# Can I change my name at 16 in the UK?

> Quick answer · Last updated 22 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/can-i-change-my-name-at-16-uk/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/can-i-change-my-name-at-16-uk.md

## In short

Yes in England and Wales — from 16 you normally sign your own [adult deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/). Under 16 needs a [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/) with everyone’s parental-responsibility consent. NI GRONI recording has separate under-18 rules.

Document services and GOV.UK practice treat 16+ as able to execute an adult-style change of name deed. Instant Deed Poll’s [adult deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/) (from around £14.99) is aimed at that group; some services will date a document for a 15-year-old’s 16th birthday — check the provider’s rules before you pay.

Under 16, use a [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/) executed by someone with parental responsibility, with written consent from everyone who has parental responsibility. Schools and HMPO often want those consent letters alongside the wet-ink deed.

Northern Ireland’s GRONI “record a change of name” route for under-18s uses qualified applicants and a witnessed form — different paperwork from an England and Wales unenrolled deed. You can still use a deed poll as proof for many UK organisations. More: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name

## Related

- [Change a child’s name (guide)](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/change-childs-name-deed-poll-uk/)
- [Can I change my child’s name?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/can-i-change-my-childs-name-by-deed-poll/)
- [Deed poll name change (UK)](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/deed-poll-name-change-uk/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.