Who Can Change Their Name by Deed Poll

Changing your name by deed poll in the United Kingdom has very few restrictions. Almost anyone can change their name, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Basic Requirements

To change your name by deed poll in England or Wales, you must:

  • Be 16 years old or over
  • Live in England or Wales
  • Have the mental capacity to understand what you're doing

There are no other mandatory requirements you need to meet.


Although you must live in England or Wales to apply, your deed poll is legally valid throughout the entire United Kingdom. You can use it to update documents and records in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well.

Nationality and Citizenship

You don't need to be a British citizen to change your name by deed poll. Anyone who lives in England or Wales can apply, including foreign nationals.


You can use your deed poll to update UK-issued documents such as your eVisa and driving licence, and to change your name on your UK bank accounts and with other organisations.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

The deed poll process we've described applies to England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different procedures for changing your name:

  • Scotland: Uses a statutory declaration instead of a deed poll
  • Northern Ireland: Has its own deed poll system with different requirements

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you'll need to follow the specific process for your region.


However, if you obtain a deed poll in England or Wales, your name change is legally valid throughout the entire United Kingdom. You can use it to update documents and records in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and with all UK government departments.

Age Restrictions

Adults and 16-17 Year Olds

You can change your own name without needing permission from anyone else if you are 16 or over. You have complete freedom to choose your own new name.


If you're 16 or 17, there are some specific considerations that you should be aware of before trying to change your name.

Children (Under 16)

Children under 16 cannot apply for a deed poll themselves. A parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf. In most cases, all people with parental responsibility must consent to the name change.


Find out more about changing your child's name and parental consent requirements.

Criminal Record Considerations

You can change your name even if you have a criminal record. However, there are some important points to be aware of:

  • You cannot change your name to evade the law or avoid legal obligations
  • If you're a registered offender, you must notify the police of your name change within three days
  • If there are active criminal proceedings against you, you must inform the police of your name change

Debt and Financial Obligations

Having debt, bankruptcy, or other financial issues does not prevent you from changing your name. However:

  • You must inform your creditors of your name change
  • Changing your name doesn't erase debts or reset your credit history
  • You cannot change your name to avoid paying money you owe
  • Your credit file will be linked to your new name, and your financial history will follow you.

Mental Capacity

You must have the mental capacity to understand what a deed poll is and what changing your name means. This is to protect vulnerable people from making decisions they don't fully understand.


If you have concerns about mental capacity, a doctor or solicitor can assess whether someone is able to make this decision.

Reasons for Name Changes

You don't need to provide a reason for changing your name, however there are some restrictions on what you can change your name to.


Whether you're getting married, getting divorced, starting fresh, or simply prefer a different name, you can change it.


The only exception is if you're trying to change your name for fraudulent or deceptive purposes, which is not allowed.

Ready to change your name?

If you meet the basic requirements above, you're eligible to change your name by deed poll. Applying is simple and quick, and can be completed online in just a few minutes.


Apply for your deed poll with Deedly today and start using your new name within days.