Do I Need an Unenrolled Deed Poll or an Enrolled Deed Poll?

Changing your name is an important decision, and many people are surprised by how straightforward the process can be. In the UK, a Deed Poll (also known as a Change of Name Deed) is a legal document that allows you to officially change your name.

There are two types of Deed Polls available, unenrolled, and enrolled. Both are legally valid, but they work slightly differently. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you choose the option best suited to your circumstances.

What Is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?

An unenrolled deed poll is a legal document that is not recorded at the Royal Courts of Justice. It is, however, still recognised by Government agencies such as the Passport Office and the DVLA and is a quicker, more affordable, and more private option.

You will still require one or two witnesses to sign this document, however, if you instruct a solicitor to prepare this document for you, the solicitor will sign this in the presence of another member of staff and thereby takes away the stress of trying to find one or two independent witnesses to sign the document.

Advantages of an Unenrolled Deed Poll

• Legally valid and widely recognised in the UK
• All the government bodies within the UK, banks and other institutions will accept an unenrolled deed poll
• No enrolment fees
• No need to apply through the Courts
• No requirement to publish your change of name in the London Gazette

Disadvantages of an Unenrolled Deed Poll

• Limited acceptance for international travel – some foreign governments or officials may not recognise this as readily as an enrolled one
• Sometimes insufficient for certain legal or professional purposes (e.g., inheritance or Children Act proceedings)
• Not recorded on the public register

What Is an Enrolled Deed Poll?

An enrolled deed poll is a legal document which is recorded at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. This means that it is an official document that is recognised by all Government agencies, which some individuals prefer for legal or official reasons.

However, it is a longer, more expensive, and more complicated process.

Advantages of an Enrolled Deed Poll

• You are making a permanent public record of your change of name.
• The original deed poll is kept safely on record by a government body.

Disadvantages of an Enrolled Deed Poll

• Offers no additional legal validity compared to an unenrolled deed poll
• More time-consuming and costly (court and solicitor fees apply)
• Not required by government agencies for officially changing your name
• You only receive one original of the deed poll for enrolment: certified copies incur further costs
• The details of your change of name, including your old and new name, your home address will be permanently published on the public record and the internet
• If you are married or in a civil partnership, you need to have your spouse’s written consent to enrol your change of name, which may be difficult if you have separated
• You need to have a person who has known you for at least 10 years to make a statutory declaration in front of a solicitor.
• After 5 years, your deed poll will be sent to the National Archives - there is a fee payable to have a certified copy of your deed poll and you will need to visit the National Archives in person

Important Note on Birth and Marriage Certificates

While a deed poll can be used to update most documents, birth and marriage certificates cannot be changed. Your deed poll will instead act as supporting evidence of your name change.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you are changing your name for legal reasons (such as adoption or a change in marital status), you may need an enrolled deed poll.

If you are changing your name for personal reasons (for example, becoming estranged from family, honouring a relative, or simply wanting a fresh start), an unenrolled deed poll will usually be sufficient.

How can Hegarty help?

At Hegarty, we specialise in Unenrolled Deed Polls under a Fixed Fee Package, making the process simple and stress-free.

Our solicitors can also act as witnesses, saving you the effort of finding independent signatories.

If you are considering a change of name, our friendly and experienced team will be happy to guide you through the process.

Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step toward your new name with confidence.