Change your name by deed poll
Change a child’s name
To change the name of a child under 18 you can either:
- make an unenrolled deed poll by using a specialist deed poll agency or a solicitor
- apply for an enrolled deed poll from the Royal Courts of Justice
If you choose an enrolled deed poll, this means your child’s new name will usually appear on public record in The Gazette.
Some organisations will only accept an enrolled deed poll as proof of a name change. Ask the organisation you’re dealing with which type of deed poll they’ll need.
If you’re 16 or 17 you can choose to make your own unenrolled deed poll.
Apply for an enrolled deed poll
You’ll need either:
- the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility
- a court order
You must try to reach agreement before you seek a court order.
If everyone with parental responsibility agrees
Download and complete the forms for changing a child’s name - this includes the notification form for The Gazette.
It costs £48.32 to apply.
Send your forms and documents to the King’s Bench Division.
If you’re worried about your child’s name change being published in The Gazette, contact the King’s Bench Division. For example, they may agree to only publish your child’s first name.
King’s Bench Division
Enforcement Section
Room E15
The Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
Telephone: 020 3936 8957 (choose option 6)
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Find out about call charges
If you need a court order
Read the guidance on making an application to the court.
Fill in form C100 for a ‘specific issue order’.
Send your form to your nearest court that deals with child cases.
It costs £232 to apply for a court order. You may be able to get help with court fees if you’re on benefits or a low income.