Changing your name

Changing your name in England and Wales is relatively straightforward. In fact, there’s no legal requirement to register a name change at all – you can simply start using a new name, provided you aren’t doing it for fraudulent reasons.

However, while you can legally call yourself any name (as long as it’s in good faith and not deceptive), most official bodies will ask for proof of your new name before they update your records. This is where documents like a deed poll come in.

Do you need a deed poll?

In many cases, a deed poll is the easiest way to prove your name change to banks, the passport office, and other institutions. A deed poll is simply a legal document that states you have given up your old name and adopted a new one. It doesn’t actually change your name by itself – you change your name by starting to use it, and the deed poll serves as evidence of that change.

That said, you don’t always need a deed poll. If your name change is due to certain life events, you can often use existing documents as evidence:

• Marriage or civil partnership: If you take your spouse’s surname (or hyphenate your name) after marriage, you do not need a deed poll – your marriage certificate is usually accepted as proof of your new name. Simply send copies of your marriage or civil partnership certificate to the relevant record-holders (banks, HM Passport Office, etc.) to update your name.
• Divorce or Civil Partnership dissolution: If you want to go back to your maiden name (birth name) after a divorce, you typically can do so without a deed poll. Most organisations will accept your divorce documents (decree absolute/final order) along with your marriage certificate as evidence of reverting to your previous name. In practice, this means showing your marriage certificate (which shows your maiden name) and the decree absolute proving the marriage has ended. However, be aware that some organisations might insist on a deed poll even in this case. If an organisation refuses to change your name back with just the divorce papers, you might need to execute a deed poll for your maiden name for that purpose.
• Other situations: If you’ve changed your name once and want to change back to your birth name (or another previous name), you will generally need some form of documentation. For example, if you originally changed your name by deed poll and now wish to revert to your original name, the birth certificate alone isn’t enough – you’d likely need to do another deed poll to document the change back.

In summary, no law forces you to get a deed poll to change your name, but in any scenario where you have no other official certificate of the name change, a deed poll is the accepted method. It provides the “paper trail” that governments and companies require as proof. For most name changes not related to marriage or divorce, you will indeed need a deed poll to update passports, bank accounts, and so on.

Unenrolled (private) deed Poll

Most people who change their name in England and Wales use an unenrolled deed poll. This is sometimes called a “DIY deed poll” or “private deed poll”. It’s a legal document you can create yourself without any official registration.

Key facts about unenrolled deed polls:

• It’s perfectly legal and valid. An unenrolled deed poll carries the same legal weight for changing your name as an enrolled one – it’s accepted by UK government agencies and companies in almost all cases. Enrolling it doesn’t make it “more official”.
• You can write it yourself. If you’re 16 or over, you can make your own deed poll at home. The government even provides recommended wording for free –> gov.uk. Essentially, the document should state that you are abandoning your old name and adopting a new name for all purposes. You then sign this declaration as a deed.
• Two witnesses are required. You must sign your deed poll in the presence of two adult witnesses, who then also sign it. Witnesses should be over 18, not closely related to you, and ideally not living at the same address (some organisations may be picky about accepting a deed poll if, say, your roommate or close family member was the witness).
• No cost or court process. Creating an unenrolled deed poll is free – you do not pay any government fee, since you’re not registering it anywhere. You can simply type up or handwrite the statement and sign it with witnesses. (If you prefer, you can pay a solicitor or specialist agency to draft one for you, but this isn’t necessary)
• Using your new name. Once you have the deed poll signed and witnessed, you can start using your new name immediately. The deed poll document becomes your proof. You will use it to inform all relevant institutions of your name change (for example, you’d send an original or certified copy to the passport office to get a new passport, etc.). It’s often wise to get a few extra official copies made so you can send them off to different places simultaneously.

An unenrolled deed poll keeps your name change private. There is no public record – only you and those you choose to show it to will know about the change. This is sufficient for the vast majority of people. Practically there is little to no benefit to enrolling a deed poll if all you need is to update your IDs and records.

The HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, etc. do accept unenrolled deed polls as evidence of a name change. You just have to ensure the document is properly drafted and executed (signed and witnessed correctly). Enrolling is not a requirement for these changes.

