How do I change my name in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
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In short: England and Wales adults usually use an unenrolled [deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk*). Scotland often prefers a statutory declaration or NRS birth-record update if you were born/adopted there. Northern Ireland accepts a deed poll and also offers a paid GRONI “record a change of name” route with stricter change limits.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Northern Ireland: nidirect confirms you can [change your name by deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk*) as proof for organisations, or record a change with the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI). The GRONI adult route (18+) currently involves a witnessed form (JP, lay magistrate or practising solicitor), a fee (around £35 to record, plus about £15 for a certificate), and limits — forename once; surname up to three times with five years between surname changes. Official page: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name
Scotland: if you were born or adopted in Scotland you can apply to National Records of Scotland for a name change recorded on your birth entry (new birth certificate). A statutory declaration before a notary or solicitor is the traditional Scottish evidence route; UK caseworker guidance also accepts change-of-name deeds. People born outside Scotland who live there commonly use a UK [deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll*) for HMPO, DVLA and banks.
For a fast unenrolled England/Wales/NI-style document accepted by most UK bodies, Instant Deed Poll’s [adult deed poll](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll*) PDF (from around £14.99) or [statutory declaration](instantdeedpoll.co.uk/statutory-declaration*) templates cover the paperwork — check which evidence your bank or council asks for before you pay for enrolment or GRONI recording.
Primary source: nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name
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