How to Change a Child's Surname in the UK

What Is a Deed Poll?

A deed poll is a legally recognised document that proves a change of name. Once you complete one for your child, you can use it to update official records — including their passport, NHS file, and school register. It overrides the name on the birth certificate, though the birth certificate itself remains valid as an identity document when presented alongside the deed poll.

Do You Need the Other Parent's Permission?

In most cases, yes. Before you change a child's surname in the UK, you must have the written consent of every person who holds parental responsibility (PR).

The following people usually hold parental responsibility:

If you are the sole holder of parental responsibility, you can change the child's surname without consent — but the other parent can still challenge this in court.

Two Ways to Change a Child's Surname

1. Unenrolled Deed Poll (Most Common)

This is the quickest and most widely used route. You use a specialist deed poll service (like ours) or a solicitor to produce the document. All parties with parental responsibility sign it, and you then send certified copies to relevant organisations to update the child's records.

Bear in mind that some banks, mobile phone providers, or energy companies only accept an enrolled deed poll — so it is worth checking with individual organisations first.

2. Enrolled Deed Poll (Official Court Record)

Enrolling a deed poll with the High Court puts the name change on the public record. It costs £53.05 and you can apply online or by post. The new name is published in The Gazette, although you can request that only limited details appear if you have a good reason.

Processing takes up to 16 weeks. You will need to complete four official forms (LOC022, LOC023, LOC024, and LOC028) and have them witnessed and signed in front of a solicitor.

Documents you will need to supply include:

• The child's full birth certificate
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Your decree absolute or final order (if divorced)
• Your marriage or civil partnership certificate (if your surname differs from the one on the birth certificate)
• A letter of consent from any new partner, if relevant

If your child is 16 or 17, they must also submit a signed letter confirming they agree to the name change, witnessed by an adult who is not a family member.

What If the Other Parent Refuses?

If another person with parental responsibility will not agree, you cannot simply go ahead — doing so may leave the name change unrecognised by official bodies such as the Passport Office.

Your only option is to apply to the Family Court for a Specific Issue Order under the Children Act 1989. The court will decide based solely on the child's best interests. It will weigh up factors such as:

• How long the child has carried their current surname
• Whether the change could affect the child's sense of identity
• The child's own wishes (particularly for older children)
• The impact on the child's relationship with the other parent

A Specific Issue Order costs £263 to apply for. Fee remission may be available if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

Can a Child Change Their Own Name?

Children aged 16 or 17 in England and Wales can legally apply for their own unenrolled deed poll without needing parental consent. If they are married or in a civil partnership, they must enrol as an adult instead.

For children under 16, the decision rests with those holding parental responsibility. Courts can consider the views of older children who are mature enough to form their own opinion — a principle known as being Gillick competent.

What You Cannot Change a Child's Name To

The deed poll service will reject an application if the proposed name is impossible to pronounce, contains numbers or symbols, is considered offensive or vulgar, or could suggest a title, rank, or honour the child has not been granted. The new name must also include at least one forename and one surname.