Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed Polls

There are two types of deed poll in the United Kingdom: enrolled and unenrolled. The vast majority of people use unenrolled deed polls.

Unenrolled Deed Polls

Unenrolled deed polls are private legal documents that are not registered with any court or government body. They are the standard way to change your name in the UK.

Why Most People Use Unenrolled Deed Polls

Unenrolled deed polls are:

  • Private - Your name change is not published on any public register
  • Affordable - They cost significantly less than enrolled deed polls
  • Quick - You can receive your deed poll within days
  • Fully accepted - All UK government departments, banks and organisations accept them

Legal Status

Unenrolled deed polls are legally binding and have the same legal validity as enrolled deed polls. There is no difference in how organisations treat them.



All UK government departments are required to accept unenrolled deed polls as proof of name change. This includes:

  • HM Passport Office
  • DVLA
  • HMRC
  • NHS
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Employers

Privacy

Your name change remains private when you use an unenrolled deed poll. Your details are not published on any public record or register.



You must inform all relevant organisations of your name change, such as government departments, banks, and employers. However, your name change is not entered into any publicly searchable database.

Enrolled Deed Polls

Enrolled deed polls are registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. This makes your name change part of the public record.

How Enrolment Works

When a deed poll is enrolled:

  • The deed poll is sent to the Royal Courts of Justice
  • It is stored in their records
  • Your old name, new name and the date of change become public information
  • Anyone can request to see this information

When Enrolment Is Required

Enrolment is only required in very specific circumstances. Most people never need to enrol their deed poll.


You may need an enrolled deed poll if:

  • A specific organisation explicitly requests an enrolled deed poll (rare)
  • You have a legal requirement from a court or government body


If you are unsure whether you need an enrolled deed poll, you almost certainly do not. The vast majority of name changes use unenrolled deed polls.


Find out about enrolling your deed poll if you do need an enrolled version.

Disadvantages of Enrolment

Enrolled deed polls have several disadvantages:

  • Public record - Your name change becomes publicly searchable
  • Expensive - Costs hundreds of pounds more than unenrolled
  • Slow - The enrolment process takes weeks or months
  • Unnecessary - Almost never required

Which Type Should You Use

For most people, an unenrolled deed poll is the right choice. It offers:

  • The same legal validity as an enrolled deed poll
  • Complete privacy
  • Lower cost
  • Faster processing

Unless you have been specifically told you need an enrolled deed poll for a particular purpose, an unenrolled deed poll is what you need.

What Deedly Provides

Deedly provides unenrolled deed polls. These are accepted by all UK organisations and offer the privacy and affordability that most people want.



If you need an enrolled deed poll, you will need to apply through the Royal Courts of Justice directly or use a solicitor.

Apply for Your Unenrolled Deed Poll

An unenrolled deed poll is the modern, standard way to change your name in the UK.



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