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
- enrol a deed poll with the High Court
If you’re 16 or 17 you can choose to make your own unenrolled deed poll.
Some organisations (such as some banks, mobile phone companies or energy providers) may only accept an enrolled deed poll to change a name on their records. Contact the organisation to understand the deed poll they will accept as proof of the new name.
Enrol a deed poll
You can put your child’s new name on public record by ‘enrolling’ it with the High Court.
You can enrol a deed poll online or by post. It costs £50.32.
You’ll need either:
- the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility
- a court order
You must try to reach an agreement before you seek a court order.
A public record of your child’s new name will be published in The Gazette. If you have a strong reason why your child’s details should not be published, explain why in your application. The judge may agree to only publish your child’s first name or surname.
You’ll be sent a copy of the Gazette notice with your child’s name change by email or post.
If you’re 16 or 17 and are married or in a civil partnership (or have been in the past), you need to enrol a deed poll as an adult instead.
Before you apply
You can apply if you’re the child’s parent or guardian.
You’ll need to provide a copy of:
- the child’s full birth certificate
- adoption documents (if they were adopted)
You may also need to provide documents about your marital or relationship status, including:
- a photocopy of your decree absolute or final order (if you’re divorced)
- your husband, wife or partner’s death certificate (if you’re widowed)
- a copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate (if your surname on the child’s birth certificate is different from your current surname)
- a letter from your current partner saying they agree to the child’s name change (if you’re in a new relationship or marriage)
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you’ll also need to provide certified translations of them.
Apply online
You’ll need a debit or credit card to use this service. You’ll be told how to pay after submitting your application.
If your child is aged 16 or 17, you must include a letter from them with the application that says that they agree to changing their name. The letter must:
- include their old name and new name
- be witnessed and signed by someone who is aged 18 years or over and is not related to the child
Once you start your online application, you have the option to save it and come back to it later. You must submit your application within 28 days or you’ll have to start again.
What happens next
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) will review your application and email you 4 forms: the LOC022, the LOC023, the LOC024 and the LOC028. You need to print and complete each form.
The LOC022 form needs to be signed in front of 2 witnesses, who will also need to sign the form.
The LOC023 form needs to be completed by someone with parental responsibility.
Post your completed forms to the Deed Poll Office.
Deed Poll Office
King’s Bench Division
Room E15
The Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
Once your application is complete and has been approved, the Deed Poll Office will seal your deed and send it back to you by post. This is proof of your name change.
Apply by post
Download and complete the following forms:
- Form LOC022: Enrol a deed poll with the court to change a child’s name
- FormLOC023: Affidavit (statement) of best interest for a child deed poll
- Form LOC024: Statutory declaration for changing a child’s name by deed poll
- Form LOC028: Exhibit cover sheet for changing a child’s name by deed poll
You need to sign the LOC022 form in front of 2 witnesses. Your witnesses will also need to sign the LOC022 form.
The LOC023 form needs to be completed by someone with parental responsibility.
Post your forms to the Deed Poll Office.
Deed Poll Office
King’s Bench Division
Room E15
The Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
Check you’ve completed your forms correctly before you submit them. If the forms have any mistakes in them, they will be sent back to you.
If your child is aged 16 or 17, you must include a letter from them with the application that says that they agree to changing their name. The letter must:
- include their old name and new name
- be witnessed and signed by someone who is aged 18 years or over and is not related to the child
Pay the fee
To pay by credit or debit card, call the High Court Fees Office.
High Court Fees Office
Telephone: 020 3936 8957 (select option 1)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
You can also pay by postal order or cheque (payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’).
You’ll be given a fee reference number after you’ve paid.
What happens next
Once your application is complete and has been approved, the Deed Poll Office will seal your deed and send it back to you by post. This is proof of your name change.
If you need help or support
Contact the Deed Poll Office.
Deed Poll Office
Telephone: 020 3936 8957 (select option 6)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
If you need a court order
Read the guidance on making an application to the family court.
Fill in form C100 for a ‘specific issue order’.
Send your form to your nearest court that deals with child cases.
It costs £263 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.