How to change a child's surname by Deed Poll or change your name by Deed Poll and get a Change of Name Deed. Child Deed Poll made easy for only £12.97
- Dec 4, 2025
- 15 min read
Updated: May 14
If you're wondering "How to change a child's surname by Deed Poll or change your name by deed poll," you've come to the right place.
Changing a child's name is one of those things that sounds simple enough, until you start looking into it.
Suddenly you're knee-deep in questions about parental responsibility, court orders, enrolled deeds, and whether the passport office will even accept what you've sent them.
Don't worry. This guide cuts through the confusion and walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.
Whether you want to change your son's name, change your daughter's name, or change your child's name after a family change like a divorce, remarriage, or adoption, this is the most complete resource you'll find.
We'll cover the legal requirements, the process, the documents you'll need, and how to make sure the change actually sticks across all official records.
Article Index
What Is a Deed Poll and Why Does It Matter for a Child's Name Change?
Understanding Parental Responsibility Before You Apply
How to Change Your Child's Name by Deed Poll: Step by Step
Enrolled Deed Poll vs Unenrolled Deed Poll for a Child
What Records Can You Update With a Child's Deed Poll?
Can a Child Change Their Own Name? The Age of 16 Rule
Can You Change a Child's Name Without Parental Consent?
Changing a Child's Surname After Divorce or Remarriage
What About Changing a Child's First Name?
How to Ensure Organisations Accept Your Child's Deed Poll
Common Questions About Child Deed Polls
Why Use a Professional Deed Poll Service
Useful External Resources
What Is a Deed Poll and Why Does It Matter for a Child's Name Change?
Before we get into the specifics of changing a child's name, it helps to understand what a deed poll actually is.
A deed poll is a legal document that records an official name change. When it comes to adults, it's straightforward — you sign the deed poll, witnesses sign it, and you use it to update your records. But when it's a child deed poll, there are additional rules in play, and those rules exist for good reason: to protect the child.
A deed poll document for a child works in the same way as an adult deed poll in terms of its legal standing, but the consent requirements are significantly different. A child's name can only be changed with the agreement of everyone who holds parental responsibility for that child — and that's where most people run into complications.
If you're looking to get your child's deed poll sorted quickly and correctly, the team at Deed Poll Agency handles child name changes every day and can guide you through the whole process.
Understanding Parental Responsibility Before You Apply
This is the single most important concept to grasp before you do anything else. It will determine whether your child's name change is straightforward or whether you need to take additional steps.
What Does Parental Responsibility Mean for a Child's Name Change?
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities a parent or guardian has in relation to a child. In England and Wales, the following individuals typically have parental responsibility:
The child's mother (automatically)
The child's father, if he was married to the mother at the time of birth or is named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003)
Anyone who has been granted parental responsibility by a court
Importantly, everyone with parental responsibility must agree to the name change. This is not optional. You cannot legally change a child's name unless all individuals with parental responsibility consent to it. If a father is named on the birth certificate, his agreement is required — even if he is no longer in a relationship with the mother, and even if the child has never lived with him.
This catches a lot of people off guard. A mother may have remarried and want the child to take a new surname, but if the biological father is on the birth certificate, his consent is legally required. The same principle applies in reverse if the father is seeking to change the child's name.
What If You Can't Get Consent From Everyone With Parental Responsibility?
If the other person with parental responsibility refuses to agree, or if they cannot be located, your options become more limited. You may need to apply for a court order — specifically a specific issue order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. This is an application to the family court, asking a judge to decide whether the name change is in the child's best interests.
Courts take this seriously. They will consider factors including the child's own views (depending on their age), the impact on the child's identity and relationships, and the reasons behind both the request and the refusal. A court for a specific issue will not simply rubber-stamp a parent's wishes — the child's welfare is paramount.
If you're in this situation, it's worth speaking to a family solicitor before proceeding. For information on how courts approach these decisions, the Children Act guidance on GOV.UKÂ is a useful starting point.
How to Change Your Child's Name by Deed Poll: Step by Step
Assuming you have the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, here is the process for a child's name change via deed poll.
Step 1: Confirm You Have the Consent of Everyone With Parental Responsibility
Before anything else, make sure every person with parental responsibility for the child is on board. This isn't just a courtesy — it's a legal requirement. If there's any doubt about who holds parental responsibility, check the child's birth certificate and any court orders that may be in place.
