
What Happens If Everyone With Parental Responsibility Doesn't Agree?
If you cannot get the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, you'll need to apply to a court for permission to change the child's name. HM Passport Office will not issue a passport in the new name without evidence of that agreement or a court order.
This is one of the most common sticking points parents face — so if there's likely to be a disagreement, it's worth taking legal advice early.
Does My Child Need a Deed Poll to Change Their Name on a Passport?
This is probably the question we get asked most. The short answer is: in most cases, yes — you'll need a deed poll.
When You Need a Deed Poll to Change the Name on a British Passport
If your child's name has changed and the change is not due to marriage or civil partnership (which doesn't apply to children), you'll almost certainly need a deed poll along with supporting documentation to change the name in their passport.
A child's deed poll is a legal document that confirms your child's declaration to change their name permanently and their intent to use the new name going forward. It shows the passport office that the change is genuine and not just a casual preference.
What Is an Enrolled Deed Poll?
An enrolled deed poll is one that has been officially registered with the courts. While unenrolled deed polls are perfectly legal and accepted by HM Passport Office in most cases, some parents choose to go for an enrolled deed poll for extra peace of mind and a higher level of official recognition.
If you're unsure which type to apply for, take a look at our guide on applying for a deed poll for children.
How to Apply for a Child's Deed Poll
Applying for a deed poll for your child is simpler than most people expect. Here's how it works.
Applying for a Deed Poll: Step by Step
Gather the details — you'll need the child's current name, their new name, and their date of birth.
Get consent — everyone with parental responsibility must sign the deed poll. This is non-negotiable.
Apply online or by post — you can apply online for a child's deed poll through a reputable deed poll agency.
Sign and witness — the deed poll must be signed by a parent or guardian and witnessed by an independent adult.
Keep certified copies — you'll need to send the deed poll to the passport office and to other organisations, so having certified copies is essential.
Once the deed poll is signed and witnessed correctly, it's legally valid and can be used immediately to apply for a new passport and update other records.
How to Change the Name on Your Child's Passport: The Full Process
Now let's get into the actual passport application process.
Step 1: Get Your Deed Poll Sorted First
Before you apply for a new passport, make sure your deed poll is complete, correctly signed, and witnessed. The passport office will require evidence of the change before they'll issue a passport in the new name.
Step 2: Visit the gov.uk Passport Application Portal
Head to gov.uk to start the application. You can apply online or request a paper application form. Applying online tends to be quicker and reduces the risk of errors.
Step 3: Complete the Passport Application Form
When you apply for a passport for your child in their new name, you'll complete a standard passport application. The key difference here is that you'll need to include:
The child's deed poll (or change of name deed)
Evidence of the change — this is your deed poll document
The child's current passport or old passport (if they have one)
The child's birth certificate showing their birth name
Written consent from everyone with parental responsibility for the child (if not all signing the form)
Step 4: Send to the Passport Office or Apply Online
Once you've completed the form and gathered all the supporting documents, you'll either submit everything online or send to the passport office by post. If posting, always use a tracked, secure delivery method — you're sending original documents.
Step 5: Wait for HM Passport Office to Process the Application
Processing times vary. At the time of writing, standard applications take around ten weeks, though this changes seasonally. If your child needs to travel urgently, there are faster options available — see the HM Passport Office urgent passport guidance on gov.uk.
What Evidence Do You Need to Change the Name on a Child's Passport?
Getting the evidence right is crucial. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common reason passport applications are delayed.
Evidence of the Name Change
You'll need to provide:
Child's deed poll — this is your primary evidence of a change of name deed
Child's birth certificate — to confirm their name on your child's birth certificate and link it to their previous name
Consent letters — signed by all parents or guardians with parental responsibility
What If the Child Has No Previous Passport?
If this is your child's first passport but they're applying in a name that's different to the name on their birth certificate, you'll still need a deed poll and evidence of the change. The same rules apply whether it's a new passport or a renewal.
Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate
This is not typically relevant for children, but if you're also updating your own name — for example, because you've changed your surname following a marriage or civil partnership — you'd use a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate as evidence of your own name change. For your child, a deed poll is the correct route.
Changing Your Daughter's or Son's Name on Their Passport: Common Scenarios
Every family's situation is slightly different. Here are the most common scenarios we help with.
Changing a Son's Name on His Passport After Parents Separate
When parents separate and a child's surname changes — often to take the mother's maiden name or a new partner's surname — you'll need to change the name on your son's passport if he has one, or apply for a new one in the correct name from the outset.
