How To Change Your Child’s Name By Deed Poll UK (Complete Guide for Parents)
- Dec 4, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Changing your child’s name in the UK can feel complicated, especially when legal rules around parental responsibility and consent are involved.
The good news is: you don’t need a solicitor, and the process is usually straightforward.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
How to legally change your child’s name
Whether you need the other parent’s consent
The difference between enrolled and unenrolled deed polls
How to apply online quickly and safely
To change a child’s name in the UK, you need a deed poll signed by everyone with parental responsibility. Most parents use an unenrolled deed poll, which is legally valid, private, and accepted by all UK organisations. The process can be completed online in minutes, and the document is used to update passports, schools, and official records.
Need a fast, legally valid child deed poll?
You can apply online in minutes and get your child's Deed Poll today by email or within a few days by post, all for just £27.65.
CONTENTS
What Is A Deed Poll (And Why It’s Required)
Who Can Change A Child’s Name In The UK?
Can You Change Your Child’s Name Without The Other Parent’s Consent?
What Age Can A Child Change Their Name?
Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed Poll (Which Should You Choose?)
Step-By-Step: How To Change Your Child’s Name
How Much Does It Cost To Change A Child’s Name?
How Long Does It Take?
Is A Child Deed Poll Legal In The UK?
What Documents Do You Need?
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Why Use An Online Deed Poll Service?
FAQs
What Is A Deed Poll (And Why It’s Required)
A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name.
In the UK, it is accepted by:
HM Passport Office
DVLA
Schools and GP surgeries
Banks and official institutions
For children under 16, a deed poll must be completed by someone with parental responsibility.
Who Can Change A Child’s Name In The UK?
To change a child’s name, you must have parental responsibility.
What is parental responsibility?
Parental responsibility means legal rights and duties relating to a child’s upbringing.
In most cases, it includes:
The child’s mother
The father (if married or named on the birth certificate after 1 December 2003 in England & Wales)
⚠️ Important Rule: Consent Is Usually Required
If more than one person has parental responsibility, you must get consent from everyone.
This is one of the most important legal requirements — and where many parents get confused.
Can You Change Your Child’s Name Without The Other Parent’s Consent?
Usually no — unless specific circumstances apply
You may be able to proceed without consent if:
The other parent cannot be contacted
The other parent has no parental responsibility
A court order allows the name change
If there is a dispute, you may need to apply to a family court.
What Age Can A Child Change Their Name?
Under 16: Parents/guardians apply on their behalf
16–17: Can apply themselves (with consent)
18+: Fully independent
Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed Poll (Which Should You Choose?)
Enrolled Deed Poll
Registered with the court
Publicly recorded
More expensive
Slower process
Unenrolled Deed Poll (Recommended)
Not registered publicly
Accepted by all UK organisations
Faster and more private
Much cheaper
Most parents choose an unenrolled deed poll because it is quicker, private, and fully accepted.
Step-By-Step: How To Change Your Child’s Name
Step 1: Check Parental Responsibility
Make sure everyone with parental responsibility agrees.
Step 2: Choose Your Child’s New Name
You can change:
First name
Middle names
Surname
Or all of the above
Avoid:
Offensive names
Misleading titles (e.g. “Doctor”)
Step 3: Apply For A Deed Poll
The easiest way is online.
You’ll receive your document by email, usually instantly or within a few days by post, which ever you prefer.
Step 4: Print, Sign & Witness
You must:
Print the document (if you requested email delivery)
Sign it
Have it witnessed
Step 5: Update Records
Once completed, update:
Passport
School records
GP
HMRC
Banks
How Much Does It Cost To Change A Child’s Name?
Online Deed Poll - £27.65
Enrolled Deed Poll - £53.05
How Long Does It Take?
Online application: 2–5 minutes
Document delivery: Instant (email) or within a few days by post
Full updates: 1–4 weeks depending on organisations
Is A Child Deed Poll Legal In The UK?
Yes — 100%.
An unenrolled deed poll is:
Fully legal
Widely accepted
The most common method
Even UK government guidance confirms that you can change your name without enrolling it in court.
What Documents Do You Need?
Typically:
Child’s current name
New name
Parent/guardian details
No solicitor or legal appointment required.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Not getting consent from all parents
Using unofficial templates that get rejected
Choosing enrolled deed poll unnecessarily
Forgetting to update records
Why Use An Online Deed Poll Service?
Using a professional service ensures:
Correct legal wording
Immediate delivery
Acceptance by UK organisations
No risk of rejection
Fast, Simple & Trusted Service
With the UK Deed Poll Agency you can:
Apply in under 2 minutes
Receive your deed poll instantly
Pay just £27.65
Avoid legal confusion
FAQs
How do I legally change my child’s name in the UK?
You must create a deed poll signed by all individuals with parental responsibility. This document is then used to update official records such as passports and school details.
Do both parents need to agree to a name change?
Yes — if both have parental responsibility, consent is usually required unless a court decides otherwise.
Is an unenrolled deed poll valid for children?
Yes. It is the most common method and accepted by UK authorities including HM Passport Office and the DVLA.
How long does a child deed poll take?
It takes minutes to apply online and is usually delivered instantly. Updating records may take a few weeks.
Can I change my child’s surname after separation?
Yes, but you typically need the other parent’s consent if they have parental responsibility.
