How to Legally Change Your Name in the UK
by Deed Poll

Polina Kriulina
Commercial Paralegal

Introduction

In the UK, you can legally change your or your child’s name anytime by simply adopting and using a new name – no official registration needed.

You need a deed poll or formal document to update your passport, license, bank accounts, and official records.

A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. You can change any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or alter the spelling.

There are two ways to obtain a deed poll:

1. Make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll yourself
2. Apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll

This article will analyse both types of deed polls, detailing their differences and providing insights into the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

What is an Enrolled Deed Poll?

An enrolled deed poll is a public name change document filed with the Royal Courts of Justice, accessible to anyone with your basic information. This works like UK birth certificates, which anyone can view if they know some basic information about you.

The Enrolment Books of the Senior Courts of England & Wales store this deed poll for 5-10 years. Afterward, the National Archives at Kew in Richmond, Surrey keep them indefinitely.

Part of the enrolment process includes announcing your name change in the London Gazette online, making it publicly accessible.

If you choose to enrol your deed poll, you need to follow the guidance provided on the government website, fill out the essential forms, and send your documents to the King’s Bench Division. After you submit, the process takes several months to complete, and you must pay an extra £48.32 for each name change.

Why Choose an Enrolled Deed Poll?

Enrolling your deed poll may provide stronger proof of your name change than an unenrolled deed poll. However, the enrolment process does not make your name change any more official or alter its legal status. Enrolling a deed poll merely creates a permanent public record of your name change.

A key advantage of an enrolled deed poll is that a government body securely stores your original deed poll on record.

What is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?

An unenrolled deed poll is a legal document allowing you to change your name without involving the Royal Courts of Justice. This means that the new name is not part of the public record, providing greater privacy for the individual. An unenrolled deed poll is just as legally binding and valid as an enrolled deed poll.

Why Choose an Unenrolled Deed Poll?

There are several reasons why someone might choose an unenrolled deed poll over an enrolled deed poll:

1. Privacy: An unenrolled deed poll allows you to change your name privately, without making it part of the public record. This is crucial for those facing domestic abuse, stalking, or seeking to protect their privacy.
   
2. Acceptance: Unenrolled deed polls need no court filing and are accepted by all UK businesses if properly executed.This includes updating your passport, driving license, bank accounts, GP records, and other necessary documents.
   
3. Cost: Unenrolled deed polls cost less since they avoid Royal Courts of Justice enrolment fees.
   
4. Speed: Unenrolled deed polls prepare and execute faster than enrolled ones, with no enrolment wait. Once signed and witnessed, they immediately prove the name change.
   
5. Flexibility: Unenrolled deed polls let you easily revert to your previous name without repeating the enrolment process.
   
6. Age Accessibility: People 16+ can make unenrolled deed polls; only those 18+ acting independently can use enrolled deed polls.

Are There Any Names I Can’t Choose?

Although there are no specific laws in the UK regarding name choices, individual companies and organisations impose guidelines. For instance, HM Passport Office has rules on acceptable names for official documents.

They’ll Reject:

• Name length limits: First and middle names can each have up to 30 characters, and surnames up to 30 characters. Longer names must be shortened on the passport with full names added in the information section.

• Offensive content restrictions: Swear words, sexually explicit terms, offensive religious references, vulgar language, and names of famous people that might cause concern are prohibited.

• Unlawful activity prohibitions: Names linked to criminal gangs, extremist groups, or promoting crime or antisocial behavior are not allowed.

• Trademark and copyright rules: Changing your name to a copyrighted name (e.g., Jack Daniels) is permitted, but it cannot be used commercially.

• Number usage: Names containing numbers are not accepted.

• Symbol limitations: Only hyphens and apostrophes are allowed; accents or other foreign language symbols are not accepted by the British Passport Office.

Conclusion

Changing your name in the UK with a deed poll is a simple process, offering public and private document options. Choose enrolled or unenrolled deed poll based on privacy, cost, processing speed, and flexibility needs. Understanding the guidelines for acceptable names ensures a smooth transition to your new identity.

For specialist advice and support. please get in touch with our divorce solicitors in London now by calling 020 7139 9266 or contacting the GOOD LAW INTERNATIONAL office.

A warm welcome to GOOD LAW INTERNATIONAL. To learn more about us and our practice areas, we invite you to browse through our website and contact us or book an appointment.