The process is the same: deed poll, consent from both parents, and a passport application in the new name.
Changing a Daughter's Name on Her Passport
Whether you want to change your daughter's name to match a step-parent's surname, revert to a birth name, or something else entirely, the process is identical.
You'll need a child's deed poll, consent from everyone with parental responsibility, and a full passport application.
Changing Kids' Names on Their Passports at the Same Time
If you have more than one child whose name needs updating, you'll need a separate deed poll and separate passport application for each child.
They can't be bundled together into a single application.
Can I Change the Name Without a Deed Poll?
In some very limited circumstances, yes, though it's rare.
Situations Where You Might Not Require a Deed Poll
If the child's name was recorded incorrectly on their passport (an administrative error), or if you're reverting entirely to the exact name on the child's birth certificate, the passport office may accept a birth certificate alone as evidence. In these cases, you might not need a deed poll.
However, for any other name change, you'll almost certainly need a deed poll. Don't assume, if in doubt, contact HM Passport Office directly or seek advice from a reputable deed poll agency.
Contacting HM Passport Office: When and How to Get Help
Contacting HM Passport Office Directly
If you're unsure about your specific situation, for example, if there's a dispute over parental responsibility, or if your child has a lost or stolen passport that needs replacing alongside the name change, it's worth contacting HM Passport Office directly before submitting your application.
You can reach the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 (Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm; weekends 9am–5:30pm).
The advisers can do a passport check and advise on your specific case.
Alternatively, visit gov.uk/passport-advice for the latest guidance.
Tips to Speed Up Your Child's Name Change Passport Application
Double-check every document before posting — missing paperwork is the number one cause of delays
Apply online where possible — the online route is faster than a paper application form
Get multiple certified copies of the deed poll — you'll need to send it to the passport office and may also need copies for schools, the NHS, and other organisations
Use a tracked postal service — never send original documents without being able to track them
Check processing times on gov.uk before you apply, especially during school holiday periods when volumes spike
Why Use Deed Poll Agency for Your Child's Name Change?
At Deed Poll Agency, we specialise in helping families across the UK change their children's names quickly and correctly.
Our child deed poll documents are fully accepted by HM Passport Office, the DVLA, the NHS, and all UK government departments.
We make the process as simple as possible — no solicitor visits, no unnecessary complexity. Just a clear, legally valid deed poll that works first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Change the Name on My Child's Passport?
To change a child's name on their passport, you'll need to apply for a new passport in the child's new name. You'll need to obtain a child's deed poll as evidence of the change, gather consent from everyone with parental responsibility for the child, and complete a full passport application. You can apply online via gov.uk or use a paper application form. Once you've submitted everything and the application is approved, HM Passport Office will issue a new passport in the child's new name.
What Does the Passport Office Require to Change a Child's Name?
The passport office requires clear evidence of a change before they'll update the name on your child's British passport. At a minimum, you'll need to send to the passport office: a valid child's deed poll (signed and witnessed), the child's current passport or previous passport if they have one, their birth certificate confirming their birth name, and written consent to the change from all parents or guardians who hold parental responsibility for the child. Missing any of these documents is the most common reason applications are delayed.
How Do I Find the Right gov.uk Page to Apply for a Child's Passport?
The official starting point for any application for a child is gov.uk/get-a-child-passport. This page covers everything from first-time applications to renewals and name changes. You can apply online directly from this page, which is generally faster than using a paper application form. Always use gov.uk rather than third-party sites — it's the only official source.
What Is a Change of Name and When Does It Affect a Child's Passport?
A change of name happens when a child legally adopts a new name — whether that's a change of surname, a completely different first name, or both. Once a child's name has changed legally, the name on your child's passport must be updated to reflect their correct name. Travelling on a passport in a name that's different to the name your child now uses legally can cause serious problems at the border, so it's important to apply for a new passport as soon as possible after the change.
Do I Need a Deed Poll to Change a Child's Name on Their Passport?
In the vast majority of cases, yes — you need a deed poll. A child's deed poll is the standard legal document used to change a child's name in the UK. It serves as evidence of a change of name and shows HM Passport Office that the change is genuine and has been agreed to by everyone with parental responsibility. A deed poll for a child must be signed by a parent or guardian and witnessed by an independent adult. You can apply for a child's deed poll online quickly and easily through Deed Poll Agency.
How Does a Name Change Affect My Child's Passport Application?
