Form

How to complete a child deed poll exhibit cover sheet

Updated 20 August 2025

Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales

© Crown copyright 2025

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exhibit-cover-sheet-for-changing-a-childs-name-by-deed-poll-form-loc028/how-to-complete-a-child-deed-poll-exhibit-cover-sheet

Before you start

Before applying you should first read the full guide on changing your or a child’s name by deed poll. This includes: 

  • when you do and do not need a deed poll 
  • how to make your own deed poll 
  • the documents you must include when you apply to enrol a deed poll
  • the fee to enrol a deed poll 
  • where to send your completed forms if applying by post 
  • how you can apply online if you prefer 

If the child was born in Scotland, you should follow the rules and guidance for changing your name in Scotland.

You must also complete: 

If you apply online, you do not need to download the cover sheet. It will be emailed to you to print and complete after you have applied.

Complete a cover sheet for each exhibit

An ‘exhibit’ is a document used in court as evidence. The court needs exhibits as proof of who your application says you are. 

In the statutory declaration the exhibits are referred to by letters: 

  • Exhibit A – a copy of the deed poll form (LOC022) – you only need to complete this if applying by post
  • Exhibit B – a photocopy of the child’s full birth certificate as evidence that they are a British, Commonwealth or British dependent territories citizen 

Include a cover sheet for each exhibit with the relevant exhibit wording and signed by the same solicitor, commissioner for oaths or officer of the court who witnessed the declarant make their oath or affirmation. 

The exhibit sheets must include the following wording: 

“This is the exhibit marked ‘A’/‘B’/‘C’ referred to in the declaration of [enter statutory declarant’s name (the person who has known you for 10 or more years)] declared before me [enter name of authorised witness] this [day] day of [month] in the year [year].” 

You can print and use the template cover sheet. Alternatively, you can use a blank piece of paper if it includes the required wording and is signed by the solicitor, commissioner for oaths or officer of the court. 

Get help with a deed poll

If you need to ask a question about the child’s change of name, contact the Deed Poll Team at the King’s Bench Division. 

Deed Poll Team 
King’s Bench Division 
Royal Court of Justice 
Strand 
London 
WC2A 2LL 

Telephone: 020 3936 8957 (option 6)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays
Find out about call charges

Email: kbdeedspoll@justice.gov.uk
We aim to respond within 10 working days. 

The email address is for queries only. You must not submit the deed poll forms by email. 

You can also contact the Deed Poll Team if you have a query about an existing deed poll that is 5 years old or less. 

If you have a query about a deed poll that is older than 5 years, contact The National Archives.

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