Do I Need to Enrol My Deed Poll?

If you're researching how to change your name in the UK, you've probably come across two terms:

Enrolled Deed Poll and unenrolled Deed Poll.

It's easy to assume that your Deed Poll has to be enrolled before you can start using your new name — but that's not generally the case.

What is an unenrolled Deed Poll?

An unenrolled Deed Poll is a legal document recording your change of name that has not been placed on the public record through the High Court.

For people aged 16 or over, GOV.UK provides for changing your name using an unenrolled Deed Poll. Once properly completed and signed, it can be used as evidence of your new name.

You can prepare an unenrolled Deed Poll yourself, or GOV.UK confirms that a specialist agency or solicitor can prepare one for you.

What is an enrolled Deed Poll?

An enrolled Deed Poll involves applying to have your change of name placed on public record through the High Court.

This option is available to adults aged 18 or over.

Enrolment currently costs £53.05, and details of the name change and address are ordinarily published in The Gazette.

That's quite different from simply obtaining and executing an unenrolled Deed Poll.

Do I have to enrol my Deed Poll?

For most people, enrolment isn't a general requirement simply to change your name by Deed Poll.

However, it's important not to assume that every organisation follows exactly the same procedure.

GOV.UK advises checking directly with the organisation you're updating because some organisations may have their own requirements about the type of Deed Poll they'll accept.

Can an unenrolled Deed Poll be used to update official records?

Deed Polls are commonly used as evidence of a name change, but the supporting evidence and procedure required can vary according to the organisation.

For example, current Home Office guidance recognises unenrolled Deed Polls as change-of-name documents, subject to its requirements around signatures, witnessing, dating and supporting evidence.

The safest approach is therefore always to check the requirements of the particular organisation you're notifying.

Trusted Deed Poll

Trusted Deed Poll provides a straightforward online service for customers who want professionally prepared unenrolled Deed Poll documents.

Your first Deed Poll costs £15, with additional original copies available for £2 each.

Our website also contains practical guides to help you understand the next steps involved in updating your records after changing your name.

Clear information. Transparent pricing. A straightforward UK name-change service.

Visit trusteddeedpoll.co.uk