When your child's name has changed, their existing passport — if they have one — is no longer valid for travel under their new legal name. You'll need to apply for a new passport in the child's new name. The passport application form will ask for their current name, their previous name, and the reason for the change. You'll also need to attach the child's deed poll and any other evidence of a change alongside the completed form.
What Is a New Passport and When Does My Child Need One After a Name Change?
A new passport is a freshly issued travel document reflecting your child's updated details. Once a child's name has changed — whether following a change of surname, a full name change, or anything in between — the passport office will issue a new passport once the name change application is approved. The old passport is typically cancelled and returned to you. Your child cannot use the passport in the new name until the new document has been issued and received.
How Do I Change the Name on My Child's British Passport?
To change the name on your child's British passport, you'll need to complete a full new passport application — there's no simple amendment process. You'll need to: obtain a UK deed poll confirming the child's new name; get the consent of everyone with parental responsibility; complete the passport application via gov.uk; and provide all supporting documents. Once HM Passport Office has processed the application, they'll issue a passport in the new name with a new expiry date.
What Does HM Passport Office Need for a Child's Name Change?
HM Passport Office requires you to provide: the child's deed poll (as the primary evidence of the change); the child's current or most recent passport; their birth certificate; a completed passport application form; and signed consent from all parents or guardians with parental responsibility for the child. If the child's name has changed due to something unusual — for example, a gender change is likely to be reflected in the document — the passport office may request additional supporting materials. When in doubt, contacting HM Passport Office directly before submitting is always a sensible step.
Can I Apply Online to Change the Name on a Child's Passport?
Yes — you can apply online via gov.uk, and this is generally the recommended route. Applying online is faster than posting a paper application form, and the system guides you through each step so you're less likely to miss something. You'll still need to post original documents (such as the child's deed poll and birth certificate) to the passport office, but the application itself can be completed digitally.
How Do I Choose a New Name for My Child and Make It Legal?
Choosing a new name for a child is a personal decision, but making it legal requires a child's deed poll. Once you've decided on the child's new name, you apply for a deed poll, which is signed by a parent or guardian (with the consent of everyone with parental responsibility), witnessed by an independent adult, and then used as the legal name in all official contexts going forward. The child's new name then needs to be updated across all records — starting with their passport and birth registration if applicable. You can apply online for a child's deed poll through Deed Poll Agency.
What Are the Rules Around Parental Responsibility and a Child's Passport?
Parental responsibility for the child is one of the most important factors in any child passport application. You need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility before the name on your child's passport can be changed. This typically means both biological parents, regardless of whether they're together or separated. If one parent holds a residence order or specific court order, the rules may differ slightly. HM Passport Office takes this seriously — submitting an application without proper consent can result in the application being refused or, in serious cases, referred to the police.
What Is a Passport Application for a Child and How Is It Different to an Adult's?
A passport application for a child follows a similar process to an adult's, but with a few key differences. You'll need to supply consent from everyone with parental responsibility rather than just the applicant's own signature. A child's deed poll must also be signed by a parent or guardian rather than the child themselves. Additionally, child passports are valid for five years rather than ten. The application itself is made via gov.uk, and you can apply online or by paper application form depending on your preference.
How Do I Change My Child's Name on Their Passport After We've Changed It Elsewhere?
Once your child's name has changed legally — through a deed poll — you'll need to apply for a new passport in that name. Even if you've already updated school records, the NHS, and other documents, the passport must be updated separately. To apply for a new passport, you'll need to provide the child's deed poll, their current passport (if they have one), their birth certificate, and consent from all parents with parental responsibility. Submit everything via gov.uk and HM Passport Office will issue a new passport once approved.
Does My Child Need to Use Their Previous Name Anywhere After the Change?
No — once the deed poll is signed and the change is made legal, your child should use the new name consistently across all records. The previous name becomes their former name and should only be referenced when organisations ask for it as a matter of record (for example, when matching old school certificates or medical records). The passport in the new name will show the new name only; the previous name will not appear on the document.
Does Marriage or Civil Partnership Affect a Child's Name Change?
Marriage or civil partnership is not relevant for changing a child's name — that's an adult process. Adults who want to change their name following a marriage or civil partnership use a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate as evidence of the change. For children, a deed poll is always the correct route. A marriage certificate or civil partnership document has no bearing on an application for a child's name change.
What Is a Name by Deed Poll and Is It Legally Recognised?
