UK Deed Poll Bureau

Free DIY option

Can you change your name for free in the UK?

Yes. GOV.UK publishes the wording you can use to make your own unenrolled deed poll. You do not have to pay a private company or solicitor simply to create the document.

Last reviewed against GOV.UK: 9 September 2026

The free route

  • You must be 16 or over to make your own unenrolled deed poll.
  • Use the current wording published by GOV.UK.
  • Two witnesses aged 18 or over sign the deed.
  • Once signed, GOV.UK says you can use it straight away as proof of your new name.

Does free mean every organisation must accept it?

No provider can responsibly promise universal acceptance. GOV.UK specifically says some organisations may not accept a deed poll you made yourself and may ask for an enrolled deed poll instead. It also warns that some organisations will not accept a deed poll if a witness lives at your address or is a close relative. Check the receiving organisation before relying on a particular format.

What are you paying for with a private service?

A private service does not sell you the legal right to change your name. The fee is for convenience: preparing the document from the details you provide, formatting it, checking the information supplied, digital or postal delivery, and customer support.

Our active paid packages currently start at £14.99. Check the live pricing page for the current product names, prices and delivery options rather than relying on old prices quoted in articles.

When you may not need a deed poll at all

If you are simply taking a spouse's or civil partner's surname, GOV.UK says you do not need a deed poll. A marriage or civil partnership certificate can normally be sent to record-holders instead. Other circumstances can also have specific evidence routes, so use the eligibility checker before paying for a service.

Make your own deed poll on GOV.UK Check whether you need oneCompare paid packages

Official UK Government sources

For authoritative, up-to-date rules we recommend the official UK government pages alongside this guide. The links below open on the gov.uk website or the relevant official body.