Change of Name Deed Solicitors in London
We draft, witness and enrol change of name deeds (deed polls) for adults and children in London, including the court forms that must be signed in front of a solicitor.
Call 0207 100 2525 to speak to a solicitor today. Available 24/7.
A change of name deed, also called a deed poll, is a legal document that proves you have given up your old name and adopted a new one for all purposes.
Adam Bernard Solicitors draft, witness and enrol change of name deeds for adults and children from our High Holborn and Upton Park offices in London. If you need an enrolled deed poll, two of the court forms must be signed in front of a solicitor, and our change of name solicitors can do this for you in one appointment.
Call 0207 100 2525 or book a video consultation by Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype.
What is a change of name deed?
A change of name deed (deed poll) is a signed and witnessed legal document recording that you have abandoned your former name and will use your new name from now on. GOV.UK describes it as the document that proves a change of name.
You can use a deed poll to:
- change any part of your name, including your forename, middle name or surname
- add or remove names or hyphens
- change the spelling of your name
You cannot use a deed poll to change a title (such as Mr, Mrs, Dr, Sir or Lady) or to change which letters are capitalised. Your new name must be pronounceable, must not contain numbers or symbols (apart from hyphens or established forms such as O’Hara), and must not be offensive or against the public interest.
Different rules apply if you were born in Scotland.
Do you need a deed poll to change your name?
Not always. You do not need a deed poll to take your spouse’s or civil partner’s surname after marriage or civil partnership – a marriage or civil partnership certificate is usually enough. After divorce, many organisations will also accept your marriage certificate with your decree absolute or final order to revert to your previous name (GOV.UK).
You will normally need a deed poll if you are:
- choosing a completely new forename or surname
- changing your name after divorce where an organisation refuses your certificates
- adopting a double-barrelled surname
- changing your name for personal, cultural or religious reasons
- changing your name as part of a gender transition (a deed poll is separate from a Gender Recognition Certificate)
- changing a child’s name
Enrolled vs unenrolled deed poll: which do you need?
An unenrolled deed poll is one you sign with two witnesses and can use straight away. An enrolled deed poll is registered with the High Court and published in The Gazette as a public record. Both are legally valid; the difference is how much proof the organisation you’re dealing with wants.
| Unenrolled deed poll | Enrolled deed poll | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 | 18 (under 18 uses the child process) |
| Court fee | None | £53.05 |
| Public record | No | Yes – published in The Gazette |
| Witnesses | 2 adults aged 18+ | 2 witnesses for LOC020, plus a solicitor or authorised witness for LOC021 and LOC027 |
| How long it takes | Usable once signed | Can take several months |
| Accepted by | Most organisations | All organisations, including those that refuse unenrolled deeds |
Source: GOV.UK – Enrol a deed poll with the courts
Some banks, mobile phone companies and energy providers will only accept an enrolled deed poll. Check with the organisation before you choose. If you are not sure, we will tell you which route fits your situation.
How to change your name by deed poll (unenrolled)
To make an unenrolled deed poll you must be 16 or over, use the wording GOV.UK sets out, and sign it in front of two witnesses aged 18 or over.
- Draft the deed stating your old name, address and new name, and that you have given up your old name for all purposes (GOV.UK wording).
- Choose two witnesses aged 18+. Avoid relatives and anyone living at your address – some organisations reject these.
- Sign as a deed in both your old and new names, with both witnesses signing and giving their addresses.
- Start using your new name immediately and update your records.
Our solicitors draft the deed, check the wording and witness it at either office, so organisations do not send it back.
Enrolled deed poll solicitors: the forms that need a solicitor
To enrol an adult deed poll you apply to the Deed Poll Office at the Royal Courts of Justice, and two of the three forms must be signed in front of a solicitor or another authorised witness. This is where most people search for an “enrolled deed poll solicitor near me”.
The adult process (GOV.UK):
- Apply online or by post. HMCTS emails you forms LOC020, LOC021 and LOC027.
- Sign LOC020 (the deed) in front of 2 witnesses.
- Sign LOC021 (statutory declaration) and LOC027 (exhibit cover sheet) in front of a solicitor or authorised witness – we do this at our offices.
