Although the process of changing a name by deed poll is widely recognised, many people still have questions about it. One common question is whether a deed poll register exists. For more information about legally changing your name, visit DeedPolls.com for guidance and support.
This blog will address a frequently asked question and provide details on enrolled deed polls.
Does a Deed Poll Register Exist?
Many people are surprised to learn that there is no central register for deed polls or name changes in the UK. Changes to a person’s name, whether through a deed poll, marriage, or civil partnership, are considered private matters and are not automatically recorded by the government. Deed polls are therefore not automatically recorded anywhere; instead, you must use the documentation of the name change that a deed poll gives as proof to notify the appropriate authorities of the change. However, you can choose to enrol a deed poll formally. You can learn more about the legal process involved in changing your name by deed poll on our website.
Enrolling in a Deed Poll
An enrolled deed poll is recorded in the Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. After five years, it will then be moved to the National Archives in Kew, Surrey. Enrolled deed polls from 1851 onwards are kept at the National Archives. To enrol a deed poll, you must submit the deed poll itself along with the following:
- The certificate of your birth
- If relevant, a marriage certificate
- A statutory declaration
- An announcement to the London Gazette
- The fee’s payment.
Because it’s not required and can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive, enrolling in a deed poll is not very popular. The process may take up to a month to finish, and it has little bearing on the outcome of your name change or deed poll.
Enrolling in a Deed Poll – Advantages
There are certain advantages to keeping a copy at the National Archives, even though enrolling in a deed poll is not very common, as we discussed above. They consist of:
- Verifiable and official proof of the existence and validity of your deed poll
- You can get a copy of your deed poll by going to the National Archives.
- Future generations researching their family history can trace and examine enrolled deed polls.
If you have questions about using a deed poll to change your name, contact DeedPolls.com for deed poll assistance on 020 8150 2010.