Child Deed Poll
Change Your Child’s Name by Deed Poll
You can change any part of your child's name (under 16) by Deed Poll. A Child Deed Poll is a legal document that proves the name change—it shows your child’s new and former names.
For the Deed Poll to be valid, it must be signed by everyone with parental responsibility, usually the mother, father, or both. Comprehensive guidance will be provided.
We guarantee that your Deed Poll will be accepted by all public and private organisations or your money back!
The online process is simple and only takes a few minutes. We post your documents the next working day. A Next-Day delivery option is available.
Changing a Child’s Name
You must have full parental responsibility to change your child's name by a Deed Poll. If the mother and father share parental responsibility, they must both agree to the name change. You can select who has parental responsibility when you Apply, and our team will draft the Deed Poll accordingly.
Parental Responsibility
If you have sole parental responsibility, you can change your child’s name without anyone else’s consent.
When a married couple has a child, both share parental responsibility. Divorce does not remove this, so both must agree to any name change. If both parents have parental responsibility but one refuses consent or cannot be found, a court order is required.
Who has the responsibility?
In the UK, the mother automatically has parental responsibility at birth. A father’s rights depend on when and where the birth was registered.
England and Wales:
The father has parental responsibility if he was married to the mother at the child’s birth. An unmarried father gains parental responsibility if he is named on the birth certificate (on or after 1 December 2003), has a parental responsibility agreement with the mother, or obtains a court order.
Northern Ireland:
The father has parental responsibility if married to the mother at the child’s birth. If he marries her after the birth and lives in Northern Ireland at that time, he also gains responsibility. An unmarried father has responsibility if named on the birth certificate (from 15 April 2002).
Scotland:
The father has parental responsibility if he's married to the mother when the child is conceived or marries her later. An unmarried father has parental responsibility if named on the birth certificate (from 4th May 2006 onwards).
If you’re still unsure, you can use our Parental Responsibility Checker.
What will you receive?
- Deed Poll.
- Duplicate copies if ordered.
- Easy-to-follow guide.
- A list of organisations you may notify.
All services come with:
- Hand Drafted Deed Poll.
- Free UK Recorded Delivery.
- Comprehensive Guide.
- Guaranteed Acceptance in the UK.
- Email Support.
Frequently Asked Question
What's the age limit for a child's deed poll?
The type of deed poll application depends on the person's age:
Under 16: A person under 16 requires a child deed poll. The deed poll must be signed by everyone with parental responsibility.
16 or over: Anyone aged 16 or older can apply for an adult deed poll without needing anyone else's consent.
Can I change my child's name without the father's permission?
If you have sole parental responsibility: No, you do not need his consent.
If the father has parental responsibility: Yes, his consent is required.
If he has parental responsibility and disagrees or cannot be found: You will need a court order to change the child’s name without his consent.
How do I change the names of more than one child?
You must complete a separate Deed Poll application for each child.
A Deed Poll is a legal document that applies to a single individual, so it is not possible to include multiple children on one application. You will need to fill out a separate form for each child whose name you wish to change.
How long does the process take?
Our secure online application only takes a few minutes to complete. We prepare and post your documents the next working day.
• Standard Service (Free 1st Class Delivery): Receive your deed poll in 3–4 working days.
• Premium Delivery (1–2 Day Service): Get your deed poll in just 1–2 working days.