How to Change Your Name by Deed Poll UK | Free & Paid Options 2026

What Is a Deed Poll?

A deed poll is a legal document in which you formally declare that you are abandoning your old name and adopting a new one — and that you intend to use your new name in all aspects of your life from that point forward.

The word "deed" simply means a formal legal document, and "poll" is an old legal term referring to a document with a straight (polled) edge, as opposed to one cut in two — which would be an indenture. In practice, "deed poll" just means: a document signed by one person, making a one-sided commitment.

Despite the formal-sounding name, a deed poll carries no more complexity than a signed declaration. Once it's properly worded, signed, and witnessed, it's recognised by the Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, and the vast majority of UK banks and institutions.

Unenrolled vs Enrolled Deed Poll — What's the Difference?

There are two types of deed poll in the UK, and understanding the difference will help you choose the right route.

An unenrolled deed poll is a private document. You create it, sign it in front of a witness, and use it to notify organisations of your new name. It is not registered anywhere and does not appear on any public record. This is by far the most common approach — it's free (or low-cost via an online service), legally valid, and accepted across the UK for passports, driving licences, and bank accounts.

An enrolled deed poll is registered with the Royal Courts of Justice and published in the London Gazette, making it a matter of public record. It costs £42.44 to enrol (at time of writing) and is typically only necessary in specific circumstances — for example, if you need to change the name on a property register, or if you're changing a child's name and need a publicly verifiable record for future legal purposes.

For most adults changing their own name, an unenrolled deed poll is entirely sufficient.

How to Create Your Own Deed Poll for Free

You can write your own deed poll at home without any professional help. The document must include:

Your current full name (the name you're giving up)
Your new full name (the name you're adopting)
A declaration that you renounce your former name in all uses and purposes
A declaration that you will use your new name at all times and require all persons to address you by it
Your signature and the date
The full name, signature, address, and date of an independent adult witness

Gov.uk provides a template you can complete and print. Once signed and witnessed, it's immediately valid. Print multiple copies — most organisations will want to retain one, so having six or more to hand will save you time.

Your witness must be over 18, must not be a family member, and must not share your address. They do not need any legal qualifications — a neighbour, colleague, or friend is perfectly appropriate.

How to Use a Deed Poll Service

If you'd prefer not to draft the document yourself, an online deed poll service will generate a correctly worded deed poll for you, ready to sign. The advantages are convenience and confidence: you know the wording is legally sound, and the document is typically formatted in a way that looks professional when presented to banks or government departments.

When choosing a service, look for:

Clear confirmation that the document follows the correct legal wording for England and Wales (or Scotland, if applicable — Scottish deed polls follow slightly different conventions)
The option to download or receive multiple copies
Transparent pricing with no hidden renewal fees
No requirement to purchase ongoing membership or subscriptions

A reputable service will cost anywhere from a few pounds to around £30, depending on what's included. You are not paying for any kind of official registration — the fee covers document generation and, sometimes, printed and posted copies.

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How to Enrol Your Deed Poll at the Royal Courts of Justice

Enrolling a deed poll places it on the public record and publishes notice of your name change in the London Gazette. It's an optional step for most adults, but may be required in certain legal or property contexts.

To enrol your deed poll:

Complete a standard deed poll (unenrolled first, as described above).
Fill in a deed poll enrolment application form, available from the Senior Courts Costs Office.
Pay the enrolment fee (currently £42.44).
Submit the completed application and deed poll to the Senior Courts Costs Office, either in person or by post.

Processing typically takes a few weeks. Once enrolled, you'll receive a sealed copy of the deed poll and it will appear in the London Gazette. Note that enrolled deed polls become publicly available records — this is worth considering if you're changing your name for personal safety reasons, in which case an unenrolled deed poll is the more appropriate choice.

Is a Deed Poll Legally Binding?

Yes — a correctly executed deed poll is legally binding in the UK. There is no national register of names, and UK law has never required formal registration for a name change to be valid. What matters is that:

The document is correctly worded and includes the required declarations
You sign it in front of an independent adult witness
Your witness also signs, providing their full name and address
You genuinely intend to use your new name going forward

All major UK government departments — including His Majesty's Passport Office, the DVLA, and HMRC — accept unenrolled deed polls as proof of name change. So do most UK banks, building societies, and other financial institutions.

The key point is consistent use. Using your new name consistently across all documents and interactions reinforces its legal standing. Switching back and forth between your old and new name can create complications, particularly with financial institutions.

What Can't You Change Your Name to in the UK?

UK law gives you considerable freedom in choosing a new name, but there are some restrictions. You cannot change your name to one that:

Is intentionally misleading — for example, adopting a professional title such as "Doctor" or "Sir" as a forename or surname if you don't hold that title
Contains numbers or symbols that cannot be pronounced
Is racially or otherwise offensive
Promotes criminal activity or hatred
Is designed to facilitate fraud — for example, adopting the name of a known public figure to impersonate them

In practice, these restrictions only affect a very small number of requests. The vast majority of name choices — including unusual or invented names, single-word names, and hyphenated surnames — are perfectly acceptable. If you're unsure whether your chosen name is permissible, a solicitor or deed poll service can advise you before you proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "depol" the same as a deed poll?

Yes — "depol" (sometimes also written as "de poll" or "deepoll") is simply a common misspelling of "deed poll." They refer to exactly the same document. If you've been searching for how to change name by depol UK or how to change your name by depol UK, you're looking for information about deed polls — and you're in the right place.

What is a deed poll used for?

A deed poll is used to legally change your name in the UK. Once signed and witnessed, you can use it to update your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, medical records, employment records, and any other official or personal document that holds your name. It's the standard route for any name change that isn't covered by a marriage certificate or decree absolute.

Do I need a solicitor to get a deed poll?

No. Solicitors can prepare a deed poll for you, but there's no legal requirement to use one. You can create a valid deed poll yourself using the Gov.uk template, or use an online deed poll service. The document has the same legal standing either way.

How long does a deed poll take to process?

The deed poll itself can be created and signed in a single day. Updating your official documents is the time-consuming part — a passport renewal currently takes six to ten weeks, while a driving licence name change with the DVLA takes two to four weeks. Banks and utility companies typically update their records within one to two weeks of receiving your deed poll.

Can I change my name by deed poll in Scotland?

Yes, though Scottish deed polls follow slightly different wording conventions and the document is sometimes called a "change of name deed" rather than a deed poll. The process is equally straightforward, and the resulting document is accepted across the UK. If you're based in Scotland, make sure any template or service you use produces a document worded for Scots law.

How many copies of my deed poll do I need?

At minimum, six to eight copies. Some organisations — including the Passport Office and certain banks — will retain a copy rather than returning it. Having plenty of copies from the start means you can notify multiple organisations in parallel and avoid delays caused by waiting for documents to be returned.

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