Enrolled (Public) deed poll

An enrolled deed poll is a name change that is officially registered through the Royal Courts of Justice. This process “enrols” your deed poll in the Enrolment Books of the High Court, meaning it becomes a permanent public record. Enrolling a deed poll also triggers a public announcement of your new name in The London Gazette, which is the UK’s official journal of public record.

Key points about enrolled deed polls:

• Public record: When you enrol, your change of name and address are published in The Gazette (online, and historically in print) for anyone to see. A copy is kept on file by the courts and later archived at the National Archives. In other words, enrolling makes your name change public knowledge. (If you have a serious reason for privacy – for example, safety concerns – you can ask the court to omit your address or surname from the published notice, but you’d need to persuade a judge).
• Not required to change your name: Enrolment is entirely optional. You do not have to enrol a deed poll to make it legal. Many people never bother with it, since it doesn’t confer extra legal validity. In practical terms, an enrolled deed poll is used in the same way as an unenrolled one for updating documents. The main differences are publicity and a formal record.
• Situations where enrollment might be useful: A few banks or organisations prefer an enrolled deed poll (they feel it’s more “official”). The UK government notes that some organisations – typically some banks, financial or mobile phone companies – may insist on an enrolled deed poll as proof. This isn’t common, but it can happen. Enrolling can also give peace of mind that your change is recorded by the courts, and some people simply like the ceremonial aspect of having their name in the Gazette. For most people, though, an unenrolled deed poll suffices, and organisations will accept it if properly executed.
• Eligibility: You must be 18 or over to enrol your deed poll (16-17 year-olds can execute an unenrolled deed themselves, but cannot put it on public record until 18). You also must be a British or Commonwealth citizen and resident in the UK to enrol through the High Court. If you were born in Scotland, different rules apply (Scotland has its own process—see further below).
• Procedure to enrol: The process has become easier recently with an online application option. Here’s how it works in summary:
  • You fill out an online form (or paper forms) to apply to the Kings Bench (High Court) for enrollment (gov.uk).
  • You will need to provide proof of your identity and current name (such as your birth certificate or passport). If you are married or in a civil partnership, you should include your marriage/civil partnership certificate, and a letter of consent from your spouse or partner agreeing to the name change. (Yes, if you’re married, the court asks for your spouse’s written consent to your name change as part of the application. In practice this is a formality to ensure the partner is aware – your spouse cannot stop you from changing your name, but the court wants to see their acknowledgment.)
  • If you are divorced or widowed, you must provide your decree absolute or your late spouse’s death certificate as applicable.
  • After submitting the application (and paying the fee), the court will send you a set of forms (known by codes like LOC020, LOC021, etc.). These include the deed poll itself and a statutory declaration form.
  • Statutory declaration: As part of an enrolled deed poll, you need a “declarant” – a person who has known you for at least 10 years – to sign a statutory declaration confirming your identity. This person must be a British or Commonwealth citizen, should be a householder in the UK, and cannot be closely related to you (nor your spouse). Essentially, it might be a long-term friend, neighbor, or colleague who can vouch that you are the same person and have used your old name. The declarant signs the form in front of a solicitor or other officer (like taking an oath). If you truly have no one who has known you 10+ years, you can provide a written statement explaining that, and the court may still consider your application.
  • You (the applicant) also sign the main deed poll form again with two witnesses (similar to an unenrolled deed). The witnesses can be the same as for your original deed poll document; the declarant can even act as one witness on that form.
  • You then submit the signed forms by post to the Deed Poll Office at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (even if you applied online, you must mail in the signed hard copies).
  • The court will review everything. Once approved, they will officially “enrol” your deed poll (seal it) and return it to you. The change of name is entered into the public record, and the details get sent off to The Gazette for publication.
• Cost: There is a fee to enrol your deed poll. As of 2025, the total fee is £50.32 (gov.uk). This covers the court administrative fee and the Gazette publication charges. (In practice, it’s broken down roughly into a court fee of about £11, a London Gazette advertising fee of around £29.50, and a few pounds for an official copy of the Gazette notice.) You can pay by calling the High Court Fees Office with a card, or by sending a cheque or postal order. Note: The fee historically was paid by cheque and was lower (around £36 in past years), but it has increased to account for current Gazette rates and can be paid electronically now. Always check the latest fee on GOV.UK when you apply.
• Timing: Enrolling a deed poll is not instant – it can take a couple of months for the court to process and for your name to appear in The Gazette. You’ll receive a copy of the Gazette notice for your records when it’s published.

