Can I change my child’s name by deed poll in the UK?
Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.
In short: Yes if everyone with parental responsibility agrees. Under 16 needs a [child deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll*) (or enrolled RCJ route); from 16 people usually sign their own [adult deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll*). Without full consent you need a court order.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
In England and Wales a parent or guardian executes an unenrolled [child deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll*) on the child’s behalf, signed in wet ink before two independent adult witnesses. Keep signed parental-responsibility consent letters with the document — HM Passport Office and schools often ask for them. Instant Deed Poll’s child pack (typically around £17.99) includes those consent letters.
From age 16, the young person normally executes their own [adult deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll*) (Instant Deed Poll from around £14.99). Under 16, everyone with parental responsibility must consent. If someone refuses, the usual court route is a Specific Issue Order (form C100) — a judge decides on the child’s welfare, not on parental preference alone.
Optional enrolment at the Royal Courts of Justice creates a Gazette record and needs forms for a minor plus parental agreement — most families never enrol. Northern Ireland also offers a separate GRONI “record a change of name” route with its own age and fee rules: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name
Primary source: gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll
Part of our Family & care
This quick answer sits inside our wider family & care hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full family & care guide →