How do I change my name by deed poll?

Which type of deed poll do you need?

A solicitor or specialist agency can make an unenrolled deed poll for you, but they may charge a fee.

Rules for your new name

Your new name must:

• be possible to pronounce
• not include numbers, symbols or punctuation (except a hyphen, or an apostrophe in an established name like O'Hara)
• not be offensive or against the public interest

You cannot use a deed poll to change the capital letters in your name or to add a title such as Mr, Mrs, Sir, Lady or Doctor.

How to make an unenrolled deed poll

1. Write the deed. Use this wording: "I [old name] of [your address] have given up my name [old name] and have adopted for all purposes the name [new name]." GOV.UK gives the full wording to copy.
2. Find 2 witnesses. They must be 18 or over. Some organisations will not accept a witness who lives with you or is a close relative.
3. Sign it in front of both witnesses. Sign with your old name and your new name, and add the date. The witnesses sign and add their names and addresses.
4. Start using it. You can use your signed deed poll as proof of your new name straight away.

How to enrol a deed poll

1. Fill in 3 forms: LOC020 (the application), LOC021 (a statutory declaration, which is a formal written promise that something is true) and LOC027 (an exhibit cover sheet).
2. Sign them. Sign LOC020 in front of 2 witnesses. Sign LOC021 and LOC027 in front of a solicitor.
3. Add copies of your documents, such as your birth certificate, passport or naturalisation certificate. Documents not in English or Welsh need certified translations.
4. Apply online or by post, and pay the £53.05 fee. Online, you pay by debit or credit card. By post, send everything to the Deed Poll Office, King's Bench Division, Room E15, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL. You can pay by card over the phone, or by postal order or cheque payable to "HM Courts and Tribunals Service".

It can take several months. You can ask for an update 6 months after you apply. Your new name and address will be published in The Gazette. If you have a strong reason why your details should not be published, explain it in your application. The judge may agree to publish only your first name or surname.

Changing a child's name

• Everyone with parental responsibility must agree. If they do not, you need a court order. You must try to agree first.
• To ask the court, use form C100. The fee is £263.
• A child aged 16 or 17 must agree in a signed letter giving their old and new name. It must be witnessed by someone aged 18 or over who is not related to them.
• Enrolling a child's deed poll also costs £53.05.

Things to know

• Registered offenders (sex, violent or terrorist offenders) must tell the police within 3 days. Not doing so is a criminal offence.
• Living abroad: you cannot use a deed poll if you live permanently outside the UK.
• Marriage or civil partnership: you do not need a deed poll to take your partner's surname.

If you were born in Scotland

Different rules apply. Check the guidance from National Records of Scotland.

Related guides

• How do I change the name on my passport?
• How do I change my child's surname?
• How do I get a divorce?
• How do I give notice of marriage?

Where this comes from

• Change your name by deed poll
• Make an unenrolled deed poll
• Enrol a deed poll with the courts
• Change a child's name