Changing a child’s name (under 18)

Changing the name of a child (someone under 18) has additional safeguards. The law prioritises the child’s best interests and the rights of anyone with parental responsibility.

Key rules for minors:

• Consent of those with parental responsibility: To change a child’s name, everyone with parental responsibility must consent to the change (gov.uk). Typically, this means both parents if both are listed on the birth certificate or have legal responsibility. If one parent does not agree, you cannot unilaterally change the child’s name (unless that parent has no parental rights or a court order permits the change).
• Court order if no agreement: If parents (or others with parental responsibility) cannot all agree to the name change, you would need to obtain a court order (specifically, a “Specific Issue Order” from the family court) to authorize the change of the child’s name. This is a separate legal process and involves convincing a judge that the name change is in the child’s best interests.
• Age 16 and 17 – the child’s consent matters: At 16, a young person in England and Wales can effectively make their own deed poll. In fact, 16- and 17-year-olds are generally presumed old enough to decide their own name. If a parent or guardian applies to change the name of a 16- or 17-year-old, the teenager must also consent. In the deed poll enrolment process, for example, a 16-17 year-old must provide a signed letter confirming they agree to the change (witnessed by an adult) before the court will approve it. In short, a parent cannot change the name of a 16-year-old against their will. (Conversely, a 16-year-old can execute an unenrolled deed poll on their own, without parental permission, in England and Wales.)
• Executing the deed poll for a child: For children under 16, a deed poll would be executed by a parent (or guardian) on the child’s behalf. The deed poll document would refer to the child (for example, “I, [Parent’s Name], as mother/father of [Child’s Name], abandon the name [Old Name] and assume on behalf of the child the name [New Name]”). If it’s an unenrolled deed poll, both parents (if both have responsibility) should ideally sign it, or at least have a written consent attached from the other parent. If the deed poll is enrolled, the application must include the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order substituting consent.
• Affidavit of Best Interest: When enrolling a child’s deed poll through the court, one of the forms required is an “Affidavit (or statement) of best interest” for the child. Essentially, the parent or guardian changing the name swears a statement explaining why the change of name is in the child’s best interests. This is to help the court ensure the name change will benefit the child (especially if, for instance, one parent isn’t involved or there are unusual circumstances).
• Publication in the Gazette: Just like an adult, a child’s name change can be enrolled and published in The Gazette (with the child’s new name and former name on record). However, the court can be asked to limit what is published if there’s a safety or privacy concern (for example, only first name, not full name). Many parents choose not to enrol a child’s deed poll precisely because it creates a public record; they might prefer a private change until the child is old enough to decide.
• Limits on frequency: It’s generally not possible to repeatedly change a child’s name back and forth on a whim. While England and Wales don’t have a hard law saying “only X changes allowed,” the involvement of parental consent and/or courts acts as a check. (By contrast, see below for Scotland/Northern Ireland, which do have formal limits on frequency.)

In practice, to change a child’s name, make sure all necessary consents are obtained in writing, and consider whether to enrol or not. If the other parent disagrees and you strongly feel the name change is needed for the child’s welfare, you will have to convince a family court judge. The guiding principle is always the child’s best interest, not just the preference of the adults.

Updating documents and proof of name change

Once you have your deed poll (or marriage/divorce certificate, etc.), you’ll want to update all your official documents and records. Different organisations have different policies on what proof they accept:

