# Changing a child’s name by deed poll in the UK > Family & care · Last updated 22 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/change-childs-name-deed-poll-uk/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/change-childs-name-deed-poll-uk.md ## Quick answer Under 16, change a child’s name with an unenrolled [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/) only if everyone with parental responsibility consents — then update passport, school, GP and Child Benefit. From 16 the young person usually signs an [adult deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/). Without full consent you need a court order. Parents search this after separation, remarriage, hyphenating surnames, or when a child affirms a new first name. The law is about consent and welfare, not about which website printed the paper. This guide covers England and Wales child deed polls, parental responsibility, age 16, Northern Ireland’s GRONI option, and what proof organisations ask for. ## Key facts - Everyone with parental responsibility must agree to an under-16 name change — usually both parents named on the birth certificate - A ready-made [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/) pack is typically around £17.99 and should include parental consent letters - From 16, the young person normally executes their own [adult deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/) (around £14.99) - If someone with parental responsibility refuses, apply to the family court (Specific Issue Order / C100) — do not forge consent - Enrolment at the Royal Courts of Justice is optional; most families use an unenrolled deed poll ## Who can consent? Parental responsibility (PR) is the legal test. Married parents usually both have PR. Unmarried fathers and second female parents have PR only in specific circumstances (for example jointly registered birth after the relevant date, a PR agreement or court order). Guardians and people with PR via a court order also count. Every PR holder must consent to an under-16 change. Instant Deed Poll’s [parental responsibility name change](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/parental-responsibility-name-change/) and [father’s consent](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/fathers-consent-name-change/) explainers cover the common cases. If consent cannot be confirmed, a reputable service should refuse the sale rather than issue a worthless document. ## How a child deed poll works A parent or guardian completes a [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/), prints it, and signs in wet ink before two independent adult witnesses (18+, not relatives, partners or same address). If the child understands the change, an optional child signature block is good practice. Keep signed consent letters from every PR holder with the originals. Schools, GPs and HM Passport Office routinely ask for them. Photocopying a signed deed for “extra originals” fails — print several blanks and sign each as an original. ## Age 16 and over From 16, use an [adult deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/) executed by the young person themselves. Some online services will prepare a document for a 15-year-old dated on their 16th birthday — check before you pay. See our answer on [changing your name at 16](/answers/can-i-change-my-name-at-16-uk/). ## If a parent refuses You cannot lawfully force an under-16 name change without everyone’s PR consent. The court route is usually a Specific Issue Order using form C100; the child’s welfare is the court’s paramount concern. Mediation is often required before an application. Do not change school or GP records unilaterally against a PR holder’s known objection without legal advice — it can escalate conflict and still leave passport and bank records stuck. ## Who to tell after signing Priority list: school / local authority, GP and NHS number records, Child Benefit (HMRC), any Universal Credit child elements, passport if travelling, and the other parent’s records if they hold documents. For a surname change after divorce see Instant Deed Poll’s [change child’s surname](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-childs-surname/) guide. Adult claimants updating their own name while on benefits should also read our [Universal Credit name-change answer](/answers/can-i-change-my-name-on-universal-credit/). ## Northern Ireland and Scotland notes Northern Ireland parents can use a deed poll for everyday proof or record a change with GRONI using the under-18 form, qualified applicants and a fee — limits differ from England and Wales unenrolled deeds. Official: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name Scotland may use National Records of Scotland updates for children born or adopted there, plus statutory declaration practice. Cross-UK organisations (HMPO, many banks) still commonly accept a properly executed change-of-name deed. Wider nations guide: [Scotland and Northern Ireland name change](/answers/change-name-scotland-northern-ireland/). ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does a child deed poll cost? Instant Deed Poll’s [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/) pack is typically around £17.99 one-time including consent-letter PDFs. Solicitors cost more; DIY is possible but consent wording is where families most often go wrong. ### Does the child need to go to court? Not for a consensual unenrolled [child deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/child-deed-poll/). Court is for disputes when a PR holder refuses, or for optional enrolment at the Royal Courts of Justice. ### Will the school accept it? Usually yes with the wet-ink deed (or a certified copy they accept) plus signed consent from every PR holder. Ask the school office which format they file. ### Can I change only the first name? Yes — forenames, surname or both can change on a [deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/), including gender-affirming first-name changes, subject to the same consent rules for under-16s. ### Does this amend the birth certificate? No for a standard England and Wales deed poll. Birth registration stays as recorded unless a separate legal process applies (adoption, certain re-registrations, or nation-specific recording routes). ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll ## Related - [Can I change my child’s name?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/can-i-change-my-childs-name-by-deed-poll/) - [Can I change my name at 16?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/can-i-change-my-name-at-16-uk/) - [Deed poll name change (UK)](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/deed-poll-name-change-uk/) - [Trans / gender-affirming name change](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/transgender-name-change-deed-poll-uk/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.