How to Change Your Name in Scotland

If you live in Scotland and want to change your name, a deed poll is the fastest and most affordable way to do it. You can apply online and receive your deed poll by email in under 1 hour.

How Name Changes Work in Scotland

In Scotland, you can change your name at any time if you're 16 or over. You don't need permission from anyone. You can change your first name, middle name, surname, or any combination.



To make your name change official, you need a legal document that proves you've changed your name. You use this document to update your records with government departments, banks, employers, and other organisations.

Deed Polls

A deed poll is a legal document that records your name change. It states that you're abandoning your old name and adopting your new name for all purposes. Deed polls are used across the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, and all UK organisations are required to accept them.


You apply online and your deed poll is delivered to your email in under 1 hour, ready for you to print. You then sign it in front of two independent witnesses.


The witnesses must be adults who know you but aren't related to you and don't live at your address. Friends, colleagues or neighbours are suitable witnesses.


Once signed and witnessed, your deed poll is legally binding. You can use it to update your passport, driving licence, bank accounts and all other records.


A deed poll costs £13. You don't need a solicitor, an appointment, or any paperwork beyond the deed poll itself.


Learn more about how deed polls work in our deed poll guide.

Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is an older method for changing your name in Scotland. It is a formal statement made before a solicitor, notary public, or justice of the peace.


The process requires you to arrange a professional appointment. The solicitor witnesses your signature and adds their own to confirm the declaration was made properly.


Statutory declarations typically cost between £30 and £100 or more in professional fees. The process can take days or weeks depending on availability.


Statutory declarations are still legally valid, but they offer no legal advantage over a deed poll. Both documents serve the same purpose and are accepted by all UK organisations.

Comparing the Two Methods

Both deed polls and statutory declarations prove that you've changed your name. The difference is in cost, speed, and convenience.


Deed Polls:

  • Delivered by email in under 1 hour
  • Cost £13
  • No solicitor or appointment needed
  • Signed in front of two independent witnesses
  • Accepted by all UK organisations


Statutory Declarations:

  • Made before a solicitor, notary or justice of the peace
  • Cost £30-£100+ in professional fees
  • Require a professional appointment
  • Can take days or weeks
  • No additional legal validity over a deed poll

Updating Your Records

Once your name change document is signed and witnessed, you can start updating your records and official documents straight away. All UK organisations, including those based in Scotland, are required to accept it as proof of your name change.


Contact each organisation directly and provide your document as evidence. Most will need to see an original signed copy. Key organisations to contact include HM Passport Office, DVLA, your bank, your employer and your GP.


For a full list of organisations to contact, see our help article on who to inform after changing your name.

Choosing Your Method

For most people, a deed poll is the better option. It is faster, significantly cheaper, and has the same legal validity as a statutory declaration. All UK organisations, including those in Scotland, are required to accept it.



A statutory declaration is still available if you prefer the traditional route. However, there is no legal reason to choose one over a deed poll.

Change Your Name with a Deed Poll

If you're ready to change your name, you can apply online and receive your deed poll by email within 1 hour, ready to print and use immediately.


Each deed poll is individually drafted and includes a seal and serial number.


Once signed and witnessed, your deed poll is legally binding. All UK organisations, including those in Scotland, accept it.