• UK Government Agencies: Her Majesty’s Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, the NHS, etc., all accept an unenrolled deed poll as valid evidence of a name change. You do not need to enrol the deed poll for these. For example, to get a new passport, you send your original deed poll (unenrolled is fine) with your passport application. For a driving licence name change, you post the deed poll with the form D1 to the DVLA. They will issue new documents in your new name. Government bodies will also accept an enrolled deed poll, of course – it’s equally valid, just more formal.
• Banks and Private Companies: Most banks and financial institutions accept an unenrolled deed poll, but some have stricter internal rules. A few banks or older institutions might say, “We prefer an enrolled deed poll or a solicitor’s certificate.” This isn’t common nowadays, but it’s known to happen. If in doubt, check with the organisation. The government guidance even suggests contacting the organisation to see if they require an enrolled deed poll. Keep in mind, legally an unenrolled deed poll should be enough. In fact, British courts have indicated that a bank has no reason to reject a properly executed deed poll. But front-line staff might not always be familiar, so you may need to patiently explain or provide the GOV.UK info. If you encounter an intransigent institution, one solution short of enrolling is to have a statutory declaration prepared.
• Statutory Declarations: A statutory declaration of change of name is an alternative document sometimes used. This is a written declaration (statement) that “I formerly known as X am now known as Y”, which is witnessed by a solicitor or other authorized official. It’s a legally recognised document, though less common than deed polls. Some organisations might accept a statutory declaration as proof of a name change, especially if it’s signed by a solicitor or notary. However, not all institutions are familiar with it, and some may still ask for a deed poll. Generally, a statutory declaration or a deed poll will suffice as proof – both are legitimate. (You do not need both; they are just alternative methods. And note that a statutory declaration, like an unenrolled deed poll, is private – there’s no public register for it.)
• Evidence Overview: Thanks to anti-fraud measures, you usually can’t just call up and change your name with a phone call or letter any more. You will need to provide one of a number of documents. Accepted documents typically include: a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, deed poll (enrolled or not), a statutory declaration of name change, or (for trans people) possibly a gender recognition certificate in some cases. Any one of those, as applicable, is sufficient proof of name change. You do not need to publish notices in newspapers (except the Gazette if enrolling) – that’s an old myth.

Scotland and Northern Ireland – what’s different?

The discussion above mainly covers England and Wales (which share the same system). If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the principles of changing your name are similar – you can still use deed polls or other documents – but there are different optional processes available in those jurisdictions:

• Scotland: Scotland has its own system to officially register name changes through the National Records of Scotland (NRS). If you were born or adopted in Scotland, you can apply to have your name change recorded on your birth (or adoption) certificate. The new birth certificate will show your new name and note that you were “formerly known as” your old name. Essentially, Scotland allows you to amend the birth register in certain circumstances. There are some restrictions: you can only record a change once for forenames and (separately) three times for surnames, and not within narrow timeframes (to prevent frequent toggling of names). There’s a fee (currently £40 for an adult change with NRS) to do this, and an application form to send to NRS in Edinburgh. This method is not typically used for surname changes after marriage/divorce – those still just use marriage or divorce documents, as in E&W. Recording a name change in Scotland is optional; you don’t have to do it – many Scottish residents simply execute a deed poll instead, especially if they weren’t born in Scotland. In fact, if you were not born/adopted in Scotland, the NRS cannot record your change – you must use a deed poll or statutory declaration. And if you have already changed your name the maximum number of times via NRS, you’d use a deed poll for any further changes.
• Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland also has an official change of name registration process, handled by the General Register Office (GRO) in Belfast. The NI process is somewhat similar to Scotland’s: you fill out a form to register a change of forename or surname on your birth record (nidirect.gov.uk). NI law, however, imposes specific limits: adults can change their name once and surname up to 3 times via the GRO, and there must be at least five years between recorded surname changes. There’s a fee of about £35 to record a change (and a smaller fee for additional family members or for a certificate of the change). As in Scotland, this results in an updated birth record. Notably, Northern Ireland requires you to have used the new name for at least 2 years before they will record it in the birth register – this rule is to ensure the change isn’t frivolous. The application to the NI GRO needs to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, magistrate, or solicitor. If you’re in Northern Ireland but weren’t born there (or you simply prefer not to use the GRO method), you can absolutely use a deed poll instead. The NI government’s own guidance points people to the GOV.UK deed poll process as an alternative. Deed polls executed in England/Wales (or NI) are accepted for Northern Irish documents. Enrolling a deed poll via the Royal Courts of Justice in London is generally not used by NI residents, since NI has its own record system, but legally one could still use an unenrolled or even enrolled deed poll as well.

In both Scotland and Northern Ireland, marriage and divorce work the same as in E&W – you usually don’t need a deed poll to take or drop a married name, just use the marriage or divorce certificates as evidence.

Jennifer Wiss-Carline

Jennifer Wiss-Carline is a practising Solicitor regulated by the SRA and a Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx), bringing over two decades of experience to her practice. Specialising primarily in Private Client law, Jennifer expertly handles matters including Wills, Inheritance Tax and Estate planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney for individuals and businesses, Deputyship Orders and more.