If you live in Scotland and want to change your name, you have two options: a statutory declaration or a deed poll. Both are legally valid throughout the United Kingdom.

This article explains how each method works and the differences between them.

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.

Scotland recognises two types of documents for name changes: statutory declarations and deed polls.

Statutory Declarations

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

The declaration states your current name and your new name. It confirms your intention to use your new name for all purposes. The legal professional witnesses your signature. They add their own signature to confirm the declaration was made properly.

Statutory declarations have been used in Scotland for many years. Scottish organisations are familiar with them. Because they involve a solicitor or notary, they're seen as a formal legal process.

Statutory declarations involve professional fees. Solicitors typically charge between £30 and £100 or more to witness a statutory declaration. You'll also need to arrange an appointment, which can take time.

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.

You sign a deed poll 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.

Deed polls are the standard method for name changes in England and Wales, but they're also legally valid in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. All UK organisations, including those in Scotland, must accept them as proof of a name change.

Deed polls are less traditional in Scotland than statutory declarations. However, they offer practical advantages. They're faster to obtain, significantly cheaper, and the process is simpler. You don't need to arrange a solicitor's appointment or pay professional fees.

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

Comparing the Two Methods

Both statutory declarations and deed polls serve the same legal purpose. They both prove that you've changed your name. UK organisations accept both documents as valid proof of a name change.

The key differences are in the process and cost.

Statutory declarations:

Made before a solicitor, notary public, or justice of the peace
Require a professional appointment
Cost £30-£100+ in solicitor fees
Traditional Scottish method
Formal legal process

Deed polls:

Signed in front of two independent witnesses
No professional appointment needed
Significantly lower cost
Standard method in England and Wales
Equally valid in Scotland

All UK government departments, banks, and other organisations accept both statutory declarations and deed polls. Whether you use a statutory declaration or a deed poll, you can update your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, and all other records.

Choosing Your Method

Your choice between a statutory declaration and a deed poll depends on what matters most to you.

If you prefer the traditional Scottish method and don't mind the higher cost and solicitor appointment, a statutory declaration is a valid choice.

If you want a faster, simpler, and more affordable process, a deed poll offers the same legal validity with practical advantages. Deed polls are widely used across the UK. All organisations accept them.

Both documents are legally binding and serve the same purpose. The difference is in how you obtain them, not in what they achieve.

Change Your Name with a Deed Poll

If you're ready to change your name, you can apply for a deed poll online. The process is straightforward. You'll receive your deed poll by post within a few days.

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

Get Your Deed Poll

Changing Your Name in Scotland