I want to change my name. What do I do?

Whether it's for personal reasons or to better reflect your identity, a Change of Name Deed (also known as a Deed Poll) is the easiest and most recognised way to legally update your name in the UK. Our latest blog explains more about who can change their name and how it works.

What Is a Change of Name Deed?

A Change of Name Deed, often referred to as a Deed Poll, is a legal document used in the UK to formally change a person's name. Whatever your reason for wanting to change your name(s), if to transition to a name that better reflects your identity, or simply choosing a new name for personal reasons, a Change of Name Deed provides official proof of your new identity.

This document allows you to update your records with government bodies, banks, employers, and other organisations. It is legally recognised throughout the UK and accepted by the Passport Office, DVLA, HMRC, NHS, and many other institutions.

Unlike other formal legal processes, changing your name by deed poll is simple, affordable, and does not usually require going to court. For most people, it’s the easiest and most effective way to take control of their personal identity.

There are two types of Deed Polls in the UK:

• Unenrolled Deed Poll: A private document, signed and witnessed, not registered with the courts, but despite this it is still a legal method of changing your name and is recognised by most official organisations.
• Enrolled Deed Poll: A deed poll officially registered with the Royal Courts of Justice and published in The London Gazette, meaning the name change is made public.

For most people, an unenrolled deed poll is sufficient and widely accepted.

Who Can Change Their Name?

You can change your name if:

• You are 16 or older (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
• You have the mental capacity to understand the decision.
• You are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.

Children under 16 can also change their names via deed poll, but it requires the consent of all people with parental responsibility. However, it is important to note that where there is a lives with order, permission is still required from both parents or from the Court until the child is 18.

Changing a child’s name can be sensitive, particularly in cases involving:

• Separated parents
• Divorce or custody disputes
• Adoption or surrogacy
• Transgender or non-binary children expressing identity preferences

In any of these situations, if consent cannot be obtained from all with parental responsibility, you may need to apply to family court for a Specific Issue Order to proceed with the name change.

At Band Hatton Button, we are able to prepare unenrolled Change of Name Deeds for you at a fixed fee of £165 plus VAT. This fee includes the drafting of the deed, meeting with you to sign and witness the deed and providing certified copies.

For more information visit the family pages of our website by clicking here or call the Family team for initial help with no obligation on 024 7623 7368.