Birth Re-registration, corrections and name changes

Changing your name by Deed Poll

Changing your name is an important step that should not be taken without careful consideration of the consequences. In this brief outline we have tried to cover the most frequently asked questions, but some points of law are complex and if you believe your circumstances warrant it you should take legal advice.

• What is a Deed Poll?

  Changing your name is an important step that should not be taken without careful consideration of the consequences. In this brief outline we have tried to cover the most frequently asked questions, but some points of law are complex and if you believe your circumstances warrant it you should take legal advice.

• What can I change with my Deed Poll?

  A Deed Poll is a legal document that binds an individual to a particular course of action. The most common use of a Deed Poll is to change a name, which has resulted in it being the widely recognised name for the legal document that enables you to do so officially. It is more formally known as a 'Change of Name Deed', but the term Deed Poll is more commonly used throughout the United Kingdom. A Deed Poll, or Change of Name Deed, commits you to the following actions:

  • To renounce and abandon the use of your former name(s);
  • To use your new name(s) at all times; and
  • Requires everybody to address you only by your new name(s)

• Is there anything I cannot change with my deed poll?

  A deed poll will enable you to formally change your name on documents and records such as your driving licence, passport and bank account. The Passport Office and the DVLA accept Enfield Deed Polls. You will need to contact everyone who holds details about you because part of the deed poll declaration is that you will be using your new name at all times.

• Is there anything I cannot change with my deed poll?

  For most purposes a deed poll will be accepted to change documents, but there are some important exceptions. Birth and Marriage certificates cannot be changed. However, your deed poll together with your birth certificate will be sufficient for the passport office to issue you with a passport in the new name. If the purpose of your deed poll is to alter a particular document it is important to check first with the issuer that a change will be allowed.

• Do I really need a deed poll?

  There are times when a Deed Poll is not needed to change your name. We have listed the most common ones below.

  1. Changing your name after Marriage or Civil Partnership
  • A woman who wants to change her surname to that of her husband uses her marriage certificate. A Civil Partner uses their Civil Partnership certificate to change their surname.
  2. Change of name after divorce
  • woman can revert to her maiden surname by using her decree absolute.
  3. Name change after being widowed
     • woman reverting to her maiden name after being widowed can use her late husband's death certificate together with her marriage certificate to change her name. 

• What can I change about my name?

  • You can change your entire name.
  • Add or remove surnames, forenames and middle names.
  • Rearrange your names.
  • Alter spellings of names.

  Although the possibilities are almost limitless there are some basic conditions that your new name will have to meet. On the whole these restrictions are to ensure that you will not have problems when changing documents such as your passport. 

• Are there any age restrictions?

  Anyone over the age of 16 can change their name by Deed Poll. If you are aged over 16 years but not yet 18 years old, the process is the same as it is for an adult. You do not need the consent of whoever has parental responsibility for you.

• Are there any restrictions if a child is under 16 years
  of age?

  A person who has parental responsibility must apply for the name change on behalf of the child. In addition every person or organisation that has parental responsibility must give consent in writing to the change of name.

• What can I do if the father has parental responsibility and does not agree to the name change?

  A father with parental responsibility must give his consent to changing his child's name. If a father is absent the only way to be certain that a change of name for the child will be universally accepted is to obtain a court order. To do this you will need to make an application to Court for a Specific Issue Order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

• Can I get a Deed Poll for my child if I do not have the agreement of the father?

  We will not prepare a Deed Poll for any child unless all of the parties who have parental responsibility are present to sign the Deed Poll and give their written agreement. The only exception is if you can produce a court order allowing a change of name without the consent of all the other parties who have parental responsibility.

• How much does a Deed Poll cost?

  Please click here for a list of our fees

  You cannot obtain further copies afterwards, so make sure you order as many as you need at the time you sign your Deed Poll.

• Need more information about Deed Poll?

  To book an appointment or if you have any more questions about changing your name by Deed Poll, please contact us by telephone or email.