Do I Need to Enrol My Deed Poll in the UK? (2026 Guide)
Most people in the UK do not need to enrol their deed poll. An unenrolled deed poll is legally valid and accepted by the vast majority of UK organisations, including HM Passport Office, the DVLA and most banks.
In this guide, we explain what enrolment means, whether it is required, and when it might be appropriate. If you have not yet created your document, you can read our complete guide to changing your name by deed poll .
What Does “Enrolling” a Deed Poll Mean?
Enrolling a deed poll means officially recording your change of name with the Royal Courts of Justice (for England and Wales). This formal court process places your name change on public record under the Enrolment of Deeds (Change of Name) Regulations.
How It Works Across the UK
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England & Wales
You may apply to enrol your deed poll through the Royal Courts of Justice. Once approved, the change becomes part of the public record and is typically published in The Gazette.
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Scotland
Scotland does not use the “enrolment” system. Instead, you apply to the National Records of Scotland to officially record a statutory change of name in the Register of Births.
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Northern Ireland
A deed poll can be enrolled via the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. However, enrolment is not legally required for the name change to be valid.
What Happens Once Enrolled?
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Public Record
Your change of name becomes permanently accessible as part of the public court record.
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Published in The Gazette
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, enrolled changes are usually published in The Gazette, the UK’s official journal of record.
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Permanent & Searchable
Once enrolled or recorded, the change becomes permanently searchable for legal and genealogical purposes.
Is Enrolment Legally Required?
No. There is no legal requirement to enrol a deed poll in the UK for most personal name changes.
An unenrolled deed poll is legally valid as long as it meets the following requirements:
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Clear Name Declaration
It clearly states your full old name and your full new name.
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Signed & Dated
The document is properly signed and dated.
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Correctly Witnessed
It is witnessed by an independent adult.
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Permanent Intention
It clearly shows your intention to permanently use your new name.
Most government bodies and financial institutions accept properly executed unenrolled deed polls.
Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed Poll – What’s the Difference?
Unenrolled Deed Poll
- • Private legal document
- • Not published
- • Accepted by most UK organisations
- • Faster processing
- • Lower cost
- • Suitable for most name changes
Enrolled Deed Poll
- • Publicly recorded
- • Published in The Gazette
- • Higher cost
- • Longer processing time
- • Rarely required for everyday use
Is an Unenrolled Deed Poll Accepted by HM Passport Office?
Yes. The HM Passport Office accepts properly executed unenrolled deed polls for name changes. Enrolment is not required in normal circumstances.
Official guidance: GOV.UK passport name change guidance
Is an Unenrolled Deed Poll Accepted by the DVLA?
Yes. The DVLA accepts unenrolled deed polls when updating your driving licence. Enrolment is not required.
Official guidance: GOV.UK driving licence name change
What Are the Downsides of Enrolling a Deed Poll?
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Publicly Published
Your new name is permanently published in The Gazette.
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Searchable Forever
The record becomes publicly searchable.
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Longer Processing
Court processing takes longer than a standard deed poll.
So, Do I Need to Enrol My Deed Poll?
For the vast majority of UK name changes, no — enrolment is not required.
An unenrolled deed poll is legally valid and widely accepted across government departments, financial institutions, and private organisations.
How to Create a Valid Unenrolled Deed Poll
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Use Proper Legal Format
Ensure the document follows recognised legal drafting standards.
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Sign & Witness Correctly
Sign in your new name and have an independent adult witness it.
If you need a professionally formatted document ready for immediate use, you can order your UK deed poll online here .