How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name in the UK?

What Is a Deed Poll and Why Do You Need One?

A deed poll is a legal document that records your decision to give up your old name and adopt a new one. Banks, the DVLA, HM Passport Office, and most other organisations accept a deed poll as proof of your new name. Without one, you cannot update your official records.

You do not need a solicitor, a court order, or Government approval to change your name in the UK. A correctly worded and witnessed deed poll is all the law requires.

How Much Does a Name Change Cost in the UK?

The cost depends on how you obtain your deed poll and which documents you update afterwards. Here is a plain breakdown:

Figures correct as of 2025. Passport fees change periodically — check GOV.UK before you apply.

Do You Need to Enrol Your Deed Poll?

No. Enrolment at the Royal Courts of Justice is optional. It makes your deed poll part of the public record, which some people prefer for peace of mind, but the vast majority of name changes in the UK use an unenrolled deed poll — and it is accepted everywhere.

Enrolment costs £44.50 and adds several weeks to the process. Unless you have a specific reason to enrol, an unenrolled deed poll is quicker and cheaper.

How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Surname Specifically?

The process and cost are identical whether you change your first name, surname, or both. There is no separate fee for a surname-only change. One deed poll covers your entire name, and you use that same document to update every organisation on your list.

How to Change Your Name: Step by Step

1. 1

   1. Create your deed poll

   Use an online service or write one yourself. You must sign it in front of an adult witness who is not a family member.

2. 2

   2. Print several certified copies

   Most banks and government offices keep the copy you send them. Print at least six.

3. 3

   3. Update your passport first

   HM Passport Office is the most important document to update. All other organisations generally accept a new passport as proof of your name.

4. 4

   4. Update your driving licence

   Notify the DVLA online or by post. This is free and usually takes around two weeks.

5. 5

   5. Notify your bank and employer

   Take or post your deed poll to your bank. Inform your employer so your payslips and tax records match your new name.

6. 6

   6. Update remaining records

   Work through HMRC, the NHS, your local council, utilities, and any subscriptions. Most accept a scanned copy of your deed poll by email.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

You can create and sign a deed poll in under ten minutes. Updating your documents takes longer because each organisation works to its own timeline:

• Passport: 3–6 weeks (online applications) or up to 10 weeks (postal)
• Driving licence: Around 2 weeks
• Bank accounts: Same day to 5 working days
• HMRC: Up to 4 weeks

Plan for 6–8 weeks from the day you sign your deed poll to the day every record reflects your new name.

Can You Change Your Name for Free?

Yes. A deed poll has no minimum cost. You can write one yourself using the correct legal wording, print it at home, sign it in front of a witness, and it carries exactly the same legal weight as one produced by a solicitor or online service. The document update fees (mainly the passport) are unavoidable, but the deed poll itself is free if you take the DIY route.

Most people choose an online service because it guarantees the wording is correct the first time, which avoids the risk of a bank or government office rejecting a poorly worded document.

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