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Wills & Legal Documents

Deeds

Changing your name legally is simpler than most people expect. A deed poll, properly drafted and witnessed by a solicitor, gives you a clear document to update your passport, bank, and records. We handle it quickly and at a fixed fee, often the same week.

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A clear, recognised change of name

A change of name deed, often called a deed poll, is a legal document confirming that you have given up your old name and adopted a new one. Once it is signed and witnessed, you can use it to update your passport, driving licence, bank, and other records. For an adult it is usually ready within a few working days.

Where the change is for a child, both people with parental responsibility normally need to agree, and it takes a little longer. We prepare the document correctly, witness and certify it, and explain how to use it. Choose the service below, or speak to us and we will guide you.

Deed services

Available at our South Wimbledon branch, with walk-in appointments for simple cases.

Change of Name DeedA solicitor-drafted deed poll to change your name legally, for an adult or, with consent, a child.Learn more

Compare your options at a glance

A short summary of each service above. Our fees are agreed in writing before any work begins. Home Office, court and other third-party fees are extra and listed on our price list.

ServiceKey pointFee
Change of Name DeedWho it is forAnyone aged 16 or over changing their own name, and parents changing a child's name.£150 – £300 + VAT

Key facts

The main rules that apply to deeds, with the law or official source for each.

  • There is no legal requirement to enrol a deed poll. Most banks, employers and government bodies accept a properly made unenrolled deed.

    GOV.UK, change your name by deed poll

  • Enrolling a deed at the Royal Courts of Justice costs £53.05 and puts the change on public record in The Gazette. You must be 18 or over to enrol.

    Enrolment of Deeds (Change of Name) Regulations 1994

  • Changing a child's name needs the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, or a court order.

    Children Act 1989, s 13

  • HM Passport Office has its own rules on which change of name documents it accepts, so we prepare the deed to meet them.

    HM Passport Office guidance

Correct as at October 2026. Rules and fees can change at short notice, so we confirm what applies to you before any application is made. This is general information, not legal advice on your case.

Common questions

A change of name deed, or deed poll, is a legal document by which you give up your old name and adopt a new one for all purposes. Once signed and witnessed correctly, it is your proof of the change, and organisations such as the passport office, the DVLA and your bank use it to update their records. Read more about change of name deed →

For a simple change of your own name, you do not strictly need a solicitor. Where our help matters is getting the wording and witnessing right so it is accepted everywhere, changing a child's name, dealing with a parent who will not consent, and enrolment. We make sure it is done correctly the first time. Read more about change of name deed →

Both are equally valid. An unenrolled deed is private and is what most people use. An enrolled deed is registered with the Royal Courts of Justice and published in the London Gazette, so it becomes a public record. Enrolment costs £53.05 and is available to those aged 18 or over. It adds no extra legal validity. Read more about change of name deed →

Yes, but the surname of a child under 16 can only be changed with the written consent of everyone who has parental responsibility. Consent is needed even from a parent who is absent. If everyone agrees, it is straightforward. If not, you can apply to the court to decide. Read more about change of name deed →

You can apply to the court for a specific issue order, and the court decides by what is best for your child. Changing a child's name without the necessary consent is risky, because the other parent can ask the court to reverse it. We can advise on your prospects and handle the application for you. Read more about change of name deed →

Not to take your spouse's surname. Your marriage certificate is enough for that, and every government body and most banks accept it. You would only need a deed where you want a new combined surname that neither of you held before, or to change your name in some other way. Read more about change of name deed →

Need to change a name?

Whether it is for yourself or for a child, we can tell you exactly what is needed and the fixed fee up front. Tell us your situation and we will explain the next step, including whether a walk-in appointment will do, with no obligation.

Request a callback020 8543 3302
  • Regulated adviceAuthorised and regulated by the SRA, No. 490744.
  • Fixed feesAgreed in writing before we begin, so you are never surprised.
  • South Wimbledon branchWalk-in appointments available for simple cases.