Make your own deed poll

You need to be 16 or over to make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll. Some organisations may not accept a deed poll you’ve made yourself as proof of your new name. Ask the organisation you’re dealing with (for example your bank) if they need an ‘enrolled’ deed poll instead. A specialist agency or a solicitor can make the deed poll for you - they may charge a fee. How to make your own deed poll You’ll need 2 witnesses to sign your deed poll. They must be 18 or over. Some organisations will not accept a deed poll if a witness lives at the same address or is a close relative. Use the following wording. Replace the words in the square brackets with the relevant details. Name change deed “I [old name] of [your address] have given up my name [old name] and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name]. “Where applicable, I have informed the police that I have given up my name [old name] and have adopted the name [new name] and understand that a failure to do so is a criminal offence. “I also understand that when I apply for official documents in my new name, such as a British Passport, the relevant authorities may check the history and validity of my old name [old name] and new name [new name]. They may also check the information in any other supporting documents they have requested. “Signed as a deed on [date] as [old name] and [new name] in the presence of [witness 1 name] of [witness 1 address], and [witness 2 name] of [witness 2 address]. “[your new signature], [your old signature] “[witness 1 signature], [witness 2 signature]” After you’ve made your deed poll You can use your signed deed poll straight away as proof of your new name. It’s a criminal offence if you’re a registered offender and you do not tell the police you’ve changed your name.

Enrol a deed poll with the courts

You can put your new name on public record by ‘enrolling’ it at the Royal Courts of Justice if you’re 18 or over. It costs £49.32 and cheques should be made payable to HMCTS . If you’re under 18, follow the process for changing a child’s name to enrol. Download the guidance and forms for changing an adult’s name - this includes the notification form for The Gazette . Send your forms and documents to the King’s Bench Division. King’s Bench Division Enforcement Section Room E15 The Royal Courts of Justice Strand London WC2A 2LL It’s a criminal offence if you’re a registered offender and you do not tell the police you’ve changed your name.

Change a child’s name

To change the name of a child under 18 you can either: make an unenrolled deed poll by using a specialist deed poll agency or a solicitor apply for an enrolled deed poll from the Royal Courts of Justice If you choose an enrolled deed poll, this means your child’s new name will usually appear on public record in The Gazette . Some organisations will only accept an enrolled deed poll as proof of a name change. Ask the organisation you’re dealing with which type of deed poll they’ll need. If you’re 16 or 17 you can choose to make your own unenrolled deed poll . Apply for an enrolled deed poll You’ll need either: the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility a court order You must try to reach agreement before you seek a court order. If everyone with parental responsibility agrees Download and complete the forms for changing a child’s name - this includes the notification form for The Gazette. It costs £49.32 to apply. Send your forms and documents to the King’s Bench Division. If you’re worried about your child’s name change being published in The Gazette, contact the King’s Bench Division. For example, they may agree to only publish your child’s first name. King’s Bench Division Enforcement Section Room E15 The Royal Courts of Justice Strand London WC2A 2LL Telephone: 020 3936 8957 (choose option 6) Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Find out about call charges If you need a court order Read the guidance on making an application to the court. Fill in form C100 for a ‘specific issue order’. Send your form to your nearest court that deals with child cases. It costs £232 to apply for a court order. You may be able to get help with court fees if you’re on benefits or a low income.

Change your name by deed poll

How to change your name

You do not have to follow a legal process to start using a new name. But you might need a ‘deed poll’ to apply for or to change official documents like your passport or driving licence.

There are different rules for changing your name in Scotland.

Get a deed poll

A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. You can change any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or change spelling.

There are 2 ways to get a deed poll. You can either:

make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll yourself
apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll

Ask the organisation you’re dealing with (for example your bank) which type of deed poll they’ll accept as proof of your new name.

If you’re a permanent resident overseas, you cannot change your name by deed poll.

Make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll

You can change your name yourself if you’re 16 or over.

Apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll

‘Enrolling’ a deed poll means that you’re putting your new name on public record.

You must apply to the Royal Courts of Justice to get an ‘enrolled’ deed poll using the deed poll process. It costs £49.32.

You can only enrol your own name change if you’re 18 or over. The process is different to change the name of a child under 18.

Marriage and civil partnership

You do not need a deed poll to take your spouse’s or civil partner’s surname. Send a copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate to record-holders, such as benefits offices. Your documents will be updated for free.

If you divorce or end your civil partnership

You may be able to go back to your original name by showing record-holders either your:

marriage certificate and decree absolute
civil partnership certificate and final order

Some organisations will not change your name back without a deed poll.

If you’re a registered offender

You must tell the police you’ve changed your name within 3 days if you’re a registered:

sex offender
violent offender
terrorist offender

You must go to your local prescribed police station to do this. You’ll be told where this is on release.

It’s a criminal offence if you do not tell the police you’ve changed your name.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Change your name by deed poll

How to change your name

Get a deed poll

Make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll

Apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll

Marriage and civil partnership

If you divorce or end your civil partnership

If you’re a registered offender

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Change your name by deed poll

How to change your name

Get a deed poll

Make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll

Apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll

Marriage and civil partnership

If you divorce or end your civil partnership

If you’re a registered offender

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