A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. It is not the only way to change a name, and which type is needed often depends on the organisation asking for proof. This guide describes the process for people in England and Wales as set out by GOV.UK and the Deed Poll Office, part of the High Court, and points out where Scotland and Northern Ireland differ.
When a deed poll is and is not needed
GOV.UK says a person can change any part of their name, add or remove names or hyphens, or change the spelling. The new name must be pronounceable, must not include symbols, numbers or punctuation (apart from a hyphen or an established form such as O’Hara) and must not be offensive or against the public interest; adding “Ltd” to the end of a name is given as an example. A deed poll cannot be used to change which letters are capitalised, or to change titles such as Mr, Mrs, Sir, Lady or Doctor. Someone who takes a spouse’s or civil partner’s surname does not need one: a copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate is sent to the record-holders. After a divorce or dissolution, a person may be able to revert to their previous name by showing the certificate and the decree absolute or final order, although GOV.UK says some organisations will not change the name back without a deed poll. There are different rules for people born in Scotland, and permanent residents overseas cannot use a deed poll.
The unenrolled deed poll
Anyone aged 16 or over can make an unenrolled deed poll and start using the new name straight away. GOV.UK says it needs two witnesses aged 18 or over, and some organisations will not accept a deed poll if a witness lives at the same address or is a close relative. It supplies standard wording in which the person confirms they have given up the old name and adopted the new one “for all purposes”, have told the police where that applies, and understand that authorities such as the passport service may check the history of both names. A specialist agency or a solicitor can prepare the document for a fee. The drawback is acceptance: GOV.UK warns that some organisations, such as some banks, mobile phone companies or energy providers, may only accept an enrolled deed poll and advises checking with the organisation first.
The enrolled deed poll
A person aged 18 or over can put a name change on public record by enrolling a deed poll with the High Court. GOV.UK lists the fee as £53.05 and says the application can be made online or by post. The applicant must provide a copy of a birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalisation, and may be asked for supporting documents such as adoption papers, a marriage or civil partnership certificate, a spouse’s or partner’s written consent, and certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh. Divorced or widowed applicants must supply the decree absolute, final order or death certificate. The forms are LOC020, signed in front of two witnesses, and LOC021 and LOC027, signed in front of a solicitor or another authorised witness, then posted to the Deed Poll Office. It can take several months, and an update can be requested six months after applying.
Publication in The Gazette
Enrolment results in a public record of the name change and the applicant’s address in The Gazette. GOV.UK says that anyone with a strong reason why details should not be published can explain this in the application, and the judge may agree to publish only a first name or surname. A copy of the Gazette notice is sent to the applicant.
Children
To change a child’s name, the parent or guardian can either use a specialist agency or solicitor to make an unenrolled deed poll or enrol one with the High Court. Enrolment requires the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order, and GOV.UK says there must be an attempt to reach agreement before a court order is sought. Young people aged 16 or 17 can make their own unenrolled deed poll. The guide on parental responsibility explains who holds it.
Updating your passport and driving licence
GOV.UK says a passport must be replaced if the name changes, and that the name on it must match the one used to book travel. A deed poll, statutory declaration or affidavit is accepted for other name changes, together with proof of any previous changes and evidence that the new name is in use, such as a payslip or a council letter. GOV.UK lists an online application fee of £102 and a paper fee of £115.50, and warns that unexpired visas may become invalid. For a driving licence in Great Britain, DVLA says changing the name is free, that the licence application must be sent with the old licence and documents confirming the new name, and that the V5C log book must also be updated; Northern Ireland has a different process.
FAQs
Do I need a solicitor to make a deed poll?
No. An adult can make an unenrolled deed poll using GOV.UK’s wording and two adult witnesses, though a solicitor or agency can prepare it for a fee.
Is an unenrolled deed poll legally valid?
GOV.UK says it can be used straight away as proof of the new name, but some organisations may insist on an enrolled one, so check before relying on it.
Can I change my name to a title such as Dr?
No. GOV.UK says a deed poll cannot be used to change titles such as Mr, Mrs, Sir, Lady or Doctor.
The bottom line
A deed poll proves a name change in England and Wales, and a self-made unenrolled version can be used immediately by anyone aged 16 or over. An enrolled deed poll costs more and takes months but is public and more widely accepted. Checking what each organisation, including the passport service and DVLA, requires avoids repeating the process. This is general information, not legal advice.