Glossary of Name Change
& Deed Poll Terminology
Navigating the legalities of a name change can feel overwhelming due to the specific terminology used by the courts and government agencies. This glossary defines the most common terms you will encounter when using a Deed Poll in the UK.
Quick Tip
Most people only ever need an Unenrolled Deed Poll. If you are told you need an "Enrolled" version, check our definition below to understand why this is rarely necessary and potentially a privacy risk.
Common Terms
Deed Poll
A legal document that binds a person to a particular course of action. In this context, it is a formal contract where you "renounce" your former name and "adopt" a new one.
Enrolled Deed Poll
A Deed Poll that has been registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. This makes your change of name a matter of public record, published in the London Gazette. It is rarely required for everyday use.
Unenrolled Deed Poll
A legally binding private document signed in the presence of a witness. This is the standard document used by the Passport Office, DVLA, and Banks.
Execution
The formal process of signing and witnessing the Deed Poll. A document is not "executed" (and therefore not legally valid) until all parties have signed it in physical ink.
Parental Responsibility (PR)
The legal rights, duties, and authority that a parent has over a child. To change a child's name, everyone with PR must give their written consent.
Administrative Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Certified Copy | A copy of your original Deed Poll that has been signed and stamped by a solicitor or notary to confirm it is a true copy. |
| Decree Absolute | The final legal document that ends a marriage. Often used alongside a Deed Poll to revert to a maiden name. |
| Wet Ink Signature | A physical signature made with a pen on paper, required for the Deed Poll to be accepted by the Passport Office. |
Clear, Legal, Accepted.
Now that you know the terms, you're ready to start. Our professional service handles the legal drafting so you don't have to worry about the jargon.
Order Your Deed PollFrequently Asked Questions
What does "Statutory Declaration" mean?
It is similar to a Deed Poll but is sworn in front of a Solicitor. Some banks prefer these, but a professional Deed Poll is widely accepted and usually more cost-effective.
What is an "Apostille"?
A certificate attached to your Deed Poll by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) so that the document is recognized as valid in countries outside the UK.