Changing a Baby's Name

You can change your baby's name after they have been registered. The process depends on how old your baby is and what changes you want to make.

Re-Registration vs Deed Poll

There are two ways to change a baby's name:

Re-registration - You can re-register your baby's birth within the first year if you want to add, remove or change names. This updates the birth certificate.

Deed poll - After the first year, or if re-registration is not available, you must use a deed poll to change your baby's name.

Re-Registration (First Year Only)

If your baby is under one year old, you may be able to re-register their birth to change their name.

When You Can Re-Register

You can apply to re-register your baby's birth if:

  • Your baby is under 12 months old
  • You want to add, remove or change forenames
  • You meet the eligibility requirements

You cannot change the surname through re-registration unless you are also correcting other information on the birth certificate.

Eligibility for Re-Registration

You can re-register if:

  • The birth was registered by only one parent and you want to add the other parent's details
  • You have married or entered a civil partnership since the birth and want to update details
  • There was an error on the original certificate that needs correcting

How to Re-Register

Contact your local register office where the birth was originally registered. You will need to:

  • Book an appointment
  • Bring identification and proof of eligibility
  • Pay a fee for the new birth certificate

The register office will issue a new birth certificate with the updated information.

Benefits of Re-Registration

Re-registration updates the birth certificate itself. Your baby's birth certificate will show their new name from birth, with no record of the previous name.



This is simpler than using a deed poll because you do not need to carry multiple documents.

Using a Deed Poll

If your baby is over 12 months old, or if you do not qualify for re-registration, you must use a deed poll to change their name.

When You Need a Deed Poll

You need a deed poll if:

  • Your baby is over 12 months old
  • You do not qualify for re-registration
  • You want to change the surname (and cannot re-register)
  • You want to make changes not covered by re-registration

How a Deed Poll Works for Babies

A deed poll for a baby works the same way as for an older child. You apply for the deed poll on behalf of your baby.


The deed poll declares your baby's new name. You then use this document to update your baby's records with organisations such as:

  • GP surgery and NHS
  • Child benefit office
  • Passport office (when you apply for a passport)
  • Childcare providers


You can read our full guide on changing your child's name by deed poll.

Birth Certificate with a Deed Poll

If you use a deed poll, your baby's birth certificate does not change. It remains a record of the name given at birth.


When you need to prove your baby's identity in future, you show both the birth certificate and the deed poll together. This is normal and accepted by all organisations.

Parental Consent

The same parental consent rules apply to babies as to older children.


Everyone with parental responsibility must normally consent to the name change, whether you are re-registering or using a deed poll.


See our article on parental consent requirements for detailed information about who needs to consent.

Choosing Between Re-Registration and a Deed Poll

If your baby is under 12 months old and you qualify for re-registration, this is usually the better option because:

  • The birth certificate itself is updated
  • You do not need to carry multiple documents
  • It is simpler for future identification

If you do not qualify for re-registration, or your baby is older than 12 months, a deed poll is your only option.

Common Reasons for Changing a Baby's Name

Parents change their baby's name for various reasons:

  • They changed their mind about the name
  • They want to correct spelling or use a different variation
  • Family circumstances have changed
  • They want to add or remove a middle name
  • Cultural or religious reasons

All of these reasons are valid. You do not need to provide a reason when changing your baby's name.

Time Limits

For Re-Registration

You must apply before your baby's first birthday. After this point, re-registration is no longer available.



If you are considering changing your baby's name, do not wait. Apply for re-registration as soon as possible if you qualify.

For Deed Polls

There is no time limit for using a deed poll. You can change your baby's name by deed poll at any age under 16.

Cost

Re-Registration

Re-registration requires a fee for the new birth certificate. Check with your local register office for current fees.

Deed Poll

A deed poll costs £20 with Deedly. There is no government fee.

What Happens to The Old Name

With Re-Registration

The old birth certificate is replaced. The new certificate shows the updated name as if it was always your baby's name.

With a Deed Poll

The birth certificate stays the same. The deed poll is kept alongside it as proof of the name change.

Updating Documents

After changing your baby's name, update their records with:

  • GP surgery and NHS
  • Child benefit office
  • Any nursery or childcare provider
  • Health visitor records

If your baby has a passport, you will need to apply for a new passport in their new name when it expires, or apply for a replacement sooner if needed.

Apply for Your Baby's Deed Poll

If your baby is over 12 months old, or if you do not qualify for re-registration, you can change their name using a deed poll.



Apply online with Deedly and receive your baby's deed poll within days.