Changing Your Name at 16 or 17

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can change your name by deed poll without needing permission from your parents.

Your Right to Change Your Name

When you turn 16, you are treated as an adult for name changes. You can apply for your own deed poll and make your own decision about changing your name.

Your parents cannot change your name for you without your consent. This is your decision to make.

Court Orders and Exceptions

If you are subject to certain court orders, you may still need parental consent to change your name until the order ends.

These court orders include Child Arrangements Orders, Residence Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, and Care Orders. If any of these apply to you and are still in force, you need consent from everyone with parental responsibility.

Check your court order to see when it ends. Most orders end on your 18th birthday if no earlier date is specified.



If a court order specifically forbids your name from being changed, you cannot change it while that order remains in force. You would need to apply to court for permission.

If Your Parents Disagree

If no court order applies to you, your parents do not have the legal right to stop you from changing your name at 16 or 17.



Some parents may have concerns about your decision. While you do not need their permission, having their support can make the process easier when updating documents and records.

The Process

The process for changing your name at 16 or 17 is the same as for adults. See our guide on how to change your name by deed poll for full details.

Updating Your Documents

You can use your deed poll to update your passport, bank accounts, and other records. You may need parental involvement for some of these updates depending on the type of account or document.

For example, if your bank account requires parental permission due to your age, your parents may need to be involved in updating it. This is about the account terms, not about the name change itself.

Schools and colleges will update your records with your deed poll. You do not need parental permission for this.

Find out who to inform after changing your name for a complete list of organisations to contact.

Making Your Decision

Changing your name is a significant decision. Consider how it will affect your relationships, your identity documents, and your future plans.



You can change your name again later if you decide you want to. The process is the same, and there is no limit to how many times you can change your name.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

Start your name change today. Apply online with Deedly and your deed poll will be posted to your door.