Change your name with courts and tribunals
General UK name-change information, not individual legal advice. Requirements can vary by organisation and UK jurisdiction; where a decision matters, check the relevant official guidance.
If your name appears in court or tribunal records — because of an ongoing case, a court order or an enrolled deed poll — you should tell HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) so the records match your new name.
Updating court records
Write to the court that holds the record, quoting the case number and enclosing a copy of your deed poll. The court will update the case file so future documents use your new name.
Ongoing cases
If a case is live, tell the court and the other side's representatives as soon as possible. This keeps pleadings, orders and correspondence consistent and avoids delays caused by a name mismatch.
Enrolling a deed poll
Enrolment is a separate, optional process that deposits an enrolled deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice. Most people do not need to enrol; see our step-by-step guide if you think your situation calls for it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell the court if I change my name?▼
If you have an ongoing court case or a court order in your old name, you should tell the court so the records can be updated. For a straightforward name change with no court involvement, you only need a deed poll.
What about an ongoing case?▼
Notify the court hearing the case and the other side's representatives. They will update the case file so pleadings, orders and correspondence use your new name.
How do I update court documents?▼
Write to the court with a copy of your deed poll, quoting the case number. For sealed court orders that bear your old name, the court can annotate or reissue documents to reflect the change.
Free tools to help your name change
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