A name by deed poll is simply a name that has been changed using a deed poll document. It is completely legally recognised in the UK. Once your child has a name by deed poll, that new name becomes their legal name for all purposes — including their passport, NHS records, school records, and any other official documentation. HM Passport Office fully accepts a UK deed poll as evidence of a name change, and will use it to issue a passport in the new name.
How Does Applying for a Deed Poll Work for a Child?
Applying for a deed poll for a child is straightforward. You'll provide the child's current name and their new name, along with basic personal details. Everyone with parental responsibility must consent to the change, and the deed poll is signed by a parent or guardian in front of an independent witness. Once completed, the deed poll is immediately valid and can be used to update all records — starting with the child's passport. You can start the process at Deed Poll Agency and receive your documents quickly by post or download. As part of applying for a deed poll, you'll also receive guidance on which organisations to notify and in what order.
What Should I Know About Contacting HM Passport Office?
Contacting HM Passport Office is straightforward — you can reach the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 (Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm; weekends 9am–5:30pm). The advisers can carry out a passport check on any existing application, advise on what documents you need to obtain, and help with more complex situations such as disputed parental responsibility or a gender change that needs to be reflected in the passport. Contacting HM Passport Office early — before you submit — can save you a lot of time if your situation isn't straightforward. You can also find detailed guidance at gov.uk.
How Do I Update the Name in My Child's Passport?
To update the name in your child's passport, you'll need to submit a full new passport application — there's no sticker or amendment process available. You'll need a valid child's deed poll, the child's birth certificate, their current passport (if applicable), and consent from all parents with parental responsibility. Submit the passport application form via gov.uk or by post. Once approved, HM Passport Office will issue a new passport with the correct name in the new document. Keep the old passport safely — it will be cancelled and returned to you.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Passport After a Name Change?
Processing times change throughout the year, but as a guide, standard applications take around ten weeks. If you need to get your passport sooner — for example, if your child has an upcoming trip — you can book an urgent appointment at a regional passport office. Always check the current turnaround times on gov.uk before submitting, particularly during school holiday periods when demand spikes. Note that applying online is typically faster than using a paper application form.
What Happens If the Name on the Application Is Different to the Name on the Documents I Send?
If the name on your child's passport application is different to the name shown on the supporting documents you provide — for example, if there's a spelling discrepancy between the deed poll and the birth certificate — HM Passport Office may reject or delay the application. Always double-check that every document uses exactly the same spelling of your child's name before you submit. If there's a genuine discrepancy, contact the Passport Adviceline before applying so they can advise on the best way to proceed.
Can I Get a Passport for My Child in Their New Name Without Their Old Passport?
Yes — if your child has never had a passport, or if their previous passport has been lost or stolen, you can still apply for a new passport using their deed poll and birth certificate as the primary evidence. If the passport was lost or stolen, you'll also need to report this to HM Passport Office before or during the application. A lost or stolen passport must be cancelled before a replacement can be issued, so make sure to flag this clearly when you apply. The child's deed poll will still be required as evidence of the child's name change.
Do I Need a Separate Deed Poll for Each Child?
Yes. Each child's deed poll is an individual legal document — you cannot cover multiple children on a single deed poll. If you want to change the name for more than one child, you'll need to obtain a separate deed poll for each one and submit a separate passport application for each child. Deed Poll Agency makes it easy to order multiple child deed polls at the same time.
What Is the Difference Between an Enrolled Deed Poll and a Standard UK Deed Poll?
A standard UK deed poll — sometimes called an unenrolled deed poll — is a legal document that you sign and have witnessed. It's perfectly valid and accepted by HM Passport Office, the DVLA, the NHS, and all other UK institutions. An enrolled deed poll goes one step further: it's officially registered with the Senior Courts of England and Wales, making it a matter of public record. Most families opt for a standard deed poll, which is quicker and more affordable. An enrolled deed poll may be preferred in situations where additional legal weight is felt to be necessary, but it is not a requirement for a child's passport application.
What Is a Maiden Name and Is It Relevant to My Child's Name Change?
A maiden name is the surname a person was born with before changing it — typically through marriage. It's not directly relevant to a child's name change, but it sometimes comes up when a parent wants their child's surname to revert to the parent's maiden name following a divorce or separation. In this case, the process is the same as any other name change for a child: you'll need a child's deed poll, consent from everyone with parental responsibility, and a full passport application. The maiden name may be referenced as the child's previous name in the application.
What Is the Identity and Passport Service?
