Changing your name in England: deed poll at £53.05, three forms and The Gazette

In England and Wales a name is changed not at a registry office but by a document called a deed poll. The state recognises two forms of it, and the difference between them decides whether your bank will accept the new name. Here is how they differ, what they cost and which papers are actually required.

What is a deed poll?

A legal document proving a change of name. GOV.UK puts it as: "A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name". It can change any part of a name, add or remove names and hyphens, or alter spelling.

Which names are not allowed?

The name must be pronounceable. Symbols, numbers and punctuation are out, apart from a hyphen and established forms of spelling. You cannot change the case of letters and you cannot award yourself a title. The name must not be offensive or against the public interest.

Unenrolled or enrolled?

An unenrolled deed poll is one you draw up yourself and can use from the age of 16. An enrolled deed poll is registered with the High Court and makes the change a public record; applications start at 18.

The practical difference is who will accept it. GOV.UK warns plainly that some organisations — banks, mobile operators, energy suppliers — may only accept the enrolled version. So the order of work is: ask your bank and employer which document they take, then apply.

What does enrolment cost?

£53.05. It can be paid by card over the phone to the High Court Fees Office, or by postal order or cheque made out to "HM Courts and Tribunals Service".

Which documents does enrolment need?

A copy of one of three: birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalisation. Then, where relevant: an adoption certificate, a marriage or civil partnership certificate, or written consent from a spouse or partner.

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If you are divorced or widowed: a photocopy of the decree absolute or final order, or the death certificate. Documents not in English or Welsh are accepted only with certified translations.

Which forms, and witnessed by whom?

Three forms: LOC020, LOC021 and LOC027. Their signing rules differ, and this is where applications most often come unstuck.

LOC020 is signed in front of 2 witnesses, who also sign. LOC021 — the statutory declaration — and LOC027 are signed in front of a solicitor or other authorised witness, who signs after you.

Where is it sent?

Deed Poll Office, King's Bench Division, Room E15, The Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London, WC2A 2LL.

Does the change become public?

Yes. The change of name and the address are published in The Gazette. If there is a good reason not to publish the details, it must be stated in the application: a judge may allow only the first name or only the surname to appear. A copy of the publication is sent to the applicant by email or post.

What arrives at the end?

Once approved, the Deed Poll Office seals the deed and posts it out. That sealed document is the proof of the change, and it is what goes to the passport office, DVLA, the bank and the employer.

Who cannot use this route

Anyone permanently living outside the UK: they cannot change their name by deed poll. Scotland has separate rules, and none of the above applies there.