How to Change Your Child's Name
Changing a child's name by deed poll in the UK is a straightforward process, but there are additional legal requirements compared to changing an adult’s name. This guide explains everything you need to know.
The Child Name Change Process
1. Apply for a Child Deed Poll
To legally change your child’s name, you must apply for a child deed poll. This is a legal document confirming the change of name and can be used to update official records.
Who Can Apply?
How Much Does it Cost?
At least one parent must apply on behalf of the child.
- All those with parental responsibility must consent to the name change.
- If the child is 16 or over, they can apply for an adult deed poll instead.
A child deed poll costs £23. You can pay securely by credit or debit card.
2. Obtain Parental Consent
Before proceeding, you must ensure that everyone with parental responsibility agrees to the name change.
Who Has Parental Responsibility?
- Mothers automatically have parental responsibility.
- Fathers have parental responsibility if they were married to the mother at the time of birth or are named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1st December 2003 in England & Wales).
- Adoptive parents always have parental responsibility.
- Legal guardians may have parental responsibility if specifically granted by the courts.
If one parent disagrees, you may need to apply for a court order to proceed with the name change.
3. Sign and Witness the Deed Poll
Once your child’s deed poll document is prepared, you must sign it on their behalf. You'll also need it to be witnessed by two people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my new name?
Unlike Births and Deaths, there’s no registry for names or name changes in the United Kingdom, so you don’t need to officially ‘register’ your new name.
Your signed and witnessed deed poll acts as legal proof of your name change. You can use it to individually update your name with each of your record holders such as HM Passport Office for your passport and DVLA for your driving licence.
We carry a full list of bodies and organisations that you should notify when you change your name.
What can I change my name to?
You can legally change your name to almost anything. Whether you’re adjusting a middle name, combining surnames with a partner, or adopting an entirely new name, a deed poll makes it possible.
There are some restrictions—you cannot change your name to include numbers, special characters, copyrighted terms, or anything deemed offensive. However, these restrictions do not affect most people.
Are deed polls accepted by the government?
The UK Government recognises deed polls as the correct and legal method for changing your name. Once you have a signed and completed deed poll, you can update your name on your passport, driving licence, and other official documents.
At Deedly, we’ve issued over 5,000 deed polls and guarantee acceptance by all UK government bodies - or your money back.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to legally change your name in the United Kingdom, then a deed poll is the quickest, easiest and most popular way to do it! You can apply online now and get your professionally prepared, legally binding name change document delivered straight to your door as soon as the next day!