How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name by Deed Poll?

Changing your name is a life-changing decision, whether it’s for personal, professional, or cultural reasons. In the UK, the most recognized way to make this change official is through a Deed Poll. While the process is straightforward, it’s essential to understand the costs involved and the steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition to your new identity.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the costs, procedures, and considerations of changing your name by Deed Poll in the UK, making it easier for you to plan ahead and avoid unexpected surprises.

What is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legal document used in the UK to confirm a name change. It acts as proof that you have adopted a new name and intend to use it in all areas of your life, including legal, personal, and professional domains.

Legal Importance of a Deed Poll

A Deed Poll ensures that your new name is recognized by:

Government Bodies: Passport Office, DVLA, HMRC, etc.
Financial Institutions: Banks and insurance companies.
Other Organizations: Schools, employers, and service providers.

By signing a Deed Poll, you formally declare that:

You have abandoned your previous name.
You will use your new name exclusively.
You will require others to address you by your new name.

How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name by Deed Poll in the UK?

One of the most common questions is how much it costs to change your name by Deed Poll. The total fee for the process is £49.32, which includes:

Court enrolment fee: £11
Advertisement charge: £29.52

This fee covers the legal requirements for enrolling your Deed Poll with the Royal Courts of Justice, which makes your name change officially recognized.

Breakdown of Costs

Expense	Amount
Court enrolment fee	£11
Advertisement charge	£29.52
Total	£49.32

Additional Costs to Consider

While the basic fee is fixed, other expenses might arise during the process:

Certified Copies: Certified copies of your Deed Poll are often required for official updates, costing around £10 per copy.
Solicitor Services: If you seek legal advice or assistance, solicitor fees can vary widely.
Online Services: Many companies offer expedited or premium services for convenience, adding to the overall cost.

The Step-by-Step Process for Changing Your Name by Deed Poll

Changing your name by Deed Poll involves several key steps. Each stage ensures your name change is legally recognized and properly documented. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process to guide you through:

1. Decide on Your New Name

Before starting the process, carefully decide on the name you want to adopt. Ensure it meets UK naming regulations to avoid issues during the application process.

Naming Rules in the UK:

The name cannot be offensive, obscene, or vulgar.
It must not promote criminal activity or incite hatred.
You cannot use titles like “Lord” or “Sir” unless legally entitled.
The name must not be intended to mislead, such as impersonating another person or entity.

Once you’ve finalized your name, you’re ready to proceed with creating your Deed Poll.

2. Prepare Your Deed Poll Document

A Deed Poll is a formal declaration of your name change. You can draft the document yourself, use an online service, or hire a solicitor for assistance.

Key Elements of a Deed Poll:

A declaration stating your intention to abandon your old name.
A commitment to exclusively use your new name in all aspects of life.
The date of the name change.
Your signature, along with the signature of a witness who is not a family member.

If you choose a professional service, they will provide a ready-to-use Deed Poll document, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.

3. Enrol Your Deed Poll (Optional)

Enrolling your Deed Poll with the Royal Courts of Justice is not mandatory for most people but may be necessary for certain purposes, such as applying for a UK passport in some cases.

Steps to Enrol Your Deed Poll:

Fill out the necessary forms, such as LOC020 (adults) or LOC025 (minors).
Submit the required documents, including your signed Deed Poll and proof of identity.
Pay the enrolment fee (£11) and the advertisement charge (£29.52).

The enrolment process officially records your name change and provides an extra layer of legal recognition.

4. Sign and Witness the Deed Poll

To make your Deed Poll legally valid, you must sign it in the presence of a witness. The witness must meet the following criteria:

Be over 18 years old.
Not be a family member or someone living at the same address.
Be capable of understanding the significance of witnessing a legal document.

Both you and the witness must sign the Deed Poll, and the witness should add their full name, address, and occupation.

5. Update Your Records

Once your Deed Poll is completed, the next step is to update all your official documents and records to reflect your new name. This ensures that your name change is recognized across all areas of life.

Documents to Update:

Passport: Submit a certified copy of your Deed Poll with a passport application.
Driving Licence: Inform the DVLA and provide the necessary evidence.
Bank Accounts: Notify your bank or building society and provide a certified copy of your Deed Poll.
Utilities and Council Tax: Contact service providers and your local authority to update your details.

Each institution or organization may have its own specific requirements, so it’s advisable to contact them directly to confirm the process.

6. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Deed Poll

While the original Deed Poll is your primary proof of a name change, you may need multiple certified copies to update various records simultaneously. Certified copies are officially authenticated duplicates that can be used in place of the original document.

How to Obtain Certified Copies:

Contact a solicitor or notary public to certify copies of your Deed Poll.
Each certified copy typically costs around £10, but fees can vary.

Certified copies are especially useful when updating records with organizations that require physical proof of your name change.