If the child's name on the birth certificate doesn't match who you believe has parental responsibility, or if there have been court orders made about the child's upbringing, it's worth taking legal advice before proceeding.
Step 2: Complete the Deed Poll Application
Once you're satisfied that consent is in place, you can complete a deed poll application. The application form will capture:
The child's current legal name (as it appears on official documents)
The child's new name
The date of birth
Details of all individuals with parental responsibility
Signatures of all those individuals
It's essential that the deed is signed correctly. If any of the signatories are missing or if the document contains errors, organisations may refuse to accept it.
At Deed Poll Agency, we prepare professionally drafted child deed poll documents that meet the requirements of all major organisations, including the passport office, DVLA, HMRC, and more.
Step 3: Sign the Deed Poll Document
All individuals with parental responsibility must sign the deed poll in the presence of a witness. The witness must be:
An adult (aged 18 or over)
Independent (not a family member or anyone named in the deed)
The child does not sign the deed poll themselves — it is signed on their behalf by those with parental responsibility for the child.
Step 4: Start Using the Child's New Name
Once the deed poll is signed and witnessed correctly, it is a legally valid document. You can begin using the child's new name immediately and start updating their records.
Enrolled Deed Poll vs Unenrolled Deed Poll for a Child
There are two types of deed poll: enrolled and unenrolled. Understanding the difference matters, especially when it comes to certain organisations.
What Is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?
An unenrolled deed poll is a private legal document. It doesn't appear on any public record, and the vast majority of organisations — including the passport office, DVLA, HMRC, and schools — will accept an unenrolled deed poll to change a child's name on their records.
Most families choose this route because it's quicker, simpler, and more affordable.
What Is an Enrolled Deed Poll?
An enrolled deed poll is one that has been formally registered with the Senior Courts Enrolment Office. It becomes a public record, which means anyone can look it up. For this reason, some parents are reluctant to enrol a child's deed poll — particularly if the name change is related to sensitive family circumstances.
However, some organisations state that they may only accept an enrolled deed poll. Before submitting a deed poll to any organisation, it's worth contacting them to find out what deed poll they will accept. The Deed Poll Office and senior courts can provide further guidance on enrolling.
To accept an enrolled deed poll, an organisation simply checks it against the public record. If they say they need an enrolled deed poll and you only have an unenrolled one, you can apply for enrolment retrospectively in many cases.
What Records Can You Update With a Child's Deed Poll?
Once you have the deed poll, you'll want to update all of the child's official documents and records. Here's what to prioritise.
Updating the Child's Passport
The passport office is usually the first port of call. To update a child's passport with their new name, you'll need to submit:
The original deed poll document
The current passport (if one exists)
The completed passport application form
The HM Passport Office guidance on GOV.UKÂ provides full details on the documents required. Note that the passport office will generally accept a correctly drafted deed poll without it needing to be enrolled.
The Child's Birth Certificate
Here's something many parents misunderstand: changing a child's name by deed poll does not change the name on the birth certificate. The original birth certificate remains as it is. This is normal and expected — the deed poll itself serves as the evidence of a name change, and organisations are used to seeing both documents together.
If you want to record the name change more formally in connection with the birth register, you would need to contact your local register office, but this is rarely necessary for day-to-day purposes.
School, GP and Other Records
Schools and GP surgeries are generally straightforward to update. Simply provide a copy of the deed poll and write to them requesting they update the child's records. Most will do so without requiring an enrolled deed poll.
Can a Child Change Their Own Name? The Age of 16 Rule
Things change significantly once a child approaches adulthood.
What Happens at the Age of 16?
Once a child reaches the age of 16, they are able to make decisions about their own name with considerably more autonomy. At 16, a young person can apply for a deed poll in their own right, without necessarily needing the consent of those with parental responsibility — though in practice, many deed poll services will still recommend parental involvement at this age.
At 18, the young person becomes a full adult and can change their name entirely independently using an adult deed poll, without any parental input required.
If you're unsure whether your child (or teenager) needs a child deed poll or something else, Deed Poll Agency can advise based on your specific circumstances.
Can You Change a Child's Name Without Parental Consent?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: generally, no.
You cannot legally change a child's name unless everyone with parental responsibility agrees. Attempting to use a deed poll without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility could be legally challenged and the name change could be reversed.
