Enrolling Your Deed Poll

You do not need to enrol your deed poll. Most people who change their name use an unenrolled deed poll, which is accepted everywhere and keeps your name change private.



Enrolling is an optional process that makes your name change part of the public record. It is rarely necessary.

What Does Enrolling Mean

Enrolling a deed poll means registering it with the Royal Courts of Justice. When you enrol a deed poll:

  • Your name change is recorded in the court's official register
  • Your old name, new name and the date of change become public information
  • The document is stored permanently in the court's records
  • Anyone can search for and request copies of this information


Enrolling does not make your deed poll more legal or more valid. It simply creates a public record of your name change.


If you want to understand the full differences between enrolled and unenrolled deed polls, you can read our explainer.

Enrolment is Not Usually Required

The vast majority of people do not need to enrol their deed poll.


An unenrolled deed poll is legally valid and accepted by all UK organisations. UK law requires government departments, banks, employers, and other organisations to accept it as proof of your name change.

When Enrolling Might be Required

There are very few situations where you might need an enrolled deed poll.


You may need to enrol if:

  • A specific organisation explicitly tells you they need an enrolled deed poll
  • You have been ordered to enrol by a court
  • You need to prove your name change for certain international legal purposes



If you are unsure whether you need to enrol, you almost certainly do not. Ask the organisation requesting proof of your name change whether they accept unenrolled deed polls. In almost all cases, they will.

How to Enrol Your Deed Poll

If you do need to enrol your deed poll, you must apply through HM Courts and Tribunals Service.


You can apply online or by post. The application costs £50.32.


You will need to provide identity documents such as your birth certificate or passport. If you are married or have been married, you may need additional documents.


The court will review your application and send you forms to complete. These forms must be signed in front of witnesses and returned to the Deed Poll Office at the Royal Courts of Justice.



Once approved, the court will seal your deed poll and return it to you. Your name change will be published in The Gazette, making it part of the public record.

Summary

Unless you have been specifically told by a court or legal authority that you must enrol your deed poll, you do not need to. An unenrolled deed poll is accepted by all UK organisations and is suitable for almost everyone.



If you discover later that you need an enrolled deed poll for a specific purpose, you can arrange enrolment at that time. However, this situation is extremely rare.

Apply for Your Unenrolled Deed Poll

An unenrolled deed poll is the most popular way to legally change your name in the United Kingdom. You can apply for a deed poll online, in minutes.