How to enrol a deed poll — current High Court process
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.
Before you enrol
Enrolment is a public High Court process, not a necessary upgrade for every deed poll. GOV.UK says some organisations may only accept an enrolled deed poll, but many people can use an unenrolled deed poll. Ask the organisation you need to update what it accepts before creating a public record unnecessarily.
Cost and timescale
£53.05 High Court fee
This is the current fee shown on GOV.UK. Check again at the point of application.
Several months
GOV.UK says enrolment can take several months and advises contacting the court if there has been no response after 6 months.
How to apply
The current GOV.UK service offers an online route and a postal route. Use the live government service rather than relying on an old downloaded checklist because forms, evidence requirements and payment instructions can change.
- Read the current GOV.UK enrolment eligibility and privacy information.
- Choose the online or postal route shown on the official service.
- Prepare the identity and name-change evidence requested for your circumstances.
- Complete any court forms and declarations the current service gives you.
- Pay the current High Court fee and submit the application as instructed.
- Keep copies and proof of submission. Do not assume a quick turnaround.
Documents and forms
GOV.UK requires identity evidence and documents supporting the name change. The exact forms differ depending on whether you apply online or by post and whether the application concerns an adult or a child.
For postal adult applications, GOV.UK currently links the relevant court forms from the enrolment service. Rather than copying form numbers into this guide and risking them becoming stale, use the official links below at the time you apply.
Public record and The Gazette
Enrolling a deed poll normally makes the change public. GOV.UK explains that your old and new name — and normally address information connected with the enrolment — can be published in The Gazette. That public-record consequence is a major reason to consider whether enrolment is actually required.
GOV.UK also describes a process for asking a judge to restrict publication in limited circumstances, such as where publication could put someone at risk. That is a court decision, not something a private deed-poll service can promise.
Official source
GOV.UK — Enrol a deed poll with the courtsFree tools to help your name change
No sign-up, no payment required.
Related guides you may find helpful
Enrolled vs unenrolled
Decide whether the public enrolment route is necessary.
Read the guideWhat is a deed poll?
Understand the underlying name-change document.
Read the guideWitness requirements
Witnessing guidance for an unenrolled deed poll.
Read the guideDeed poll costs
Compare DIY, service and government costs.
Read the guide