When a Court Order Is Required to Change a Child's Name
If one parent refuses to consent to the change of surname or the change the first name, the only legal route forward is to apply for a court order. As mentioned earlier, this would be a specific issue order. The court will look at whether it is in the child's best interests to change their name, and will consider the child's identity and relationships as part of that assessment.
It's also worth noting: if there is already a court order in place about the child's name — for instance, an order saying the child must be known by a particular name — you must comply with it. Changing a child's name in breach of a court order is a serious matter.
Changing a Child's Surname After Divorce or Remarriage
This is one of the most common scenarios we deal with — and one of the most emotionally charged.
Can a Mother Change Her Child's Surname After Divorce?
If a mother wants to change her child's surname following a divorce or separation, she still needs the father's consent — provided he has parental responsibility. The fact that they are no longer together does not remove his parental responsibility, nor his right to have a say in significant decisions about the child's upbringing, including a change of surname.
Some mothers are surprised by this. But courts have been clear: a surname is part of a child's identity, and changing it is not a decision one parent can make unilaterally while the other parent retains parental responsibility.
What If the Child Has a Different Surname From Siblings?
This situation is more common than many people realise, particularly in blended families. If you want the child to share a surname with siblings or a step-parent, and the other parent agrees, a child deed poll is the straightforward solution. If the other parent doesn't agree, the court will weigh up the circumstances and the child's best interests.
What About Changing a Child's First Name?
Most of the discussion around children's name changes focuses on surnames, but parents sometimes want to change the first name of a child too — perhaps because the child has always been known by a preferred name, or because of a change in cultural or religious identity.
The same rules apply: everyone with parental responsibility must agree to the change, and the process is identical. A child deed poll covers both first name or surname changes, or both simultaneously.
One thing worth noting: if you're simply wanting a child to be known by a shortened version of their name or a nickname, you don't necessarily need a deed poll for that. A deed poll is needed when you want the legal name to change — when you need to update the child's passport, school records, and other official documents.
How to Ensure Organisations Accept Your Child's Deed Poll
One frustration parents often experience is submitting a deed poll and having an organisation push back or ask for something more. Here's how to avoid that.
Make Sure the Deed Poll Is Correctly Drafted
A deed poll that contains errors — wrong dates, incorrect names, missing signatures — can be rejected. This is why using a professional deed poll service matters. At Deed Poll Agency, all documents are drafted to meet the requirements of major organisations including the passport office, DVLA, and HMRC.
Contact the Organisation Beforehand
Some organisations have specific requirements. Before submitting, it's worth contacting the relevant organisation to understand the deed poll format they require, and whether they need an enrolled deed poll or will accept a standard unenrolled one.
Keep Multiple Certified Copies
When you change a child's name, you'll be sending proof to multiple organisations simultaneously — school, GP, passport office, tax credits, and more. Rather than sending the original deed poll everywhere, get certified copies made. Professional deed poll services typically offer this as part of the package.
If you lose your original document, you may be able to get a replacement deed poll — again, Deed Poll Agency can assist with this.
Common Questions About Child Deed Polls
Does a Child Need to Give Consent to a Name Change by Deed Poll?
The law does not require a child to consent to the name change — the decision rests with those who hold parental responsibility. That said, the process of changing a child's name through the courts does take a child's wishes seriously, particularly as they get older. Most family courts will consider the views of a child who is old enough to express them (typically from around 10 years old, though this varies case by case). If a teenager strongly objects, a court is unlikely to legally change the name against their wishes. For children under that age, the decision lies entirely with those who hold parental responsibility, providing they all agree.
I Want to Change My Child's Name — Do I Need a Court Order to Do It?
Not necessarily. If every parent of a child who holds parental responsibility agrees, a child deed poll is all you need — no court involvement required. A name can be changed quickly and simply through deed poll services without ever setting foot in a courtroom. A court order only becomes necessary if one party with parental responsibility refuses to consent to the name change and you want to proceed anyway. In that situation, you would need to apply to the family court for a specific issue order, and the court will decide based on the child's best interests. You can find more information on this process via GOV.UK.
How Do I Legally Change My Child's Name by Deed? What Does the Application Form Involve?
