Deed Poll Glossary of Terms:
UK Name Change Definitions 2026
Navigating the legalities of a name change can feel overwhelming due to the specific terminology used by the courts and government agencies. Whether you are preparing an Adult Deed Poll, changing a child’s name, or updating your passport after marriage or divorce, understanding the language used in official guidance is essential.
This glossary defines the most common terms you will encounter when using a Deed Poll in the UK, helping you move forward confidently and avoid delays with institutions such as HM Passport Office, the DVLA, banks and schools.
If you are looking for practical step-by-step guidance, you may also find our detailed guides on How to Change Your Name in the UK and How to Change a Child’s Name helpful.
Quick Tip
Most people only ever need an Unenrolled Deed Poll. If you are told you need an "Enrolled" version, check our definition below to understand why this is rarely necessary and potentially a privacy risk. Do I Need to Enrol My Deed Poll? (Full Guide) .
Common Terms
Apostille
An official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that verifies the authenticity of a public document, such as a Deed Poll, for international use. It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine under the Hague Apostille Convention. An Apostille does not validate the content of the document — it certifies that the document itself is properly executed and legally recognised in the UK.
Deed Poll
A legal document that binds a person to a particular course of action. In the context of a name change, it is a formal declaration where you renounce your former name and adopt a new one for all legal purposes. A properly executed Deed Poll is legally valid throughout the UK and accepted by most government departments and financial institutions.
Enrolled Deed Poll
A Deed Poll that has been formally registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. This makes the change of name a matter of public record and results in publication in The Gazette. Enrolment is not legally required for most name changes and is generally only necessary in specific legal or international circumstances.
Execution
The formal process of signing and witnessing a Deed Poll. A document is not legally valid until it has been properly executed. This means it must be signed in physical ink, dated correctly, and witnessed by an independent adult who is not related to you or living at the same address.
Hague Apostille Convention
An international treaty that simplifies the process of legalising documents for use abroad. Member countries agree to recognise Apostille certificates issued by other member states, removing the need for full embassy legalisation in most cases.
Legalisation
The process of certifying a document so that it can be recognised in another country. In the UK, this is usually done by obtaining an Apostille from the FCDO. Some non-Hague countries may require additional embassy or consular certification after Apostille legalisation.
Parental Responsibility (PR)
The legal rights, duties, and authority a parent or guardian has over a child. To change a child's name, everyone with Parental Responsibility must provide written consent. If consent cannot be obtained, a court order may be required. See our guide on changing a child’s name .
Unenrolled Deed Poll
A private, legally binding Deed Poll that has not been registered with the court. This is the standard document used for most UK name changes and is accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, employers and other institutions. It offers greater privacy than an enrolled Deed Poll because it is not published in the public record. See our full name change guide .
Administrative Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Certified Copy | A copy of your original Deed Poll that has been signed and stamped by a solicitor or notary to confirm it is a true copy. |
| Decree Absolute | The final legal document that ends a marriage. Often used alongside a Deed Poll to revert to a maiden name. |
| Wet Ink Signature | A physical signature made with a pen on paper, required for the Deed Poll to be accepted by the Passport Office. |
Clear, Legal, Accepted.
Now that you know the terms, you're ready to start. Our professional service handles the legal drafting so you don't have to worry about the jargon.
Order Your Deed PollFrequently Asked Questions
What does "Statutory Declaration" mean?
It is similar to a Deed Poll but is sworn in front of a Solicitor. Some banks prefer these, but a professional Deed Poll is widely accepted and usually more cost-effective.
What is an "Apostille"?
A certificate attached to your Deed Poll by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) so that the document is Recognised as valid in countries outside the UK.