Deed Poll vs Statutory Declaration

A deed poll and a statutory declaration are both legal documents used to change your name in the United Kingdom. Which one you use depends on where you live and local practice.

Deed Polls

A deed poll is a legal document that records your name change. You sign it in front of two independent witnesses. It states that you're abandoning your old name and adopting your new name.

Deed polls are the standard method for changing your name in England and Wales. They're legally valid throughout the United Kingdom. This means organisations across the UK must accept them as proof of a name change.

You can learn more about how deed polls work in our deed poll guide.

Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is a formal statement made before a solicitor, notary public, or justice of the peace. You declare that you're changing your name and state your old name and your new name.



Statutory declarations are the traditional method for changing your name in Scotland and Northern Ireland. A legal professional witnesses your declaration, making it a more formal process than a deed poll.

England and Wales

If you live in England or Wales, a deed poll is the standard way to change your name. You apply for a deed poll, sign it with two witnesses, and use it to update your records with organisations.



All government departments, banks, and other organisations in England and Wales recognise and accept deed polls.

Scotland

If you live in Scotland, you can use either a deed poll or a statutory declaration.

Both documents are legally valid and accepted by organisations throughout the UK. Statutory declarations are the traditional Scottish method. You make a formal statement before a solicitor or notary public. Deed polls also work in Scotland and are accepted by all UK organisations.

For detailed information about changing your name in Scotland, see our guide to changing your name in Scotland.

Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can use either a deed poll or a statutory declaration.

Statutory declarations are the traditional method in Northern Ireland and more commonly used there. You make a formal statement before a solicitor. Deed polls are also legally valid in Northern Ireland and accepted by all UK organisations.



For detailed information about changing your name in Northern Ireland, see our guide to changing your name in Northern Ireland.

Choosing Your Document

Your choice depends on where you live and which method is standard there.

England and Wales: Use a deed poll. This is the standard method.

Scotland: You can use either a deed poll or a statutory declaration. Statutory declarations are traditional in Scotland, but deed polls are also accepted.

Northern Ireland: You can use either a deed poll or a statutory declaration. Statutory declarations are more commonly used, but deed polls are also valid.

Both documents are legally binding. The main difference is the process. Deed polls are witnessed by two independent people. Statutory declarations are made before a legal professional.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

Apply online and receive your deed poll by post within just a few days.

Once signed and witnessed, your deed poll is legally valid and accepted by all organisations in the United Kingdom, including government departments and banks.