- Post the forms with a copy of your birth certificate, passport or naturalisation certificate to the Deed Poll Office, King’s Bench Division, Royal Courts of Justice.
- Pay the £53.05 fee. Once approved, the court seals your deed and posts it back, and your name change appears in The Gazette.
You may also need your marriage or civil partnership certificate and your spouse’s or partner’s written consent, a decree absolute or death certificate if divorced or widowed, adoption documents, and certified translations of anything not in English or Welsh. If you have a strong reason not to have your details published, the judge can be asked to publish only part of your name.
Forms with mistakes are sent back, which is the most common cause of delay. We check the full pack before you post it.
Changing a child's name by deed poll
To change the name of a child under 18, you need the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility, or a court order. You can use an unenrolled deed poll made by a solicitor or enrol one with the High Court for £53.05 (GOV.UK).
- Enrolled child deed poll: forms LOC022 (signed before 2 witnesses), LOC023 (statement of best interest, completed by someone with parental responsibility), LOC024 and LOC028. LOC023, LOC024 and LOC028 must be signed in front of a solicitor.
- Children aged 16 or 17 can make their own unenrolled deed poll. For an enrolled deed poll, they must give a signed letter agreeing to the change, witnessed by an unrelated adult.
- If a parent will not agree, you must try to reach agreement first, then apply to the family court for a specific issue order on form C100 (court fee £263).
Where parents disagree, our family law solicitors can advise on the court application.
After your name change: who to tell
Once your deed poll is signed, update your official records, starting with your passport and driving licence.
- Passport – change your name on your passport (HM Passport Office)
- Driving licence – change the name on your driving licence (DVLA)
- HMRC, your employer, GP, bank, council tax and electoral roll
- Immigration status – if you hold a visa or eVisa, your UKVI account details must match your new name
- Using the deed abroad – some countries require an apostille; our apostille service handles legalisation through the FCDO (GOV.UK)
Registered offenders must tell the police about a name change within 3 days. Failing to do so is a criminal offence (GOV.UK).
How our change of name solicitors help
- Drafting – an unenrolled deed in GOV.UK-compliant wording, for adults and children
- Witnessing – deed poll signing and solicitor witnessing of LOC021, LOC027, LOC023, LOC024 and LOC028 at our London offices
- Enrolment – checking every form and supporting document before it goes to the Deed Poll Office
- Statutory declarations – where an organisation asks for a statutory declaration instead of, or as well as, a deed poll
- Certified copies – certification of documents so you can send copies instead of your original deed
All our solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. See our full commissioner for oaths services.
Deed poll solicitors near you in London
We witness and certify deed poll documents at two offices:
- High Holborn, Central London – close to the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Deed Poll Office is based
- Upton Park, East London – 25 Barking Road, London E6 1PW
Call 0207 100 2525 to book an appointment, or book a video consultation if you need advice before signing.
This page is for general information and is not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a change of name deed and a deed poll?
None. "Change of name deed", "deed of change of name" and "deed poll" all describe the same legal document.
Do I need a solicitor to change my name by deed poll?
Not for an unenrolled deed poll, which you can make yourself. For an enrolled deed poll, forms LOC021 and LOC027 must be signed in front of a solicitor or another authorised witness.
How much does it cost to enrol a deed poll?
The High Court fee is £53.05 for adults and children. Our fee for drafting and witnessing is separate; call us on 0207 100 2525 for a quote.
How long does an enrolled deed poll take?
GOV.UK says it can take several months. You can ask the Deed Poll Office for an update 6 months after applying.
How many witnesses does a deed poll need?
Two, both aged 18 or over. Some organisations will not accept a relative or someone living at your address.
Can I change my child's name without the other parent's consent?
No. You need the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order (a specific issue order).
Do I need a deed poll after getting married?
No. Your marriage or civil partnership certificate is enough to take your spouse's or partner's surname.
Can I change my name by deed poll if I live abroad?
Not if you are a permanent resident overseas.
Is a deed poll the same as a statutory declaration?
No. A deed poll is a deed; a statutory declaration is a sworn statement of fact. Both can evidence a name change, and the enrolled deed poll process uses both.
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