To legally change your child's name by deed, you complete a deed poll application. The application form captures the child's current legal name, their new name, date of birth, and the details and signatures of everyone with parental responsibility. Once signed and witnessed correctly, the deed poll is the proof of a name change that schools, the passport office, HMRC, DVLA, and other organisations will accept. Professional deed poll services handle all of this for you and make sure the document is drafted correctly so nothing gets rejected. You can start your application at Deed Poll Agency.
Can I Change My Child's Name Via Deed Poll If They Were Adopted, and Do I Need an Enrolled Deed Poll to Change Their Records?
Yes — if you have parental responsibility for the child following adoption, the name can be changed via deed poll in exactly the same way as for any other child. Whether you need an enrolled deed poll to change their records depends on the organisation. Most — including the passport office and DVLA — will accept a standard unenrolled deed poll as proof of a name change. However, some organisations state they may only accept an enrolled deed poll, so it is always worth checking with each one individually before submitting. If there are specific conditions attached to the adoption order, review those carefully or take legal advice before proceeding.
Do I Need a Solicitor If I Want to Change My Child's Name?
No — a solicitor is not required to change your name by deed poll, including for a child. A correctly drafted deed poll from a reputable deed poll service is entirely legally valid, and the vast majority of organisations will accept it without question. Solicitors only become necessary if you need to apply for a court order because the other person with parental responsibility refuses to agree to the name change. For straightforward cases where everyone is on board, professional deed poll services are all you need — and considerably more affordable than legal fees.
At What Age Can a Child Change Their Own Name? What Changes at the Age of 16?
Below the age of 16, a child cannot apply for a deed poll independently — the application must be made on their behalf by everyone with parental responsibility. Once a young person reaches the age of 16, the rules shift and they gain considerably more say over their own name change. They can, in many cases, begin the process of applying for a deed poll in their own right. At 18, they become a full adult and can change your name by deed poll entirely independently, with no parental input required at all. If you're unsure which type of deed poll applies to your child's age and situation, Deed Poll Agency can advise you.
What Is the Process of Updating a Child's Passport After a Name Change via Deed Poll and do I have to do it through Gov.uk?
Once you have the deed poll, you can use it as proof of a name change when applying to update the child's passport. Submit the completed passport application form, the original deed poll document, and the existing passport (if the child has one) to HM Passport Office. For full guidance on what documents are required, GOV.UK sets out the process clearly. If travel is imminent and you need to change your name on the passport urgently, contact HM Passport Office directly — they can advise on expedited options. Using professional deed poll services ensures your document is accepted first time, avoiding delays.
Why Use a Professional Deed Poll Service for Your Child's Name Change or to change your name by deed poll?
You can technically draft a deed poll yourself, but there are very good reasons to use a professional service — especially for a child's name change, where errors can cause real problems.
A professional deed poll service will:
Ensure the document is correctly drafted and legally valid
Include all necessary wording for parental responsibility and consent
Provide certified copies for multiple organisations
Offer guidance on the deed poll application process
Be there if any questions arise from the organisations you contact
Deed Poll Agency specialises in both child deed poll and adult deed poll applications, and the service is quick, affordable, and trusted by thousands of families across the UK. You don't need to visit any office — everything is handled online, and your documents are sent to you by post.
Want to Change Your Child's Name? Here's What to Do Next
If you've read this far, you're probably ready to take action. Here's a quick summary of your next steps:
Confirm consent: Make sure everyone with parental responsibility agrees to the change
Complete the application: Fill in the deed poll application with the correct details
Sign and witness: All those with parental responsibility sign in front of an independent adult witness
Start updating records: Use the deed poll to update the passport, school, GP, and other records
Keep certified copies: Don't send your only original document — get copies made
So there you are, you now have the answer to your question; "how to change a child's surname by Deed Poll or change your name by deed poll."
If you're ready to get started, or if you have any questions about your specific situation, visit Deed Poll Agency or browse their full range of deed poll services.
Useful External Resources
GOV.UK – Change your name by deed poll — Official government guidance on deed polls and name changes in England and Wales
GOV.UK – Change a child's name — Specific guidance on the rules for changing a child's name
HM Passport Office – Changing your name on a passport — How to update passport records after a name change
Children Act 1989 – GOV.UK — The legal framework governing parental responsibility and children's welfare
Family Court – Applying for a Specific Issue Order — What to do if you need a court to resolve a dispute about a child's name