How to Change Your Name in Scotland by Deed Poll [2026 Guide]
Everything you need to know about legally changing your name in Scotland - deed polls, statutory declarations, and the complete process.
Quick Answer for Scottish Residents
If you weren't born or adopted in Scotland: use a standard UK deed poll — it works in Scotland the same way as in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you were born or adopted in Scotland, you additionally have the option to record your change of name with the National Records of Scotland (NRS), which updates your birth or adoption certificate.
Statutory declarations are also recognised under Scots law as an alternative to a deed poll for anyone changing their name in Scotland.
Recording your name change with the National Records of Scotland
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) operates a formal Recording of Change of Name service. This is unique to Scotland and is the most authoritative way to evidence a name change for people whose birth or adoption is registered in Scotland. The recording updates the entry on your Scottish birth or adoption record so every certificate issued from it afterwards shows your new name.
Who can use the NRS Recording service
- ✓ People born in Scotland (their birth was originally registered there)
- ✓ People adopted through a Scottish court (their adoption was registered there)
- ✗ People born or adopted elsewhere in the UK or overseas — use a deed poll or statutory declaration instead
Recording currently costs £55, which includes one new certificate; additional certificates are £10 each. You'll make a statutory declaration in front of a notary public or a justice of the peace, then lodge it together with the NRS application form. The recording updates the entry on your Scottish birth or adoption record so all future certificates issued from it show your new name.
Official NRS source
Always verify the latest process and fees on the official NRS page before applying:
nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland →For UK-wide name-change guidance including the free unenrolled-DIY option, see also gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll.
A deed poll is still perfectly valid proof of your name change in Scotland and is accepted by every major institution — passport office, DVLA, banks, HMRC, the NHS, employers and universities. Recording with the NRS is an additional, optional step that updates your actual birth or adoption certificate, which a deed poll on its own does not do.
Is There a "Scottish Deed Poll"?
There's no separate "Scottish deed poll" - the standard UK deed poll works perfectly throughout Scotland. While Scotland has its own legal system (Scots law), deed polls are based on common law principles that apply across the entire UK.
A deed poll obtained anywhere in the UK is valid in Scotland, and a deed poll created in Scotland is valid throughout the UK. It's the exact same document.
Two Ways to Change Your Name in Scotland
Option 1: Deed Poll (Recommended)
✓ Most popular option
- • Check the receiving organisation’s evidence requirements
- • Simple one-page document
- • £0-£35 cost
- • Can be done at home
- • Instant recognition
- • Works for passports, DVLA, banks
Option 2: Statutory Declaration
✓ Traditional Scottish method
- • Recognized under Scots law
- • Requires notary public or justice of peace
- • £20-£50 notary fees
- • More formal procedure
- • Takes longer to arrange
- • Same legal effect as deed poll
Our Recommendation for Scottish Residents
A standard unenrolled deed poll is simpler, faster, cheaper and just as legally valid in Scotland as a statutory declaration. If you were born or adopted in Scotland you can additionally record the change of name with the National Records of Scotland if you'd like your birth or adoption certificate updated — an optional extra step.
How to Get a Deed Poll in Scotland
Step-by-Step Process
Choose Your Method
Free DIY: per GOV.UK and NRS guidance, anyone in the UK aged 16+ can prepare and witness their own unenrolled deed poll at home.
Professional preparation: our service prepares, checks and dispatches the document for you — from £14.99.
Solicitor: £50-£150 (same legal validity, additional cost).
Complete Your Details
You'll need: current full name, new full name, date of birth, current address in Scotland (postcode), and nationality.
Sign With Two Witnesses
You sign your new name. Two witnesses (18+, not family) sign and provide their full details. Friends, colleagues, or neighbors work perfectly.
Update Your Documents
Use your deed poll to update passport, driving license, banks, HMRC, Scottish NHS, council tax, and all other records.
Deed Poll Acceptance in Scotland
A deed poll can be used when asking Scottish and UK organisations to update records, including:
| Institution | Accepts Deed Poll |
|---|---|
| HM Passport Office (Scottish applications) | |
| DVLA (Scottish addresses) | |
| Scottish Banks (RBS, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale) | |
| NHS Scotland | |
| National Records of Scotland | |
| Scottish Councils (council tax) | |
| HMRC / Tax offices | |
| Scottish universities and colleges | |
| Scottish Power, SSE, and other utilities |
Costs in Scotland
Deed Poll
- • Free DIY via GOV.UK guidance
- • From £14.99 — our preparation, check & dispatch fee
- • No solicitor needed
Statutory Declaration
- • Notary public fee
- • Justice of peace
- • Appointment required
Document Updates
- • Passport: £102
- • Driving license: FREE
- • Banks: FREE
Scottish vs English Name Changes
Key Differences (Mostly None!)
- ✓ Deed polls: Exactly the same process and document
- ✓ Legal validity: Identical throughout UK
- ✓ Acceptance: Same institutions accept them
- ✓ Cost: Same price range
- • Only difference: Scotland offers statutory declarations as alternative (rarely used)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Scottish solicitor to change my name?
No. You can create a deed poll yourself or use an online service. Solicitors charge £50-£150 but provide no extra legal validity. The document is exactly the same.
Can I use an English deed poll service if I live in Scotland?
Absolutely yes. There's no such thing as a "Scottish-only" deed poll. Any UK deed poll service works perfectly for Scottish residents. Just provide your Scottish address.
Do I need to register my name change with National Records of Scotland?
No, registration is not required. However, you can register your name change with National Records of Scotland if you wish (optional service). Most people don't bother as the deed poll itself is sufficient proof.
Will Scottish banks accept my deed poll?
Yes. Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, TSB Scotland, and all UK banks operating in Scotland accept standard deed polls. Read our bank name change guide.
Does NHS Scotland accept deed polls?
Yes, NHS Scotland (and all GP surgeries in Scotland) accept deed polls for updating medical records. Contact your GP practice with your deed poll and they'll update your details.
What about Scottish Gaelic names?
You can absolutely change your name to a Scottish Gaelic name using a deed poll. Just spell it exactly as you want it to appear on official documents, including any accents (like à, è, ò).
Ready to Change Your Name in Scotland?
Get your UK deed poll certificate - works perfectly in Scotland
Accepted by most Scottish institutions • From £14.99
Related Guides
Deed Poll Wales
How to change your name in Wales - complete guide for Welsh residents.
Deed Poll Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland name change guide - deed polls and statutory declarations.
Complete Cost Breakdown
How much does it cost to change your name? All fees and prices explained.
How It Works
Step-by-step process for changing your name anywhere in the UK.