7. Inform Key Contacts and Organizations

In addition to updating legal documents, inform key contacts about your name change to avoid confusion. This includes:

Employers: Update your HR records and payroll information.
Educational Institutions: Notify schools, colleges, or universities.
Healthcare Providers: Update records with your GP and NHS.
Insurance Providers: Notify your car, health, and property insurance providers.

Having consistent records across all areas of life prevents administrative errors and ensures your new name is fully recognized.

What Happens After You Change Your Name?

Changing your name is just the first step. Once your Deed Poll is legally recognized, you’ll need to update your name across various official and personal records.

Key Documents to Update

Passport: Apply for a new passport with your updated name by providing a copy of your Deed Poll.
Driving Licence: Notify the DVLA to update your driving records.
Bank Accounts: Inform your bank or building society of your name change and provide certified copies if needed.
Utilities and Insurance Policies: Update your name with service providers to avoid discrepancies in billing or communication.

Obtaining Certified Copies

Certified copies of your Deed Poll are essential for updating multiple records simultaneously. They are officially authenticated copies of your original document, ensuring you don’t risk losing the original while handling various updates.

Free vs Paid Options: Which is Best?

Free Options

A self-drafted Deed Poll is free but might not be legally binding or accepted by all institutions.

Paid Options

Using official government services or reputable providers ensures reliability and full legal recognition. The upfront cost of £49.32 is worth the assurance that your name change will be widely accepted.

How Changing Your Name by Deed Poll Affects Property Ownership?

1. Updating the Land Registry Records

If you own property in the UK, your name is recorded in the Land Registry. When you change your name by Deed Poll, you must notify the Land Registry and update the records to reflect your new legal name.

Steps to Update Land Registry Records:

Submit your Deed Poll as proof of your name change.
Complete the Land Registry’s ‘Change the Register’ form (AP1 or COV).
Provide certified copies of your Deed Poll if required.

This ensures that the title deeds match your new name, preventing complications in future transactions.

2. Mortgages and Loan Agreements

If you have a mortgage on your property, the lender must be informed of your name change. This ensures that your mortgage account details and legal documents align with your new name.

What to Do:

Notify your mortgage provider in writing.
Submit a certified copy of your Deed Poll and identification documents.

Failing to update these records can cause delays or issues when selling, refinancing, or making changes to your mortgage.

3. Property Insurance Policies

Property insurance is tied to the property owner’s name. After changing your name, you must update your insurance policy to ensure it remains valid and claims can be processed smoothly.

Steps to Take:

Contact your insurance provider with proof of your name change.
Update all relevant policy documents.

This will prevent potential disputes or delays if you need to make a claim under your property insurance.

4. Jointly Owned Properties

If the property is jointly owned, your co-owner(s) should also be informed of your name change. While it won’t affect their ownership rights, updating shared records ensures consistency and avoids confusion.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them

1. Selling or Transferring Property

If you plan to sell or transfer property, having mismatched names on legal documents can delay the process. Ensuring all property-related documents are updated before entering transactions is crucial.

2. Tax and Council Records

Your property is associated with various tax and council records. These include council tax, utility bills, and HMRC property tax records. Updating these records is necessary to avoid discrepancies.

What to Update:

Council tax records with your local authority.
Property-related tax information with HMRC.

Does Changing Your Name Affect Property Rights?

Changing your name does not alter your property rights. Ownership is tied to you as an individual, not your name. However, maintaining accurate records is essential to avoid legal or administrative complications.

Conclusion: Is Changing Your Name Worth the Cost?

Changing your name by Deed Poll is an investment in your personal identity, with a cost of just £49.32 for the basic process. While additional fees may apply, they are often minimal compared to the peace of mind that comes with knowing your name change is legally recognized.

By understanding the steps, costs, and implications, you can confidently navigate this process and make your name change as seamless as possible.

FAQs About Changing Your Name by Deed Poll

What is the average cost of a name change in the UK?

The average cost is £49.32, covering court enrolment and advertisement fees.

Can minors change their name via Deed Poll?

Yes, but minors under 18 require consent from a parent or legal guardian.

How long does the Deed Poll process take?

The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on the service used and the speed of updating official records.

Are refunds available if the application is denied?

Refund policies vary by provider, but court enrolment fees are generally non-refundable.

Is the £11 court fee mandatory for everyone?

Yes, if you enrol your Deed Poll with the court for official recognition.

Do I need a solicitor to complete the process?

No, but a solicitor can assist with drafting or witnessing your Deed Poll if necessary.

Are Deed Poll documents legally binding everywhere?

In most cases, yes, but some foreign institutions may require additional documentation.

Is it possible to change your name for free?

Yes, drafting your own Deed Poll is technically free, but it may not be accepted by all organizations unless it’s enrolled with the court.

Are there hidden fees in the process?

The main costs are upfront. However, if you need additional services like certified copies or expedited processing, expect extra fees.

How can I minimize additional expenses?

Use official services and only request certified copies as needed. Avoid unnecessary add-ons from third-party providers.