- Our service fee
- from £100
- Official fees
- None for an unenrolled deed poll
- Usual time
- Unenrolled: ready once signed. Enrolled: several months
- Appointment
- You sign in front of two witnesses
A deed poll is the document most organisations accept as proof of a change of name. You can use an unenrolled deed poll straight away, or enrol one with the High Court as a public record.
We confirm which type suits the organisations you need it for, prepare the deed, and help you plan the next steps, including your passport.
- The right type for the organisations you need it for
- Prepared with the wording gov.uk sets out
- Witness guidance so organisations accept it
- Passport name change arranged next, if you need it
Who it’s for: Adults aged 16 or over living in the UK
It depends on your circumstances
When you start, we go through these with you.
An unenrolled deed poll can be used as soon as it is signed. Some organisations, such as some banks, accept only an enrolled deed poll, which is published in The Gazette.
Check firstTaking your spouse's or civil partner's surname needs only your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
MarriageIt must be pronounceable, and must not include symbols, numbers or punctuation other than a hyphen or an established apostrophe. A deed poll cannot change capitalisation or titles.
Name rulesTwo witnesses aged 18 or over. Some organisations do not accept a witness who lives with you or is a close relative.
Two witnessesDifferent rules apply if you were born in Scotland. We point you to the right route.
ScotlandWhat’s involved
- Start the service
Tell us your current and new names, and where you need to use the deed.
- We prepare the deed
We prepare the deed poll with the wording gov.uk sets out.
- Sign it
Sign in your old and new names in front of two witnesses.
- Update your records
Use it with your bank, employer and other records, and we can arrange your passport next.
What to have ready
Your exact checklist is confirmed once you start, based on your answers.
Everyone
- Your current full nameExactly as on your current documents.
- Your new full nameExactly as you want it to appear.
- Your addressPrinted on the deed.
Only if it applies to you
- Details of earlier name changesHM Passport Office asks for proof of each one.
- Enrolment documentsFor an enrolled deed poll, such as a birth certificate, passport or naturalisation certificate.
Clear fees
There is no government fee for an unenrolled deed poll. Enrolling with the High Court has a court fee.
Official fee source: GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026. Official fees can change.
Deed poll — quick answers
Can I change my passport straight away?
HM Passport Office also asks for evidence that you are using your new name, such as a payslip or a letter from your council, so allow time to build this up.
Will my visas still be valid?
Unexpired visas in your old passport may become invalid if you change your name. Check with the embassy or consulate that issued each one before you sign.
How much does enrolment cost?
Enrolment has a court fee set by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. This is paid by you directly; we tell you the amount and how to pay when we prepare your application.
Can I change a child's name?
A child's name change has its own process and needs the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility, or a court order. Ask us about it.
Ready when you are
Rules, official fees and processing times are set by the relevant government or authority and can change. We provide document preparation and application support from your instructions; we are not solicitors or regulated immigration advisers. It is your responsibility to check entry requirements before you travel.
Get help
Have a question? You can ask us. Choose how you’d like to talk and we’ll know which service you’re asking about.
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