The Identity and Passport Service was the former name for the government body now known as HM Passport Office. It was responsible for issuing British passports and managing the UK's passport application process. Today, all passport applications — including name changes for children — are handled by HM Passport Office. If you come across references to the Identity and Passport Service in older guides or documents, just know that it's the same organisation under a different name.
What Happens If I Want to Change My Child's Name but the Other Parent Won't Agree?
If you want to change your child's name but cannot get the other parent's consent, you cannot simply proceed without them — not if they hold parental responsibility for the child. HM Passport Office and any reputable deed poll service will require evidence that everyone with parental responsibility has agreed. If agreement cannot be reached, you'll need to apply to a family court for a Specific Issue Order. The court will consider the child's best interests and decide whether the name change should go ahead. Once a court order is granted, this can be used instead of the other parent's consent when you apply for a new passport.
Can My Child Use the Passport in Their Old Name While We Wait for the New One?
Your child should not use the passport in their old name if their legal name has officially changed via deed poll. Technically the old passport is still a valid travel document until it expires, but using it while a name change is in progress can create complications at the border if other documents (such as travel insurance or booking confirmations) are in the new name. The safest approach is to apply for a new passport before booking any travel, so your child is travelling on a document that matches all their other records.
Is a Paper Application Form Still Available for a Child's Passport?
Yes — if you'd prefer not to apply online, a paper application form is still available. You can pick one up from a Post Office or download it from gov.uk. However, applying online is generally faster, reduces the risk of errors, and allows you to track your application more easily. Whether you use the paper application form or the online route, the supporting documents you need to provide — including the child's deed poll and consent letters — are the same.
What Happens During a Gender Change and How Does It Affect the Passport Application?
If a gender change is likely to be reflected in your child's passport, the application process may require additional steps. HM Passport Office has specific guidance for applications involving a change of gender marker. You may need to provide a letter from a medical professional or other supporting evidence alongside the passport application. Contacting HM Passport Office directly via the Passport Adviceline before you submit is strongly recommended in these cases, as the requirements can vary depending on the child's circumstances. The deed poll confirming the child's new name will still be required as part of the application.
How Do I Change Your Name in Your Passport?
To change the name on your British passport, you must provide legal evidence showing why your name has changed. This may include a deed poll application, a marriage or civil partnership certificate, or documents confirming a child’s change of name. The name in your passport must match your current legal identity before you travel.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Passport After a Name Change?
When you apply for a passport after changing your details, you may need to send your old passport along with proof linking your old name to the name you now use. This could include a marriage or civil partnership certificate if you are using a married or civil partnership name, or a deed poll if you changed from one name to another name legally.
Can I Travel if the Name in Your Passport Is Different?
You should avoid travelling with a passport without the correct legal details, as airlines may refuse boarding if the name on your passport does not match your booking. Before you bring your application, make sure all supporting documents clearly connect your previous name to the name on your British passport.
Useful External Resources
What the UK Government Advises
Disclaimer: The following information is sourced directly from GOV.UK “Change the name or personal details on a child passport” section and is provided for general guidance purposes only.
You change view this information directly by CLICKING HERE!
Change the name or personal details on a child passport
Your child will need to get a new passport if they’ve changed their name.
Fill in the passport application with the name that you want printed on the passport.
Contact the Passport Adviceline if you’re changing any other personal details on a child passport. This could include date of birth, place of birth or national status.
Apply online
It costs £66.50.
You’ll need a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos).
You’ll be told where to send your supporting documents when you apply.
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity
If your child is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm their identity after you’ve submitted the application.
Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do.
They’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they do not need to sign a printed photo.
Apply by post
It costs £80.
You can apply by post by either:
getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service
contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you
Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over.
If your child is 11 or under or cannot be recognised from their old passport photo you’ll need to get someone else, known as a ‘countersignatory’, to fill in section 10 and certify your child’s photo.
Read the booklet that comes with the form if you need help with your application.
To send in your application, you can either:
post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form
take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service
Signing the application
Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form.
If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form too.
Supporting documents
You must send:
the old passport
a deed poll or similar document about the name change
at least one piece of evidence that shows the new name being used, for example NHS records, child benefits or school records
written consent from everyone with parental responsibility
2 new photos of your child if you apply by post
Choose how you want your documents sent back
Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it.
Getting your passport
Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either:
post it through your letterbox
hand it to you if you’re home
leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (it will not say the package is your passport)
You can track your passport application.